February 2024 OutreachNC

FEBRUARY 2024 FEATURE:

WISDOM SHARING: THE ART OF MENTORING As our society evolves, seniors face unique challenges. Many seniors face social isolation, experience loneliness and feel disconnected from community. Science and personal experience both tell us that social connection is a key part of overall health and wellness, especially as we age. Not only does loneliness affect our mood, increasing our risk for depression and anxiety, it also impacts our physical health. According to the National Council on Aging, social isolation and loneliness have been linked to increased blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, increased risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia and a weakened immune system.

ASK THE EXPERT: EVERY GOOD DEED

Publisher: Amy Natt AmyN@aosncs.com

RECIPE:

BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATBALLS W/ BLEU CHEESE YOGURT DIP

Editor-in-Chief: Amy Phariss Editor@outreachnc.com

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: AGING AND ADAPTATION: ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

Creative Director: Sarah McElroy Coalfeather Art & Design

Marketing & Ad Sales: Emma Campbell EmmaC@aosnc.com

FEBRUARY 2024 - 1

OCTOBER 2022 - 2

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Amy Phariss, Editor-in-Chief, OutreachNC | editor@outreachnc.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ture dipped low enough to merit a fleece.

Well, it’s official: fall is here. I had my first pumpkin-spiced latte just

Amy Phariss, Editor-in-Chief, OutreachNC | editor@outreachnc.com Don’t worry. It was decaf.

February is the month of love. This year, OutreachNC Finally, February 16 is National Caregivers Day. At October a gentle month. There are constant reminders of change is loving and celebrating 14 years in publication.

ONC,iswe whole-heartedly celebrate and appreciate we caregivers, are lucky, toward each other. We have lingering from professional caregivers to familyconversations o We know. We’re excited, too. We’ve got cake and thecaregivers flames flicker.

Smoke dances around us inhome a circle. We zip our ja who care for loved ones both at champagne at the ready as we head into another year of from across country.

Caregiver conversation In and this sometimes month’s feature, we’re the starting an important community outreach, connection and, well, fun.

Compassion: An Infographic Tribute offers a glimpse care community for ourselves or a loved one?

Fox Hollow Senio into the reality of what caregiving entails and how this decision.

We are grateful to everyone who reads ONC, provides Robin Hutchings offers inside perspective for making many Americans take on this role daily. expertise, shares feedback and tears out an article and In Ask the Expert, Amy Natt answers a reader’s question regarding hands it to a friend. Thank you all for your guidance, As we celebrate our 14 years in print, we are reminded away without any estate planning. Without a will or access to impo wisdom and support. The best parts of editing and of the Dalai Lama’s words on what we need most to writing for ONC are the relationships we build in the survive: Physical therapist Dr. Sara Morrison of Total Body Therapy and We community, the stories we hear and the bonds we potential diagnostic tools used in physical therapy to help diagnose create as we share our lessons and lives with each other. these tools differ from what other doctor’s offices may offer.

This month we explore the art of mentoring in our I’m going to agree with Nathaniel Hawthorne this month, who wro feature article. Mentoring is a great way to engage in and extend social connection, sharing our skills I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunsh and lessons learned with those forging their own way spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air. forward. From careers to social skills to relationship Indeed.

Let us continue intosunshine, 2024 withfalling love, leaves and daylight Here’s to enjoying the October building, mentoring allows seniors to add incredible compassion and an appreciation of humanity as a value to their own lives and the lives of others. whole.

In Ask the Expert, Kate Pomplun answers a reader’s facebook.com/ag question about helping parents who wish to volunteer. instagram.com/ag Keeping our parents safe and secure is important, even when they’re considering something altruistic like volunteering. Pomplun offers insight and advice for facebook.com/agingoutreach/ tackling this conversation. instagram.com/agingoutreachservices/

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

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It has always been universally understood that listening to favorites is enjoyable and can lift one’s mood.

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ASK THE EXPERT: EVERY GOOD DEED

Kate Pomplun, LSMW, CMC | kate@agingcaresolutionsnc.com Question: My parents have recently taken on some volunteer work and are helping some people in need from their church. I’ve seen them spending a lot of time and money doing this. They can technically afford it, but I’m worried they might be getting taken advantage of. I want my parents to feel they have sense of purpose, but I also want to protect them from giving too much. How can I talk to them about this without appearing critical or uncaring?

