C a p i ta l D i s t r i c t
Spotlight
Senior A Spotlight News publication in cooperation with Senior Services of Albany
THE RESOURCE FOR SENIORS
JANUARY 2019
COMPLIMENTARY
NO. 1
Missed me? Don’t tell Tom to act his age Reading comprehension
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JANUARY 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 1
Get Organized in the New Year!
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e-clutter and de-stress with the help of Organize Senior Moves! We can help with any project - small or large. Have a closet that is overflowing? Are you afraid to go down to your basement? Do you long to park your car in the garage? Do you say no to overnight guests because your spare bedroom has become a catch-all? Organize Senior Moves can solve these problems and more! We are more than a company that downsizes - we can help you organize any room in your home.
Call for a free one-hour consultation
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W E N Y Y E P AR! P A
Keep the party going in
2019
All the best from the staff at
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Editor’s desk
The changing of the calendar
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A writer’s take on how we look upon the coming of the New Year
efore it was the best of times (and the worst of times), before we were introduced to Ishmael and before Frodo joined Gandalf on a journey, the greatest of novels started with a blank sheet of paper. Perhaps that’s why some writers are so intimidated by spoiling the stark emptiness of pristine white pulp. Conversely, there are others who relish the opportunity to sit down and create. The fact most wordsmiths work off computers today doesn’t change anything. There is something cathartic about tearing a calendar down from the wall. Its pages have since been spent to a single sheet of boxes full of appointments, obligations and events since passed. There’s more to it than just ripping away the month that has gone away. The year has come and gone. And, just before we take it off the hook, we recall how it seems like it was just a moment ago we placed it upon the wall. And, that’s when we twist on the faucet and reflect upon the year. We all look upon the prospect of a new year differently. Some of us mourn the end of a good year, while others welcome the promises of a new one. Conversely, there are good days we hope to hold on to forever, or future days we fear will lend little hope. This human construct of measuring time allows us to do something else that is all too human, attach emotions to the celestial process of our world being manipulated by the sun. That same magnetic power that pendulates potential and kinetic energy is in our clocks, our computers and in our light fixtures. Scientists will say that you are not a factor in that cosmic tug of war. You are inconsequential. Maybe. Maybe not. In the Day of Mankind, we awoke to think fire was an epiphany of angry gods, discussed our Earth to be the center of the heavens over lunch, and that the moon was made of cheese. Meanwhile, a heretic found our sun the center of our world, and a napping scientist discovered a falling apple was instead pulling itself to the ground. Science is full of theories, to which we sit back and wait for the universe to show us whether or not they are true. Meanwhile, we wait. A novel. A calendar. A scientific theory. They all start with something fresh and new like a clean sheet of paper spun into a typewriter. What we make of these things is something of our choosing. Fear is often conjured by what we don’t know, but optimism is possessed by people just as ignorant. The difference lies in what we decide to do with that paper. Leave it alone and it remains blank. Think of something exciting, then you should take action. If you don’t like what comes out of it, toss it away. Start anew. That’s what we do. Every year. So, why don’t you do something to make 2019 a good one. Sincerely, Michael Hallisey, Managing Editor Spotlight Newspapers
January 2019 Features Reading Comprehension Missed Me?
7 10-11
Columnists Social Security Corner
4
Retiring Retirement
9
Veteran Next Door
13
Senior Services Clifton Park Senior Comm. Center 5 Senior Services of Albany
6
Voorheesville Public Library
6
Niskayuna Senior Center
8
Albany JCC
8
Bethlehem Public Library
14
publisher - John
McIntyre editor - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Senior Spotlight is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request. Capital District Senior Spotlight reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2011 by Capital District Senior Spotlight. No portion of Capital District Senior Spotlight may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.
JANUARY 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 3
Social Security Corner
Who To Contact? Social Security Or Medicare?
