TIDBITS Issue 10 CDA Idaho 2022 by TIDBITS Kootenai County, Idaho

of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022

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TIDBITS® ADMIRES FISH by Janet Spencer There are about 32,000 known kinds of fish in the world, which is more than all the other kinds of vertebrates combined. Come alone with Tidbits as we admire fish! AMAZING DIVERSITY • One reason fish are so diverse is that 70% of the planet is covered in water with habitats ranging from coral reefs and kelp forests to rivers, streams, ponds, and swamps. Also, fish are very old on the evolutionary scale, dating back 500 million years. • It was not until aeration and filtration of water was understood that people were able to keep fish as indoor pets. The first public aquarium was opened in London in 1853. • Several species of goby fish found in the Philippines and Marshal Islands, along with the tiny rice fish from Thailand, all reach a maximum length of 1/2", the size of a grain of rice. They are the world’s smallest fishes. • The biggest fish is the whale shark, which grows to nearly 60 feet (18 m). It weighs over 25 tons and eats mainly plankton. It has over 4,000 teeth, though they are very tiny. • The world’s most common fish is called a bristle mouth which is the size of a small minnow. They have more biomass than any other vertebrate genus, not only in the sea, but in the entire world. (cont)

evelyn2318@gmail.com

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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022

www.tidbitscda.com

Evelyn Bevacqua Howe 212. W. Ironwood Dr., Suite D,# 224, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Cell: 208.755.9120 Email: Tidbitscda@gmail.com www.tidbitscda.com Facebook/tidbitscda

RAISING BABIES •

Colonies of coral living in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia engage in synchronized spawning, tied to water temperature and cycles of the Moon. Once a year, they all release their bundles of eggs and sperm at the same time. Predators who feast on these packets are overwhelmed, leaving the vast majority untouched.

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The spraying characin of the Amazon has unusual manner of egg-laying. The male and female characin choose a leaf that hangs low over the water. They line up together, and on cue and in unison, they leap upwards, out of the water and towards the leaf. The female sprays her eggs on the underside of the leaf, and the male sprays his sperm. Some of the fertilized eggs stick to the leaf, where they develop. The male characin sprays the eggs with a stream of water by flicking his tail. preventing the eggs from drying out. When the eggs hatch, the young drop into the water.

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A species of cichlid fish that lives in Lake Tanganyika of Africa is a “mouth breeder.” Once the eggs are fertilized, the female gathers them up and holds them in her mouth until they hatch. Even then, the babies live in her mouth, making only short trips into the water as they grow, and dashing back into her mouth at the first sign of danger. When they grow larger, the female must find the male that she mated with, among thousands of identical males, and transfer the fry into his larger mouth for safekeeping. Should she choose the wrong male, the fry are eaten instead of protected. The mochokid catfish exploits these fish by laying its eggs alongside the cichlid eggs, ensuring that the female cichlid gathers up the catfish eggs along with her own eggs. The catfish eggs hatch first, and eat all the cichlid eggs while they are inside her mouth, as she remains completely unaware, raising them as her own. (cont)

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Sometimes, despite the cold weather outside, we're still looking for an icy treat inside. In my family's dessert experiments, we've come up with some doozies, but here's one you may not have tried: If you put popsicles in the blender, the creamy result tastes just like yummy sherbet. -- JoAnn

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If your lunchbox could be fresher, here's a tip from S.W. in Texas: Spray a piece of bread with vinegar and zip it up in your lunchbox overnight to clear out smells.

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"You don't need to buy a special brush to get at high ceilings and skylights: Simply cover a broom with a pillowcase to clean cobwebs off the ceiling. To clean a skylight, cover a mop with a double layer of paper towels or newspaper, and secure with clips. Spray the paper with window cleaner and heft it up!" -- M.E. in Arkansas

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"Here are two more uses for orange peels: Remove all labels and hard parts of the peels. Toss orange peels in a quart Mason jar. When full, fill with vinegar and set in warm place for two weeks. Strain into spray bottle, then discard peels. Makes an excellent disinfectant and ant killer. Or, dry orange peels. When crisp-dry, break into pieces and toss in a blender, then blend to a powder. Put in airtight container to sprinkle on fruit salads or use for orange zest." -B.C. in New Hampshire

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Pinprick hole in your rubber glove? Put the glove on and paint the hole with nail polish. It'll seal up a small hole, making the glove usable again.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022 RAISING BABIES (cont) •

During mating rituals, the male seahorse develops a brood pouch on his abdomen. The female deposits her eggs in this pouch. The lining of the pouch becomes soft and spongy and exudes a nutritious liquid which nourishes the eggs as they grow. The male seahorse keeps them safe for six weeks and squirts them into the ocean when they hatch. The discus is a South American fish popular in the aquarium trade. It has a special way of feeding its young: when the eggs hatch, the baby fry feed on the protective layer of mucus that covers the body of the parents. The mucus is packed with immunityboosting antimicrobial substances that help protect the fry from infections while also providing lots of nutrition.