Answer: It’s wonderful that your parents are able to give back and experience the joy of generosity.

Many older adults find that in retirement years, they have more time and resources to contribute to their communities and causes they are passionate about. It’s even been found to be good for longevity.

In a recent article from Harvard’s School of Public Health, studies show that older adults who volunteer even as little as two hours per week, can lower risks of early death (by 44%!), improve physical activity and enjoy higher levels of a sense of wellbeing. This is all great news, but, as you mentioned, volunteering and making financial contributions needs to be done safely.

It may be wise to approach the topic with honesty about your concern as well as a sense of appreciation and curiosity. For example, praise your parents for their generosity and tell them you’re interested to learn more, as volunteering is clearly something important to them.

Ask them how they came to decide on this particular cause or people to help? If the church has organized it, it could be through a church created program or already established organization with whom they’re partnering. Ask if they are providing direct assistance financially from their funds to specific people versus the church/ organization. This can help with the vetting process to

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ensure funds are used wisely and financial information is protected properly. It can also prevent awkward or inappropriate situations in which your parents might set themselves up to be taken advantage of. If they will want the tax deduction benefits for financial contributions, they would of course need to donate through an appropriate organization with the right tax status.

A word of caution – sadly there are scams out there tricking people into thinking they are legitimate charities or organizations. Be wary of simply clicking on links asking for financial contributions, or even sending checks via mail solicitations if you are not familiar with the organization, its mission and how it uses donations. If you’re not sure, you can look them up on sites such as CharityNavigator.org or GuideStar. org.

If your conversations lead you to discover that your parents are directly giving financial assistance as well as time helping people they care about, it could be that this is the most significant way that they can see firsthand the impact of their efforts. Most volunteers give back because they are altruistic and genuinely care, but wanting that feel-good, I made a difference affirmation is a legitimate desire. They might find there’s less “red tape” and the people they care about get the help they need easily.

Ultimately, you’ll want to have an open and honest dialogue that empowers them to give generously but stay protected so they can continue to give to those in need. If they do find they need a more structured way of doing so, you could suggest they find a church member to advise on how to help start up a program that will benefit the people they are trying to help and likely others as well. Perhaps you can even commit to volunteering together sometime.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Dr. Sara S. Morrison, T, DPT, CDT, FCE, CFT, Cert DN, Cert FMT | Owner -Total Body Therapy & Wellness

PT: WHERE DO SYMPTOMS COME FROM?

OCTOBER 2022 - 10

No one likes to be in pain. In fact, I have and diagnose your pain with over 98% accuracy. spent the past 20+ years helping people get That means that we can find the real problem, or out of pain. The most common question I problems, and address them from the beginning. | COOK TIME 15 minutes TIME 55error. minutes SERVES hear isPREP “HowTIME can I40 getminutes this pain to go away?”

No| TOTAL more trial and No|more “try6this for a Delicious and easy buffalo chicken meatballs served with a creamy bleu cheese dip for the perfect party appetizer!

These The answer to this is simple. We first need few months and if it doesn’t get any better we will healthy buffalo chicken meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, simple mix-ins, and your fav buffalo sauce.

Options to know Why you are hurting. Then we can try to get an MRI”. With the addition of Diagnostic to make them mild or spicy for guests, and easy to double a largerTherapist crowd! can now say “From figure out how to stop the pain. So, why are imaging, yourfor Physical Ingredientsyou hurting? There are many different reasons my evaluation it looks like you have a problem in the Buffalo Chicken 2 cloves garlic, minced For the Bleu for Cheese pain toYogurt occur Dip: in our bodies. PainFor can ____. Meatballs: We are going to do a •Diagnostic Ultrasound • 1/4 teaspoon salt” • 1 cup nonfat plaintoyogurt pound lean ground (around 93%) be due a problem in the Muscles,• 1Joints, andchicken confirm this and fully check your joint.

• 1 egg • Freshly ground black pepper • 2/3 cup bleu cheese crumbles Tendons, Organs or Nerves. It can also be In a matter of a few days, we can have your test • 2 tablespoons olive oil • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs For tossing: due to Medication, Psychological reasons, or performed, results given to you and a new, more • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • ¼ cup finely diced cilantro Nutrition comprehensive plan to improve your pain.