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ometimes it’s confusing to know who to contact and for what. Social Security and Medicare offer related services, so people aren’t always certain who does what. This “cheat sheet” can help. Contact Social Security to: •See if you’re eligible for Medicare; • Create a my Social Security account to do things like request a replacement Medicare card and report a change of address, name, or phone number; • Sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance);
• Apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) costs; • Report a death; and • Appeal an IncomeRelated Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) decision (for people who pay a higher Part B and/or Part D premium if their income is over a certain amount). Find information on how to do all of this and more at www.socialsecurity.gov and www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare. Contact Medicare to: • See what services Medicare covers; • Get detailed information about Medicare health
Elizabeth Pivonka
and prescription drug plans in your area, including costs and services; • Choose and enroll in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan that meets your needs; • Find a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy in your area; • Find doctors, health care providers, and suppliers who participate in Medicare; • Get information and forms for filing a Medicare appeal or for letting someone speak with Medicare on your behalf; • Compare the quality of care provided by plans, nursing homes, hospitals, home health
agencies, and dialysis facilities; and • View Medicare publications. Visit www.medicare.gov for these services. If you need to find out your claim status, find out deductibles, or get answers to premium payment questions, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY: 1-877-486-2048). Determining who to contact is the first step in getting the answers you need. Please share these lists with family and friends who need to know more about Social Security and Medicare.
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Senior calendars Clifton Park Senior Community Center 107284_4
6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park (518) 383-1343
• Enhanced assisted living Call • One bedroom and studio apartments 518-831-2400 • Tiered levels of services • Respite care for a tour!
Paint & Pastries “Cardinals in the Snow”
39 Swaggertown Road, Glenville NY • JudsonMeadowsAssistedLiving.com
Monday, Jan. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Periodic Activities
Call or go online for dates and times. See our newsletter at http://cliftonpark.org/services/seniorservices/senior-center.html. Reservations are required. Call ahead.
Latin Line Dancing Fridays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Learn Latin line dancing as instructed by Ray Nunez and Mark Nunez. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Reservations cost $10 for each month.
Investment Group, Social Bridge, Memories to Memoirs, Hand & Foot (cards), Dice 6-5-4, Rummikub, Crochet & Knitting, Poker, Osteo Exercise
Tuesdays
Wednesday
Exercise to Tape, Senior
The Capital District’s leading provider for Direct Cremation, Urns and Memorial Services with over 40 years experience to bring it all together.
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Roy F. Bordeau Owner/Manager Serving Families Since 1975
Give A Gift That Matters
Thursdays
Exercise to Tape, Pool/ Billiards, Chorus, Yoga, Mondays Watercolor & Sketch, Legal Tap Intermediate, Jazz Assistance by appointment, Dance, Chair Yoga, Discussion Group, Clogging, Quilt- Seton Health Seniorcize, Duplicate Bridge, Mahing, Osteo Exercise, Soul Jongg, Pinochle, Bunco or Line Dancing. Pinochle – learn to play Chess, Checkers & Backgammon. Exercise to Tape, LCR or Dice 3000-learn to play, Pinochle, Pool/Billiards, Duplicate Bridge, Tai Chi, Scrabble
Serving the entire Capital District
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Come join the community for some creativity fun, and sweets. Sign up is required and offered to center members at a discounted rate thanks to the generous sponsorship of CDPHP. Class space is limited, so sign up as soon as possible. Cost for each class costs $8 for members and $25 for non-members.
No Gimmicks, No Hidden Fees, Just the Lowest Price for Cremation with Professional & Dignified Service.
Fridays Orchestra on the Common, Woodcarving, Tap Advanced, Ballet, Dominoes, Center Big Band, Diabetes Support Group, BINGO, Lunch and a Movie, Beading Buddies, Scrabble, Osteo Exercise.