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An unusual mating partnership exists between a species of fish called the bitterling and a type of mussel. The female bitterling lays her eggs inside the hard shell of the mussel by inserting a thin tube into the mussel’s siphon, which is a structure the mollusk uses to filter water and suck in food. When the eggs are inside, the male bitterling releases his sperm near the siphon’s entrance, some of which enters the mussel and fertilizes the eggs. When the eggs hatch into baby bitterling fish fry, the mussel opens to release the newborn fish into the water. The catch is that while the bitterling eggs have been developing, the mussel’s own eggs have also been developing alongside them. When the bitterling babies swim free, a mussel egg is temporarily attached to each one of them, along for the ride. This provides the mussel with a convenient way of dispersing its young, spreading them far and wide.

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The cuttlefish is the chameleon of the sea, able to change its color instantaneously to blend into the background. Scientists aren’t sure how they accomplish this feat, since the cuttlefish is colorblind. (cont)

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TIDBITS Tidbits of Kootenai®County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022 of Dallas County

www.tidbitscda.com

CLEANER FISH •

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Ocean sunfish like to sunbathe while lying flat on their side on the surface. They serve as a base of operations for over 40 different species of parasites. The sunfish rids itself of parasites by showing up in kelp beds where cleaner fish hang out. The cleaner fish eat most of the parasites. However, some of the parasites are too large for the cleaner fish. To get rid of these, the sunfish floats to the surface where seagulls remove the largest parasites with their beaks. Cleaner fish such as the wrasse make their living by eating parasites that they pick off the bodies of other fish. They routinely hang out at specific spots, where the locals know where to find them. The cleaners enjoy repeat business as the same clients stop by frequently to be rid of their parasites. However, they also have drop-in business of fish that are just passing through on their way to somewhere else. The cleaners are able to tell the difference between the two, and will regularly service the stranger before servicing the local. The stranger in town is more likely to leave and go find some other cleaner if its needs are not attended to quickly, whereas the local will be back time and time again even if service is slow. Similarly, if a regular client has missed its most recent appointment, it will get preferential treatment, possibly because the cleaner fish knows there will be a heavier load of parasites to feast on than someone who has recently been cleaned. Cleaners will also caress fish with their fins, particularly paying attention to new clients and also to predatory fish. They also caress regulars whom they may have accidentally nipped while cleaning. Cleaners who accidently nip other fish on a regular basis have fewer clients than those who are more careful with their teeth. The average cleaner fish can service over hundreds of clients per day.

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The movie "The Godfather" does not contain the words "mafia" or "la cosa nostra" because of a deal struck between the producer and the mafia.

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Limping became a fad in Victorian England when young women admired the genuine limp of Alexandra of Denmark, bride of the Prince of Wales, and went around fake limping (the "Alexandra Limp."). Shopkeepers even sold pairs of shoes with one high and one low heel!

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The stick -- as in a small tree branch -- was inducted into the U.S. National Toy Hall of Fame in 2008.

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In 1858, a brawl involving 50 congressmen broke out on the U.S. House floor. It ended when someone knocked off a man's wig, which was then accidentally put on backwards, causing both sides to laugh and stop fighting.

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New Zealand is not part of any of the world's seven recognized continents but is instead situated upon the submerged continent of Zealandia.

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Former NASCAR driver Dick Trickle drilled a hole in the front of his safety helmet and installed cigarette lighters in his race cars so that he could smoke while racing. NASCAR permitted it during race caution periods.

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A startup company called Juicero lost $120 million of investor money after customers realized the contents they put in their $700 juicing machine, which squeezed bags of pre-sliced vegetables into juice, could actually be squeezed faster by hand.

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In South Korea, children under 17 are banned from playing online games past midnight, which is monitored by their KSSN (Korean Social Security Number).