• 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce of your choice To garnish: • 2 garlic cloves • 1 medium carrot, finely shredded • Diced green includes: onion • 2-4 tablespoons water, to thin Many health care professionals diagnose pain Diagnostic imaging in physical therapy • Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons finely diced green onion • Diced cilantro

by Special Tests. During these tests, your 1.and Musculoskeletal Optional for Serving: Celery Carrot Sticks Ultrasound (MSKUS) practitioner will use their hands to push, Instructionspull and twist the areas that are causing you 1. Start bypain. making the tests bleu cheese yogurt dip: These are very useful toAdd findyogurt, what bleu cheese crumbles, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and water to the bowl of a food processor or to a blender.

Process/blend until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as structure is causing you pain. If you place necessary.

Add and pepper to ittaste and process stress onsalt a structure and increases your once more. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

2. Preheatpain, the oven: to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. it is likely that structure is contributing 3. Form the meatballs: in a large bowl, add the ground chicken, to your symptoms. Although helpful, many of egg, breadcrumbs, cilantro, buffalo sauce, shredded carrot, diced green garlic and60-80% pepper;accurate. mix until well combined. theseonion, special testsand aresalt only 4. Use clean hands to form into 20 meatballs.

While this may look good at first, changing 5. Place meatballs on the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165° F. the way the question is framed will show that 6. Once meatballs are done, add to a large bowl and gently toss or spoon on ⅓ cup buffalo sauce. this also means they are 20-40% inaccurate.

7. Serve immediately and garnish with green onion/cilantro. Feel free to drizzle or dip the meatballs in the bleu cheese yogurt Misdiagnosis of pain can be very costly. At best sauce and serve celery / carrot sticks on the side. it keeps you in pain longer, while in other cases Recipe Notes MSKUS is a safe, non-invasive, and painless it can allow symptoms to intensify. When you Doubling the meatballs and dip is recommended for a larger crowd.

This recipe serves 5-6 an appetizer. diagnostic tool. It is people used toasdiagnose structures are dealing with pain, missing your favorite If you want to keep these warm, you can simply add the fully cookedsuch meatballs with about ½ cup buffalo sauce to a slow cooker as tendons, muscles, bursas, ligaments, nerve activities and sleepless nights… you want to be (step 6) and place them on warm so people can serve themselves over a period of time. Try serving with toothpicks! entrapment/pinching and joint structure changes. as accurate as possible!

Source: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/buffalo-chicken-meatballs/ Like a video, MSKUS captures real-time images of The addition of Diagnostic Imaging in body structures and can assess a joint/area while it Physical Therapy has revolutionized the way moves. This feature is especially useful as many times pain is addressed. By utilizing Diagnostic pain does not occur at rest, only with movement.

Imaging, PT’s are now able to look inside you

w/ Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip

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WISDOM SHARING: THE ART OF

Mentoring

by Amy Phariss

In response to these challenges, and to promote shared connection throughout the community, mentoring programs have emerged to enrich the lives of seniors as well as others in the community. Mentoring programs are powerful ways for people to share knowledge and the experience of being human in a challenging, often-changing world. These programs create a space for intergenerational exchange of thoughts, ideas, tips, tricks and experiences. In this way, we learn from each other. We listen to each other’s stories, and we realize that our own worldview is limited to our lens. In this way, the world opens up. The aperture of experience is widened. And as we engage, we relate to and help each other.

Mentoring programs provide many benefits for seniors including improvements in mental health, physical well-being, social integration and community connection, and developments in personal growth.

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WHAT IS MENTORING? Mentor is a verb defined as “advise or train.” It’s often linked to advising and training younger colleagues.

A senior manager at a company, for example, might mentor a junior manager. Mentors often act as guides or role models within organizations, helping newer staff develop skills for success and providing guidance for reaching their goals.

Mentoring isn’t just in corporate America, however. It extends to all areas of society.

Mentors are needed and utilized in many community areas. Volunteering in the classroom is a great example of how many seniors mentor others within the community. Volunteering in schools allows mentors to work one-on-one with students who want to explore areas of learning the mentor may be an expert in such as engineering, math, writing, theater, sports or simply providing individualized attention for children.

According to the S.A.G.E. (Senior Adults for Greater Education) program:

Inviting those 55 and over into your schools to share their experience and knowledge with students provides an extra dimension to the classroom, allowing volunteers to work one-on-one or in small groups with students who might need extra help.