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Adopt-A-Manatee® ® Adopt-A-Manatee Adopt-A-Manatee® For The Holidays For The Holidays Adopt-A-Manatee® For The Holidays
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savethemanatee.org savethemanatee.org Photo © Gregory Sweeney Photo © Gregory Sweeney
JANUARY 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 5
Photo © Gregory Sweeney
savethemanatee.org Photo © Gregory Sweeney
Senior calendars Senior Services of Albany
Cohoes ), Berne Community & Senior Service Center (1360 www.seniorservicesofalbany.com Helderberg Trail Berne , NY), and Chapman Community • Meals on Wheels: 20 Warren St., (518) 465-6465 Dinning Program ( 340 First • Newgate Social Adult Day Services: 760 New Scotland Ave., (518) 449-8035 street Albany). • Westview Senior Center: 680 Central Ave., (518) 482-2120 Make new friend, provide • Caregiver Connection/Caregiver Support: (518) 694-3511 support and encouragement • Transportation: (518) 434-4219 to your peers, and become activated in your own health • Community Care Services Division: and well-being. Case Assistance (518) 435-1794, HIICAP (518) 935-2307 *Westview Community Dining Lunch: Monday – Fridelicious meal with live music day at noon, Dinner: Wednesafterwards. Dinner starts at 5 day at 5 p.m., call (518) 482and an educational program p.m. To RSVP, please call Nora 2120 for reservations where you can: at 518-482-2120. *Cohoes Community DinLearn how to make and Wednesday, Jan. 8 & 22 ing Lunch: Monday – Friday maintain small but impactful Legal Aid will be at changes in your life as you take at noon, Dinner: Tuesday & Westview on Wednesdays, Thursday at 5 p.m., call (518) Join the Adventure laugh, the journey of aging by imJan. 8 and 22, from 9:30 a.m. 235-2420 for reservations learn and develop new skills proving communication with to noon. Call Nora for more to help promote independence your doctor, setting goals, mak*Albany County Congreinformation at 518-482-2120. and well bring. Aging Mastery ing the most of your health gate Meal Program is funded insurance plan, and more. elective program is a series of in part by the Albany County courses designed to celebrate Dept. for Aging, the NYS OfPrograms will be offered at Wednesday, Jan. 9 aging, support independence OHAV Sholom (115 Krumkill fice for Aging, US AdministraCome for dinner on and focus on wellness. For five Road, Albany) , Cohoes Senior tion on Aging and participant contributions. Wednesday, Jan. 9 and have a weeks enjoy a delicious meal Center ( 10 Cayuga Plaza,
Westview Legal Aid
A Healthier you
Music and Dinner
Senior calendars
Voorheesville Public Library 51 School Road, Voorheesville (518) 765-2791 www.voorheesvillelibrary.org
Beading Workshop Monday, Jan. 7 Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn easy beading techniques for making simple necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The Library provides tools and offers a variety of beads to choose from, or you are welcome to bring your own supplies and projects along. Check out our beading books and magazines for inspiration. You may arrive at any time during the workshop that fits your schedule. Adults and teens ages 14 and up. Please register.
6 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — JANUARY 2019
Thursday Afternoon Movie Thursdays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Join us Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to watch a classic movie on our giant screen. Check our website calendar or call for movie titles and descriptions. Light refreshments served.
Nimblefingers Craft Group Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, & 29
Bring your projects, socialize, and connect with other
crafters every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Share your own special talents or learn a new skill.
Second Sunday Film Sunday, Jan. 13
Join us at 2 p.m. for a contemporary film and refreshments. This month we will be watching “The incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, who enters 5th grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.” (IMDB) Rated PG, 1h 53m. Light refreshments will be served. Check the library calendar or call for film title.
Needle Felting for Beginners Tuesday, Jan. 15
Join Alison Swanson from
7 to 8:30 p.m. as she guides beginners in a wool needle felting project to create a cute cat. No experience necessary, supplies will be provided — just bring your creativity! Please register. Snow date for this activity will be Tuesday, Jan. 22.
Annual Winter Film Festival Wednesdays, Jan. 16, 23 & 30
Dennis Sullivan will be our host for the 2nd Annual Winter Film Festival. This year, Dennis has chosen four directors/films that focus on life, death, dance, and subversion. Mark your calendars for Director Terry Jones, Jan. 16; Director Michael Haneke, Jan. 23; Federico Fellini, Jan. 30; and Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, February 13. All programs will start at 6 p.m.