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue Nov.7th 2022 TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #10#46 March 15th 202115th 2021

By Healthy Exchanges

On-a-Budget Tuna Loaf Just because your pocketbook might be empty -with having to pay higher gasoline prices -doesn't mean that you have to eat like you're broke! Look inside your cupboards and you'll probably find that you have most (if not all) these ingredients already on hand. 2 (6-ounce) cans white tuna, packed in water, drained and flaked 3/4 cup dried breadcrumbs 1 cup finely diced celery 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, celery, onion, mayonnaise and pickle relish. Pat mixture into prepared baking dish. 2. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 20 minutes. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Makes 4 servings. Freezes well. * Each serving equals: 236 calories, 4g fat, 23g protein, 27g carb., 823mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Meat, 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Vegetable. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #10 March 7th 2022 Tidbits Dallas

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By Sam Mazzotta

Dog Goes on Strike Against Leashes DEAR PAW'S CORNER: My dog "Perry" tugs, fights and whines when I put a collar and leash on him. He will even flop down and refuse to move. I don't know what to do. -- Mike D., Roanoke, Virginia DEAR MIKE: Oh, that's frustrating! But you can help Perry to tolerate his collar and leash by making some adjustments and rebuilding a positive association with the leash. Here are a few tips to start with: * Check the fit and comfort of Perry's collar. Sometimes owners buy stylish collars that look great on their pet but are uncomfortable and either too big or too small. * Consider a chest halter instead of a collar. This provides a supportive fit and when you tug on the leash, pressure is distributed around a dog's torso rather than its neck. * Re-introduce Perry to the new collar or halter gradually. Show him the new gear while offering a treat at the same time. When he's eating, gently drape the leash over his back. Give lots of praise at the same time. This starts to create positive connections with the new gear. * Conduct obedience training at home, in 10minute sessions, while Perry wears the new collar or halter. Review basic commands of "come," "sit," "stay" and "lie down." Leave the leash off at first. * Add the leash, but don't tug on it. Continue obedience training while Perry wears the new gear. Take the gear off when done. * Gradually increase the time your dog wears the collar or harness and leash. This will take patience, lots of love and encouragement. Always be positive with Perry while retraining to the leash. And if, despite these efforts, he still doesn't respond, contact a professional trainer to help you both get through this stuck spot. Send your tips, questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

TIDBITS of Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022 Tidbits of Dallas County

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Video On Demand 1. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (PG-13) Carrie Coon 2. Encanto (PG) animated 3. Dune: Part One (PG-13) Timothee Chalamet 4. Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City (R) Kaya Scodelario 5. Clean (NR) Adrien Brody 6. No Time to Die (PG-13) Daniel Craig 7. Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) Darby Camp 8. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (PG-13) Tom Hardy 9. Last Survivors (NR) Drew Van Acker 10. The Requin (R) Alicia Silverstone DVD, Blu-ray Sales 1. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (PG-13) Sony Pictures 2. Encanto (PG) Disney 3. Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City (R) Sony Pictures 4. Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) Paramount 5. Dune: Part One (PG-13) Warner 6. King Richard (PG-13) Warner 7. Ghostbusters 3-Movie Collection (1984, 1989, 2021) Sony Pictures 8. No Time to Die (PG-13) Universal/MGM 9. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (PG-13) Sony Pictures 10. Halloween Kills (R) Universal Source: ComScore/MediaPlay News (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #10 March 7th 2022 For Advertising Call (334)

www.tidbitscda.com

By Dr. Holly Carling

YOUR AMAZING LIVER For an organ weighing 3-4 pounds and about 6 inches, our liver is amazing! I like to compare it to the heart – the heart is incredibly complex – with 4 chambers, lots of vasculature, chordae, valves and more, yet it does one thing – it pumps blood. The liver, by contrast looks boring. Uniform in texture and color, simple in anatomy, and incredibly varied in its function. The liver has between 500 to 6,000 functions depending on how the functions are categorized. There are some that say the liver is related to every biological function in the body either directly or immediately indirectly. That’s pretty amazing! To name a few functions: the liver produces bile, an enzyme that breaks down fats in the small intestines and whisks away waste products from the liver at the same time. It converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage for energy and to make available when needed. It regulates blood levels of amino acids (which become proteins). It is responsible for making immune factors and removes bacteria from the blood. It regulates blood clotting, clearance of bilirubin, processes hemoglobin, and detoxifies the body of many end products from biological processes and toxins from our environment. How much more varied can you get? With all this (and tons more), it makes sense to take care of your liver. Fortunately, there are ways to do that. First of all, not coincidentally, mother nature has provided a myriad of herbs that help the liver