This gives teachers the chance to work more closely with the rest of the class.

Many seniors find mentoring younger children to be particularly enriching. They can interact with people outside their normal lives and social circles, and kids have a knack for asking compelling (and often hilarious) questions.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MENTORING? Mentoring comes in many forms. Some of the most popular types of mentoring include: 1. One-on-one mentoring, which is the most traditional type of mentoring. This is usually a type of mentoring involving a more-experienced person working with a less-experienced person who is usually younger than the mentor.

4. Reverse mentoring, which is a reverse of the traditional mentoring paradigm. In reverse mentoring, a junior employee provides mentoring for a senior mentee. This often happens when someone younger can help develop new skills like technology skills or job search skills during a change in careers.

5. Speed mentoring, which is a bit like speed dating and often happens at a conference or workshop. A mentor meets with many mentees throughout the day, offering insight or answering questions.

HOW DO I FIND A GOOD MENTORING OPPORTUNITY OR PROGRAM? The first step in finding a good mentoring fit is to identify your expertise and what you have to offer a program or mentee. Which areas do you have a strong interest in and skills and knowledge to share? It’s important to combine your skills with interest so you do not become bored or frustrated with the mentoring process. Also, consider how your skills and knowledge can help others. Can you teach classes to large groups?

Or would you rather use your skills to help someone one-on-one learn a trade such as engineering or construction?

2. Group mentoring, which involves one or several mentors working with a group of mentees.

3. Peer mentoring, which involves people in the same area or program who mentor each other and help develop their skills or build capacity. Pairs of mentors are often created to support each other.

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The second step in finding a good mentoring fit is to research programs in your area or online. With technology, you can find a great fit as a mentor without having to travel or even leave your home. Or, you can use mentoring as a means to get out into the community and engage more locally.

TOP 5 ONLINE MENTORING SITES: Mentorcruise.com Mentoring.org Globalmentorship.org Beasage.org Nationalmentoringresourcecenter.com

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Either way, exploring programs and researching options is a good starting point. There may be programs you hadn’t considered when you open your search online. Together Platform, for example, matches mentor and mentees who share similar goals, are engaged in similar careers and are even in the same time zone. Mentoring.com has Virtual Mentoring Portals to “…for mentors and mentees to build and extend their relationships through online communication.” Locally, you can search online for programs or reach out to friends, family or colleagues for ideas and suggestions of programs that will be a good fit. Networking is also a great option to not only find a good program fit but to engage more with the community on all levels. Attending local networking events can yield great mentoring options while allowing you to meet others who share your passions and have ties to the community.

The third step is to identify a program and meet with program administrators. You’ll need to not only identify an interesting program but also research the program and see if the overall environment, mission and expectations are a good fit. Does the organization need your skills and guidance? Are the values and mission of the program a fit with your own values and goals? Do the logistical needs of the program match your availability? For example, if the program only needs volunteers in the evening, and you’re not free after 6PM, that won’t be a good fit. Meeting with a program administrator can answer a lot of important questions not just about overall goals but about the small details that add up to make a big difference in everyone’s experience.

Some important questions to ask include: •

What are the top 3 goals of the program?

•

Who does the program serve?

•

How is the program funded?

•

What are some of the challenges the program faces?

•

What does success look like for a mentor and a mentee?

•

What are the logistical requirements of mentoring (physical capacity, time, meeting place)?

•

What type of time commitment does the program expect? Weekly? Monthly? Several hours per week?

•

What support does the program offer for both mentors and mentees to achieve success?

Mentoring helps bridge gaps for both seniors, who serve as mentors, and for younger mentees. We all need connection and support. Each of us has skills to share and build upon. Mentoring opportunities provide chances to share what we have learned and the skills we’ve developed while engaging with others and contributing to the individual, the group and the community. Through fostering wellbeing, promoting social integration, encouraging lifelong learning, strengthening emotional resilience and promoting physical health, mentoring programs encourage seniors to lead rich, fulfilling lives as we age. Intergenerational connections offer hope, support and connection for all of us.

ST ANNUAL 1 4

SENIOR GAMES OF THE PINES Adults 50+ Competitions in a variety of individual and team sports and arts.