Health
Reading comprehension How to find more time to read
study led by neuropsychologist and researcher Robert Wilson found that a mentally active lifestyle may make it less likely that the presence of plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease will impair mental functioning. So picking up a good book and finding time to read may protect readers from some of the neurological issues associated with aging. If you’re among the masses resolving to spend the year ahead reading more than you have in the past, consider these tips to find more time to cuddle up with a good book. • Turn off your devices. Think of how much time you now spend each day fiddling with your devices. If you’re a parent, the statistics might surprise you. A 2017 survey or many people, few from Common Sense Media activities are more enfound that parents of children joyable than nestling between the ages of eight and up with a good book. 18 spend an average of nine But even the most devoted hours and 22 minutes each day bookworms sometimes have in front of various screens (i.e., trouble finding time to read. smartphones, tablets, televiIn a 2017 survey conducted sions, etc.). While not all of by the market research firm that is downtime, chances are a YouGov that focused on trends good portion of it is. Whether regarding New Year’s resoluyou’re a parent or not, turning tions, 18 percent of responoff your devices is perhaps the dents indicated they were single most effective way to committed to reading more find more time to read. books in 2018. That’s a lofty • Schedule time to read. goal, and one that can do more Clear your schedule to read than just provide readers with much like you might do to some daily escapism. Studies watch a favorite television have shown that reading can show. Both books and televidevelop neural networks in sion are forms of entertainthe brain that can help readers ment, so why clear time for one understand more complex form of escapism but not the other? thought. In addition, a 2013
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• Turn books into travel buddies. Carry a book with you whenever you leave the house, whether you’re going to a doctor’s appointment or to get work done on your car or even to go to work. Time spent in waiting rooms or commuting via mass transit provide perfecting opportunities to read books. • Read first thing in the morning. A recent survey from the global market research firm IDC found that 80 percent
of smartphone users check their mobile devices within 15 minutes of waking up in the morning. Instead of scrambling to read your alerts or overnight messages when you get out of bed, spend the first 10 or 15 minutes after waking up immersing yourself in a good book. Reading provides a host of benefits, and resolving to spend more time reading books can pay dividends for years to come.
94 1924 – 2018
• Assisted Living • Memory Care • Enhanced Care • Respite Care
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Senior calendars Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969
Ongoing activities 10 to 10:45 a.m. — Zumba Gold (no class on Jan. 21) 11 a.m. to noon — Motion & Fitness—Starts January 29
Art Studio 11 a.m. to noon — CDPHP Chair Pilates ( Jan. 11, 18, 25) 10:30 a.m. — Alzheimer’s Support Group (first Friday of each month)
9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi 9 a.m. to noon — Tom’s computer class (first and third Tuesdays each month) 10 a.m. to noon — cards, bridge, Mah Jongg, and Wii Bowling 10:30 a.m. — Line Dancing Noon — Lunch 12:45 to 2 p.m. — Afternoon program, lectures, trivia, games or Bingo 1 p.m. — Chair Moves with Mary (not Jan. 22)
Painting with Karen Woodin — Tuesday, Jan. 8 Aquarium/Shopping at Rotterdam Square Mall — Wednesday, Jan. 9 I-pad Intro. class with Lisa— Thursday, Jan. 10. . Wake up to Good Health Lecture — Thursday, Jan. 10. Umbrella Corporation Lecture — Tuesday, Jan. 22. I-pad drawing with Lisa — Tuesday, Jan. 29.
Mondays
Tuesdays
Upcoming Events
* Registration and additional fees may be required 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi for activities and events. Call 10 a.m. to noon — Cards, 518-372-4969 for details. Wii Bowling, and Mah Jongg 10:30 a.m. — Bocce and Pickle Ball The Niskayuna Senior Noon — Lunch Center is open to all area 12:45 to 2 p.m. — Afterseniors. noon program, lectures, trivia, Program days are Tuesdays games or Bingo 7 p.m. — Gentle Yoga with and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trips and special Susan at Town Hall events are offered during the Fridays other days of the week. To 10 a.m. to noon — Beginlearn more about the Niskaner Mahjong yuna Senior Center, call (518) 10 a.m. to noon — Open 372-4969.
Thursdays
About Us
Albany JCC, Adult Department 340 Whitehall Road, Albany (518) 438-6651, ext. 112 Claire Sigal, Program Director
Sixty-Plus Dining
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 to 6 p.m.
Full-course kosher dinners for those 60 and older. Reservations taken until 9:30 a.m. the day of the meal. Suggested contribution: $3 per person. Guest under 60 pays $10.
Mixed Media Art Club Mondays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Bring your own supplies and lend support, advice and inspiration to fellow artists. There is a $5 “drop-in” fee.
You Can Be a Freelance Writer
Wednesdays,12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27
Learn how to become a freelance writer, as instructor Pauline Bartel guides you through the steps. Price of the class is $49, $39 for JCC members. The class requires prepaid registration before enrollment is complete. Please note, there is a $15 fee for materials that is payable to the instructor at the first class.
Fun and Fitness to the Songs of Broadway
Thursdays, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
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Instructor Richard Feldman guides you through a fun fitness
program set to the sound of Broadway tunes. A suggested donation of $2.25 is asked for admission.