clear toxins, protect the liver, or unburden it. While many of these herbs are readily available, and some even in our back yards, it is important to remember that these herbs can cause medications to clear out of your system quicker, which may not be what you want. Judicious use of these herbs is important. The liver also likes “clean” foods. Foods without chemicals, free flowing agents, colorants, preservatives, etc. which the liver has to clear, is preferable. Eating foods with high nutritional content is sound advice no matter which organ you are targeting. Thankfully, the liver was designed to remove the toxins resulting from normal biological processes that our bodies generate. It was also designed to remove certain potential poisons we may encounter in life – that is, life more than a couple of hundred years ago. In a lifetime that wasn’t made up of so many chemicals and toxins in the abundance that they are now. In this lifetime we are continually bombarded with chemicals in such excess that our liver just can’t keep up. To help that, liver cleanses and other purification programs have been developed to help an overwhelmed system by giving it a hand. But not all programs are good, and many may not be appropriate for you individually. It is necessary to have an expert in this arena make thatassessment for you. The liver can do truly amazing things. Sometimes it needs help. How are you loving your amazing liver?

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over four decades of experience. Dr. Carling is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #10 March 7th 2022 For Advertising Call (334)

by Freddy Groves

Hidden Talent Found in Veterans Village Another blast of arctic weather was expected any minute and David, the project manager for the tiny homes in the Veterans Village, pushed the trades to bring all three homes under roof before the storm hit. Everyone hustled, knowing that lunch would be provided as soon as they finished their part of the work. Sarge stood in the coffee shop kitchen talking to one of the veterans employed as a carpenter assistant, who basically carried, toted and measured. "Can you put together some burgers and coffee for the guys coming in?" Sarge asked. "Nothing fancy, just hot food." "That I can," the carpenter said and got to work pulling ingredients out of the cabinets and fridge. David blew through the back door, looking for his lost employee. Sarge explained: burgers, coffee, hungry guys. David nodded and stood watching his carpenter expertly flip burgers, add a pinch of cinnamon to the coffee pot and create a crudite platter with three different dips. "He looks pretty darn confident in this kitchen," David whispered to Sarge. "Notice that?" Sarge called out to the carpenter veteran. "Son, what was your MOS in the Army?" The veteran turned and smiled, spatula in hand. "MOS 92G, sir," he said. "Culinary Specialist." David scratched his head. "Then what are you doing working as a carpenter assistant?" "Taking care of my family," the carpenter replied as he moved a burger onto a toasted bun. "I got two kids. Moved here and didn't know anybody. You had a job. I needed one." Sarge pulled out his phone, tapping numbers. "I got a cook here," he said when the call was answered, "in the guise of a junior wanna-be assistant carpenter. How much could this boy be making at your restaurant? He's Army trained, so he'll need a good salary ..." Ten minutes later, Sarge came back down the stairs and handed the carpenter a piece of paper. "You got an interview tomorrow for sous chef ... whatever that is." (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Which album contains "Transylvania Boogie" and "Twenty Small Cigars"? 2. Name the group that wrote and released "Tequila Sunrise." 3. Edgar Winter is best known for two songs. What are they? 4. Who released "You Were on My Mind" and "The Pied Piper" in 1966? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: "They say that you're a runaround lover, Though you say it isn't so." Answers 1. "Chunga's Revenge," by Frank Zappa in 1970. It was his third solo album. In all, Zappa released 62 albums during his career. 2. The Eagles, on their 1973 "Desperado" album. The title came from the popular alcoholic drink of the day. 3. "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," both released in 1972 on his "They Only Come Out at Night" album. "Frankenstein" was released as a b-side single that caught on when DJs started getting requests for it. 4. Crispian St. Peters. 5. "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," by Bobby Vee in 1962. The song climbed charts around the world, but the only place it reached No. 1 was in Ireland. Vee had 38 Hot 100 chart hits during his career, 10 of which reached the Top 20. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate

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Tidbits® of Dallas County

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #50 Dec. 13th 2021 For Advertising Call (334)