R E G I S TR ATI O N DATE S Kick Off: Feb. 1 | Moore County Senior Enrichment Center 10-12 pm Early Bird Registration: Feb 1 - Mar 1 | $10 Regular Registration: Mar 2 - 22 | $15 Register Online: torch.ncseniorgames.org or In-person at your local Rec Center 910.947.2504 Call 910.947.4493 or 910.692.7376 for more information FEBRUARY 2024 - 9

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: AGING AND ADAPTATION: ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

Amy Phariss, LCMHCA, Clarity Counseling, NC | amy@claritycounselingnc.com One of the great truths of life is that things change; nothing stays the same. We will get married, have children, get jobs, change jobs, buy a home, sell that home…the list goes on. While change can be exciting and is often quite positive, there are times when the changes we face are hard to adjust to. We can’t make sense of what happened or have trouble accepting a new normal. The change was sudden, unexpected or unwanted.

Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition occurring in response to significant life stressors or change. The condition includes both emotional and behavioral symptoms, and a diagnosis is typically given when these symptoms develop within the first three months of the event. A mental health professional will also look for higher-than-usual levels of stress due to the event and how this stress is affecting multiple areas of life: professional, personal, financial, etc.

In these cases, we can struggle with many strong emotions and feelings. We may feel angry, hopeless, confused, frustrated and sad. These are normal feelings when life throws us a curve ball, but when these feelings linger or lead to depression, anxiety or troubling behavior, we might be struggling with an adjustment disorder.

Adjustment Disorder can be classified into six categories:

What is adjustment disorder?

1. With depressed mood – symptoms include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of motivation, anhedonia, fatigue, social withdrawal and appetite changes.

2. With anxiety – symptoms include increased worry, nervousness, lack of concentration and trouble focusing, and feelings of overwhelm.

3. With mixed anxiety and depressed mood – symptoms include both depression and anxiety symptoms combined.

4. With disturbed conduct – symptoms are primarily behavioral, such as fighting or reckless driving.

5. With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct – symptoms include a mix of behavioral symptoms with depression and anxiety.

6. Unspecified – this type doesn’t fit the other types and often includes problems at work, with relationships and physical problems.

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Adjustment disorders are typically identified as short term or long term.

understanding the link between your thoughts, beliefs and actions. EMDR targets painful moments or beliefs related to the change and allows the brain to process these events, develop more adaptive beliefs and cognitions and address the physical manifestations of symptoms (headaches or stomach pain, for example). EMDR is a holistic therapy.

Short term (acute) – symptoms last for less than six months. This is often referred to as ‘acute stress’ and resolves once the stressful event has passed.

Long term (chronic) – symptoms last longer than six months. These symptoms are chronic and can persist well beyond the stressful event, impacting multiple areas of your life.

•

Problem-solving therapies can also be useful for adjustment disorders. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term therapeutic intervention focusing on identifying and building solutions. This therapy emphasizes strengths, resources and the development of solutions to move through setting goals and moving toward resolution of problems.

•

Mindfulness-based therapy is especially helpful for stress-related symptoms such as feelings of overwhelm, irritability, angry outbursts, racing thoughts, anxiety and depression. Mindfulness is wonderful for helping to calm the body and the mind. Stress shows up in both the mind and body, so treating both is a holistic approach to health.

•

Group therapy is especially helpful for adjustment disorder. Group work helps normalize symptoms, provides support from others who are experiencing the same events and helps build connection, which is important for overall support and wellbeing.

Group work also allows us to learn from others who are going through similar events, and our feelings and experiences are validated by the commonality shared in group settings.

What type of events can lead to an adjustment disorder?

Which events and how we respond to these changes will differ for each person, but some of the most common life changes leading to adjustment disorder for seniors include: • • • • •

Retirement/Career Change Loss of a Spouse/Loved One Health Issues Financial Changes Relocation

How do we treat adjustment disorders?

The first step in treating an adjustment disorder is to recognize it. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed after a major life event, you may need to speak with someone who can help you explore your symptoms. Your primary care doctor is a great place to start, and he or she may refer you to a mental health professional for a more detailed evaluation. Medication is also sometimes prescribed for a brief time, which your PCP can speak with you about.

Several therapies are helpful in treating adjustment disorders. Here are a few examples of therapeutic interventions that may be helpful: •

•

Talk therapy (supportive therapy) is a wonderful way to identify your thoughts and feelings, explore how the event has impacted your life and work through tough feelings with someone who can listen, ask questions, offer emotional support and create a space for you to work at your own pace.