Eye On The World
Thursdays, at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A lively current events discussion moderated by a group panel. Topics cover social, cultural and political issues. A suggested donation of $2.25 is asked for admission.
Senior Chorale
Thursdays, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Chorale Director Sherri Strichman will guide you through our Senior Chorale. Rehearsals and performances take place on Thursday afternoons. There is $2.25 suggested donation per session.
Bus Trip
Oyster Bay Wednesday to Friday, May 8 to 10, 2019
Albany JCC is offering a bus trip to Oyster Bay, Long Island for May 2019. Those who are interested should request a flyer for more trip package details
American History Through Poetry
Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30
Learn American history through poetry from instructor Paul Lamar. Admission costs $55 for JCC members and $64 for non-members. Prepaid registration is required before classes fill.
Retiring Retirement
Seniors over 60 who are finishing strong
Don’t Tell Tom To Act His Age! No one who knows him would ever accuse him of doing that
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ighty year-old Tom Patterson spends a lot of time around people of all ages. But no one would ever accuse him of acting his age because his faith and intellect tell him that our minds direct our elder years. “Your age has nothing to do with your abilities,” he said. “It’s about outlook. Tomorrow can bring many good things. We’re not here to please ourselves but to please The Lord and anything less is a slap in God’s face.” Delmar’s Bethlehem Community Church considers itself fortunate to have Tom as an associate pastor. He has deep
roots in the business community as a printer and experience in various ministry roles. He knows more than church. He knows life. As the father of five, grandfather of fourteen, great-grandfather of nine, and a husband to Marcia for sixty years, he has learned a few things that just might come in handy in the pastor’s study. “With so many people in my life,” he said, “there will be pain and hurts. But I wouldn’t trade it because the pluses will always exceed the minuses.” He encourages seniors to shy away from the notion of retirement. “Don’t do it!” he exclaimed.
Robert LaCosta
“Find something. Maybe it’s not what you’re doing now. Things can happen so fast.” He gives the example that when he was in his early seventies, he was surprisingly “taken off the wood pile” by Pastor Frank Wray and put to work shepherding sheep in a place appropriately called “Bethlehem.” Now, being “washed up” is something he only does before dinner. Robert J. LaCosta’s daily devotionals are on robertlacosta. com. His latest book is “Portals to Heaven” and is available at local bookstores and online. To suggest seniors for Retiring Retirement, write norepcom@gmail.com
We offer joy and meaningful stimulation to those afflicted by dementia along with safe and secure services for our residents 24 hours a day. Our services include:
Colonie
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- Spacious Private Rooms, ground-level floor plan with common areas - Three nutritious meals a day plus snacks - Expansive grounds and secure, enclosed courtyards - Dedicated chapel for all denominations with meditation leader on staff - On-Site beauty parlor - Housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services included - Aromatherapy - Pet Therapy 107280_4
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Add Your Event to our Monthly Calendar for Older Adults! Does your organization have an event of interest to older adults? If so, we want to know about it! Events must be submitted via email to: halliseym@spotlightnews.com Deadline is the first of the month prior to publication.
All listings must include date, time, location, contact information and any fees. Please do not exceed 90 words per item listing.
For more information, please call Michael Hallisey at 518-439-4949
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Leading the Way in Memory Care
• Certified Geriatric Personal Trainer through A.A.H.F. • Do you need someone to keep you motivated to stay active? • Is balance an issue? Stephanie Hutchins In-home personal training is convenient and can help you start living with confidence/independence.
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GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE! In Home Personal Training
JANUARY 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 9
Missed me?
By MICHAEL HALLISEY halliseym@spotlightnews.com
J
ohn Waite is a painter at heart. He paints with words. The Englishman who turned a phone conversation into a chart-topping hit aspired to paint in his formative years. He went to school for it long enough to develop something of his own. But, to see others accomplish the same in half the time, he said he felt his true voice was in song.
“I was trying to say something I’ve been trying to say for a very long time.”
10 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — JANUARY 2019
Revisiting John Waite with a new, acoustic flair “I knew I could sing and I liked words,” said Waite. He said he always felt creative with music but compared to the “wizards” of Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant, Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker and Terry Reid, “I couldn’t conceive of being in the same room.” His illustrations, those that would take hours and sometimes days to produce, was not him. “I knew if I went to music, and even [something] more spontaneous, it would have my voice. And, whether it was good or bad, it would be real, and it would be honest. “So, without getting too carried away, and too serious about it, I just decided to throw myself into that with the belief that it would have some form of authenticity.” Waite, 66, dropped his illustrator’s pen for a bass guitar. He took up with The Babys, a power pop band that consisted of keyboardist and guitarist Michael Corby, drummer Tony Brock and guitarist Wally Stocker. The pairing, he said, was the “perfect balance.” Where the band couldn’t write or sing, he could do both. He landed both jobs. To foreshadow events to come, Waite said The Babys landed a record deal by means of a music video. “We were actually the first band on the planet to do that,” said Waite. “No matter what else you hear.” According to a story documented on Waite’s old website, the band initially struggled with landing a record deal because of their good looks. Record label executives did not believe they played the instruments on their audio demos. A color video was produced with five of their songs. The band later signed with Chrysalis. Within three years, the band would break into Billboard’s Top 20; first, with the single “Isn’t It Time,” and the second, “Every Time I Think of You.” Both songs peaked at No. 13 on The Billboard Top 100. Neither one of which, however, were written by members of the band. In December 1980, The Babys were touring the U.S. in support of its fifth studio album. The night after John Lennon was shot and killed, The Babys played a show in Cincinnati. At the encore, Waite was pulled off the stage by a fan. It was a scary moment under the circumstances that unfolded in New York City hours before. Waite seriously injured his knee. The band later played a show in neighboring Akron with Waite on crutches. He collapsed and the rest of the
tour was canceled. The Babys broke up soon after the Cincinnati incident. Through various interviews at the time, members of the band recounted their reasons for the split. They were frustrated. Despite their popularity in the United States, their home country ignored them. Eight of their tracks broke The Billboard Top 100. “Isn’t It Time,” No. 45 on the U.K. Singles Chart, was the only track to chart at home. The band’s name also did not lend much credence in an environment dominated by either disco or punk. In a way, the band couldn’t seem to break away from the pretty boy image it fought against at the start. They felt underrated. Brock and Stocker moved on with Rod Stewart, with Stocker later going to Air Supply. Johnathan Cain, who had replaced Corby after the band’s third album,
latched on with Journey just before an upstart cable television station took off. Waite describes himself as an avid reader. It’s a habit that has enabled him to keep centered throughout 35 years in a hectic, rockstar lifestyle. It’s his everpresent fascination with words. As a writer, he always pays attention to the visual story. “I’ve always been into movies, screenplays and scripts,” said Waite. “I’ve always loved films. So, when that came into that small videos, they were like stories, I was gung-ho. I knew what I was doing.” Waite struck out on his own shortly after The Babys were done. He signed with Chrysalis and released “Ignition” in 1982. From that debut album came “Change,” a track that received modest playtime on MTV. His success on MTV would follow a few years later with “Missing You.” Waite’s biggest hit was something of
a mistake. While working on material in a home studio, he said someone loaded up the wrong song to sing over. The first words out of his mouth were something familiar. “Every time I think of you.” What followed next did, in fact, “turn out good.” “You write those kinds of songs and it’s like cigarette smoke,” said Waite. “You don’t know what it is. You don’t know what it looks like. You can’t describe the shape of it. It’s there… That came out of left field. I knew it when it happened, it was No. 1.” The first few words off of Waite’s No. 1 hit song “Missing You” are shared by The Babys’ 1978 hit. The music, however, sounds nothing like each other. Unlike the previous hit, the storyline follows a phone conversation between two exlovers. Waite’s words are from a man still struggling over the break-up. “I used the first lines to get me going,” said Waite. “On the back of that, I got the entire first verse and chorus, and I grazed the second verse and I choked up. I was so overwhelmed. It was straight from the heart. I couldn’t even speak. … I was trying to say something I’ve been trying to say for a very long time.” The song knocked Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” from off the top of the Billboard chart in June 1984. Its video received heavy playtime on MTV. The