EMDR is another helpful therapy for processing life events, exploring thoughts and feelings and

What to do if you think you’re experiencing an adjustment disorder?

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of adjustment disorder, know there is help, and things can get better. The first step is understanding what is happening and reaching out for help. If you don’t want to see your doctor or a counselor as the first step, reach out to a family member, friend or clergy for support.

Find a support group focusing on the issue you’re facing.

Adjusting to life’s challenges is hard. We all get stuck at one point or another. Finding a way to move through this period with support often makes all the difference in how we cope and what better feels like.

FEBRUARY 2024 - 11

Caregiver Compassion: An Infographic Tribute Nearly 75% of caregivers are female, and they spend almost 50% of their time in caregiving roles. 65% of care recipients are female.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

- Leo Buscaglia

On average, caregivers spend 13 hours each month on tasks such as shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and medication management, 6 days per month on feeding, dressing, grooming, walking, bathing and assisting with toileting, and 13 hours per month on research, making and setting appointments, following up with care and other tasks.

“The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.”

- Carson McCullers

Most care recipients (48%) reside in their own homes and 30% live in the caregiver’s home.

Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Older caregivers (75+) provide 34 hours of care per week.

40% of caregivers are in high-burden situations such as caring for a loved one with dementia, who spend a reported 9 hours a day providing help for their loved one.

“The simple act of caring is heroic.” - Edward Albert

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In 2020, 41.8 million Americans provided unpaid care to someone over the age of 50.

Almost 90% of caregivers provide care for a loved one, such as a spouse. 42% of caregivers provide care for a parent.

The average age of a care recipient is 69.4 years. The average age of a caregiver is 49.2 years old.

Among spousal caregivers aged 75+, men and women provide equal amounts of care.

“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” - Tia Walker

The economic value of caregiving increases with each year. In 2007, the estimated economic value of caregiving was $375 billion. By 2009 the number increased to $450 billion.

“Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get.”

- George Bernard Shaw

Nearly 1/3 of caregivers (29%) are diagnosed with having depressive symptoms, and caregiving can affect the overall health of caregivers.

Caregivers caring for a spouse are more likely to report poor health than other caregiving situations.

83% of caregivers view their experience as positive and meaningful. Many caregivers experience both positive side effects of caregiving and strain from caregiving simultaneously.

Four of the most often cited benefits of caregiving include: meaningfulness in life, sense of belonging, personal growth and empathetic understanding.

9) Medieval clubs 14) Stretch of history 15)Swahili or Zulu 16)Cather's "_ Lady" 17)Weather vanes?

30) City on the Rhine 20)Trumpeter Armstrong 3I) Hawkeye State 32) Brewed beverages 21) Short and sweet 33) Cloud-nine feeling 22)Immediately, on memos 34) Scratcher's target 23)Ness 35) Republic on theadversary Caspian 36) Woman who are senior members 26)Ram's partner of a group 29)Campaign pro 37) Sagolike starch 30) Weighted lassos 38) Fed. documents producer 41) Teases with backtalk 31) Short news clip 42) "_ to go, people to see" 32) Surface-_ missile 43) "I _ a clue!"

33)Regional populations 44) Formal 46) Salad 35)greens Certain look-alike

Jong 40)Ponies up 41)Not-so-pretty snow 42)Doctor's letters?

45) "_ more time!"

46)They're the pits 48) Winglike 49)Nasal passages 51)Work one's fingers to the bone 52)Times when the sun is southernmost 57) Some cookies 58)_ now and again 59)John Lennon's quartet?

60)Insects with stingers 61)Dogpatch first name 62)Hog's haven

GRAY MATTER GAMES

ACROSS I) Beaver-built barricade 4) Definite Mensa reject 9) Medieval clubs 14) Stretch of history 15) Swahili or Zulu 16) Cather's "_ Lady" 17) Weather vanes?

20) Trumpeter Armstrong 21) Short and sweet 22) Immediately, on memos 23) Ness adversary 26) Ram's partner 29) Campaign pro 30) Weighted lassos 31) Short news clip 32) Surface-_ missile 33) Regional populations 35) Certain look-alike 38) Reactions to bad jokes 39) "Fear of Flying" author Jong 40) Ponies up 41) Not-so-pretty snow 42) Doctor's letters?

45) "_ more time!"

46) They're the pits 48) Winglike 49) Nasal passages 51) Work one's fingers to the bone 52) Times when the sun is southernmost 57) Some cookies 58) _ now and again 59) John Lennon's quartet?

60) Insects with stingers 61) Dogpatch first name 62) Hog's haven

4 7) Feminine pronoun 48) 1996 Olympic torch lighter 50) Up above 51) Ocular annoyance 52) Utterance of amazement 53) CPA's recommendation 54) Reproductive gametes 55) Headed up 56) _ Lanka

THREE CONSECUTIVE VICTORIES

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18) Ice-cream serving 19) Museum decoration 23) Articles on a rack 24) Et _ ("and others") 25) Mailed boxes 27) Cut off gradually 28) Swimming center?

FEBRUARY 2024 - 13

3) I 4) L 5) C S 6) O 7) L 8) S 9) ' 10)W 11)N 12) S 13) E 18)I 19)M 23)A 24)E 25)M 27) C 28) S 30) C 3 I) H 32) B 33) C 34) S 35) R 36)W g 37) S 38)F 41)T 42)" 43)" 44)F 46) S 47)F 48)1 50)U 51)O 52)U 53) C 54) R 55)H 56)_

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Gray Matter Games Solutions

46)They're the pits 48) Winglike 49)Nasal passages 51)Work one's fingers to the bone 52)Times when the sun is southernmost 57) Some cookies 58)_ now and again 59)John Lennon's quartet?

60)Insects with stingers 61)Dogpatch first name 62)Hog's haven

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30) City on the Rhine 3 I) Hawkeye State 32) Brewed beverages 33) Cloud-nine feeling 34) Scratcher's target 35) Republic on the Ca 36)Woman who are se group 37) Sagolike starch 38)Fed. documents pr 41)Teases with backta 42)"_ to go, people 43)"I _ a clue!"

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s

Accessible Communication with Captions!

A JOURNEY OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACCEPT FORGIVE

Relay Conference Captioning Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) service is available for individuals who have a hearing loss or a speech disability to actively participate in teleconference calls or webinars by reading live captions on their laptop, mobile device or tablet.

To inquire, contact kim.m.calabretta@t-mobile.com or visit relaync.com/rcc

14 - FEBRUARY 2024

HEAL

This two-part series will focus on navigating the challenging journey of estrangement for parents and estranged adult children.

Mondays, March 18 and 25 4:00 p.m.

Southern Pines Public Library | 170 W Connecticut Avenue Program sponsored by:

For More Information: 910.692.0683 | info@AOSNC.com

Exceptional

ASSISTED LIVING and MEMORY CARE

At TerraBella Southern Pines, thoughtfully designed interiors and amenity spaces, tasty homestyle dining, and exceptional lifestyle programs come together to create Southern Pines’ best option for Assisted Living & Memory Care. Plus, with 24-hour support from our experienced team of professional caretakers, you or your loved one can enjoy peace of mind knowing we’re here for you every step of the way!

Come See What Makes Us Different

Homestyle Dining with Tableside Service

Tenured Team Members

Recently Renovated

910.216.4537 TerraBellaSouthernPines.com 101 Brucewood Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387 Assisted Living I Memory Care ©2023 TerraBella Senior Living. All Rights Reserved. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Managed and Operated by TerraBella Senior Living. TBSP-0024 7/23

Some Eye Diseases Have No Warning Signs or Symptoms.

We value your trust and loyalty. Our commitment to your health and safety is our number ONE priority.

We are happily accepting new patients!

Eye diseases like Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness. However, treatment options are available if the disease is caught early on.

Don’t Wait! Schedule An Eye Exam Today!

910.295.2100 | carolinaeye.com 2170 Midland Rd. | Southern Pines, NC 28387

305 Page Road | Pinehurst, NC

FEBRUARY 2024 - 15

OCTOBER 2022 - 16

Make Every Day Five Star

At Fox Hollow Senior Living, our residents have the opportunity to do everything they’ve always loved. With Five Star Dining, days filled with friends and adventures, you can be yourself again – while we take care of the rest.

FOX HOLLOW SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 190 Fox Hollow Road • Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-695-0011 • www.FoxHollowSeniorLiving.com ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE RESPITE/SHORT-TERM STAYS ©2021 Five Star Senior Living

16 - FEBRUARY 2024

Call to visit and explore our community.