cinematic story between the two lovers, including its heartbreaking conclusion, would help make it among the most memorable videos of its time. The song’s legacy continues to be revisited. Turner is among many artists to pay homage to the hit song. She covered it in 1996. Rod Stewart did so as well ten years later. A re-recording of the song by bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, featuring a duet with Waite, peaked at No. 34 on the Hot County Songs chart in 2007. Waite revisits the song on his latest album, “The Wooden Heart: Acoustic Anthology Volume 2.” Though the song is now more than 30 years removed from its original release, the emotion from that familiar story remains just as raw when played acoustically. “I don’t like a lot of things to be dressed up,” said Waite. The genesis to most of his songs starts with him picking up an acoustic guitar. “There’s nothing like seeing a pretty girl in a black dress. But, it’s a black dress. I like music that’s just what it is. … At the end of the day, it’s about the song and the performance.” JANUARY 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 11
Crossword & Crypto Answers on page 14 5. Back muscle 6. Supplement with difficulty 7. Kate and Rooney Clues Across 8. How Amazon identifies 1. Give a raucous cry its products (abbr.) 7. Mentally ill 9. Emirati island 10. Natural electrical 10. Contended phenomenon 11. Pear-shaped fruit 12. Vessels 12. Parks cars 13. Judge the worth of something 14. Killing oneself 14. South Asian garments 17. Austrian river 15. Studied intensively 18. Older brothers 16. District in Kazakhstan 20. Home hemodialysis 17. Beloved meal __ and cheese 23. One who is self-absorbed 18. Ceases to live 24. Yellow fever mosquitos 19. Home to BYU 25. Pepper or Oz 21. What thespians do 26. Soviet Socialist Republic 22. Julianne Moore and 29. Tellurium Christina Hendricks are two 30. Pens are filled with it 27. Double in chemistry 31. Use this at dinner 28. Clayton Kershaw plays here 32. Thin fibrous cartilage (pl.) 33. Overdose 35. When you were born 34. Begrudged 36. Oohed and __ 36. Consumed 38. Small freshwater fishes 37. A game of chance 40. Religion in China 38. A low platform 41. Twitches 39. Shelled and crushed 42. Cape near Lisbon coffee bean 43. Management software 40. Dashes 44. Game for kids 41. Long lock of a woman’s hair 45. Ed Murrow’s home 44. Indicates silence in music 46. They __ 45. Positively charged 47. Part of the foot 48. In bed 49. Cruciferous vegetable 50. Fuel 51. Kids’ ride
Winter Wonderland
WORD SEARCH
Clues Down
CRYPTO F UN
1. Greenish-blue 2. Having sufficient skill, knowledge, etc. 3. Dirt 4. New Zealand mountain parrot
Solve the code to discover words related to WINTER WEATHER. Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 24 = i)
12 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — JANUARY 2019
BLIZZARD MITTENS COLD SNOW FROZEN SNOWMAN HAT WINTER ICE BOOTS
FIREPLACE SNOWBALL HOT CHOCOLATE GIVING SNOWSUIT ICICLE HOLIDAYS CHILLY SCARF ICE SKATE FROSTY SNOWFLAKE PINE TREE GLOVES WIND
Veteran Next Door
V
Stories from World War II, Korea and Vietnam
Veterans Next Door Takes Flight
eteran’s Day originated from a special day on Nov. 11, 1918 that marked the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany that brought an end to the Great War. We owe Veterans recognition while they are still with us. I have always said, “Who Speaks for the Dead.” May all speak to them now while they are still with us. This column is about Veterans who may live next door to you. It is nice to find out that your neighbor next door served his county with honor and you never knew it. I feel a deep sense of commitment to recognize our local Veter-
ans who allowed us at Patriot Flight to spend a day with them in Washington, D.C. at their memorials on September 29, 2018. Patriot Flight had 55 Veterans among the 96 passengers on that flight. Veterans from WW II, Korean, Cold and Vietnam War. Veterans ranged in age from 66 to 94. ‘Who are those guys?’ a quote taken from the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” From our little Town of Bethlehem we had a few Vietnam Veterans. On the flight were Jim Young (Marine - Glenmont), Joe Vandeloo (Air Force - Delmar), Paul Lukatschat (Air Force - Del-
mar), Robert Shultes (Army - Glenmont), Robert Hummel (Marine - Glenmont). If a Veteran lives next door to you, especially a WW II Veteran, there is a place in your heart for them. Leonard ‘Bud’ Knott (Army - Watervliet) still works at age 94, he still fits into his Eisenhower Jacket with all his well deserved medals. A Veteran of the Normandy Invasion and Battle of the Bulge, he served as a medic and drove General George Patton around. The flight had three other WW II Veterans, Charles Bruns (Navy - Scotia); William Frisch (Navy - Rexford); Walter Proper (Navy - Duanesburg). The Veterans of the Korean War are our “Unforgotten Generation.” The Korean Veterans were John Angus (Army - Schenectady); Cleo Brown (Army - Calif visiting in Schenectady); Robert Daly (Navy - Daughter in Guilderland); Howard Ghee (Army – Wynantskill); John Neary (Marine - Kinderhook); Abram Seeberger (Army Castleton). The Veterans received a welcome home, especially the
WW II, Korean, Vietnam & Cold War Veterans To the Washington DC Memorials Veterans Fly at no cost, Escorts welcomed Donations Appreciated
Patriot Flight Inc.
Patriot Flight Inc. | P.O. Box 190 | Delmar, NY 12054 fomservice@aol.com 518-439-9265 bdmendini@yahoo.com 518-795-0665 www.patriotflight.org & facebook patriotflight 107268_4
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Frank DeSorbo
Vietnam Veterans, from an honor line in Baltimore Airport by students from age 8 to 22, in addition to the other 100 well wishers. Patriot Flight’s mission is to give the Veterans a Trip of Memories, Victory and Peace. We had three set of brothers the Bakers: Bruce (Vietnam, Navy - Glenville); David Baker (Vietnam, Army - Schenectady). Also the Capullo brothers: Armand (Cold War/ Vietnam, Army - Schenectady) and Ronald (Korea, Army Schenectady). The third set was the Overlocks: Milt (Vietnam, Navy - East Greenbush); Tom (Vietnam, Army - Holyoke, MA). My flight home was very memorable, emotional and heart felt. I sat next to Carol the wife of John Blackert (Cold War / Vietnam, Air Force - Mechanicville). Carol told me her day with John as he slept on the plane. John would not allow her to push him in the wheelchair. He walked all day, so proud, so happy. John has advanced cancer. His day a memory for your Veteran Next Door. If you attended our Send Off Ceremony on September 29th at CBA School at 5:30 a.m. you would have received our special 20 page Mission Booklet. In the booklet is a list of the Veterans on the flight, as well as stories and photos of local Veterans. If you would like one of our booklets for 2017 and 2018 (four booklets), please send a donation check of $10 per booklet. Check is payable to Patriot Flight Inc.; PO Box 190; Delmar, N.Y. 12054. You may see a Veteran Next Door you never knew was a Veteran! JANUARY 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 13
Senior calendars Bethlehem Public Library
Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 Training
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar (518) 439-9314 www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org
Helping Victims of Human Trafficking
Various dates
downloadable copies may be available.
Qi Gong
Tuesday, Jan. 8
Friday, Jan. 11
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Theresa Schillaci, Safe Harbour coordinator for Albany County, will talk about how the organization helps youth who are victims or at risk for human trafficking, 7-8 p.m.
De-stress with the gentle flowing movements and breathing exercises of qi gong. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, 10 a.m. All abilities welcome.
Daybooks
Friday, Jan. 11
Friday Cinema
Film series with titles suitable for adult audiences. See www.bethlehempubliclibrary. org for a list of titles. Shown with Subtitling for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing when possible, 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 10 Monday, Jan. 14
Discuss “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer, 1:30 p.m. Copies are available at the information desk. Large-print audio and
Learn how to edit videos, create titles, insert transitions, add special effects, adjust audio and more to create a professional looking video suitable for a variety of media, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sign up online or call. Saturday, Jan. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday Jan. 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Listening Parties: Astrud Gilberto and her Legacy Thursday Jan. 17
Listen to and discuss the beloved bossa nova singer from the ’60s and her continuing influence, 7 p.m.
Open Sewing Monday, Jan. 28
Sewing machines will be available for independent projects, 6-8 p.m. Bring your own supplies. Volunteers may be on hand to assist you. Register for up to two sessions.
Sunday Cinema Sunday, Jan. 27
Film series with titles suitable for adults. See bethlehempubliclibrary.org for a list of titles. Shown with subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing when possible, 2:30 p.m.
HEARING AIDS THAT WORK… …A practitioner you can trust! The hEARt of Bethlehem
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