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1. GEOGRAPHY: How many countries are also cities? 2. MOVIES: Which character was the first princess in a Disney movie? 3. WEATHER: What kind of cloud produces rain, thunder and lightning? 4. LITERATURE: What were the names of the four daughters in "Little Women"? 5. PSYCHOLOGY: What fear is represented by the condition called "ablutophobia"? 6. ANATOMY: What are the gaps between nerve cells called? 7. TELEVISION: Which long-running, daytime soap opera is set in Port Charles, New York? 8. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin phrase "non compos mentis" mean in English? 9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president introduced the Social Security program? 10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a young llama called? Answers 1. Three: the city/states of Vatican City, Monaco and Singapore 2. Snow White 3. Cumulonimbus 4. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy 5. Fear of bathing 6. Synapses 7. "General Hospital" 8. Not of sound mind 9. Franklin Roosevelt 10. A cria (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

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TIDBITS Tidbits of Kootenai®County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022 of Dallas County

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www.tidbitscda.com

On March 17, 1601, the first parade honoring the Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is held in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City was held in 1762. • On March 20, 1823, Ned Buntline, the "dime millionaire" and discoverer of Buffalo Bill, is born. More than any single writer, Buntline was responsible for creating a romanticized and misleading image of the American West. He once said, "I found that to make a living I must write 'trash' for the masses." • On March 18, 1852, in New York City, Henry Wells and William G. Fargo join with other investors to launch their namesake business. In July 1852, their company Wells Fargo shipped its first loads of freight from the East Coast to mining camps in northern California. • * On March 15, 1901, paintings by the late Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh are shown in Paris, causing a sensation across the art world. Van Gogh had died by suicide, and in his lifetime he had sold only one painting. * On March 19, 1916, eight Curtiss "Jenny" planes of the First Aero Squadron take off from Columbus, New Mexico, in the first combat air mission in U.S. history. They flew in support of the 7,000 U.S. troops who invaded Mexico to capture revolutionary leader Pancho Villa. • On March 16, 1945, the west Pacific volcanic island of Iwo Jima is declared secured by the U.S. military after weeks of fierce fighting. More than 6,000 Marines died fighting for the island, along with almost all the 21,000 Japanese defenders • On March 14, 1950, the FBI institutes the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list. Since its debut, hundreds of criminals on the list have been apprehended or located, many as a result of tips from the public. (c) 2022 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #10 March 7th 2022 For Advertising Call (334) HOW CAN YOU HELP THE ELDERLY STUCK IN CARE FACILITIES FEEL LESS LONELY (By Minky Couture, sponsored, March 22, 2021)

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By Matilda Charles

We Get Cold! They called it a tailgate party and envisioned dozens of elderly folks gathered in the parking lot outside the senior center, drinking coffee and snacking on doughnuts from the bakery. They'd sent out notices and emails a week in advance. No one showed up. Not a single senior was to be seen, while center management stood on the steps wringing their hands and wondering why. The problem, we all know, is that the oldest of the senior center management team is less than half our average age, with their assistants barely out of college. Degrees galore, of course, in gerontology this and geriatric that, but framed documents hanging on the wall don't indicate a personal knowledge of what all seniors know for fact: We get cold! Not only do we get cold, but we have to be careful. Our circulation isn't what it used to be. We lose body heat faster and sometimes don't even know it's happening. When our core temperature drops too low, we can damage liver, kidney and heart. Hypothermia is a real risk and can be deadly. It bears repeating that we need to beware of the cold: -- Don't skimp on the heat at home. Keep the thermostat at 68-70 F and wear a sweater inside. (If you visit an elderly person in the winter, go to the thermostat and see what the setting is.) If you have to save money on heating, close off rooms you're not using. -- Ask someone to install clear plastic on windows. You'll be surprised how much it cuts down on icy drafts. -- Keep a blanket or quilt on the sofa or recliner and cover up when you sit down. -- If you have to go out, wear layers and a good hat, gloves and scarf. Don't let body heat escape from your head or neckline. And if your senior center hosts an outdoor parking-lot gathering, check the weather report. (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

“The global pandemic has taken a toll on virtually everyone, but there’s one group that’s been hit particularly hard: elderly adults in nursing homes and care facilities. Although social distancing precautions have helped lessen the spread of the virus, current restrictions have had some unintended consequences. Long before the pandemic, one study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that 56% of nursing home residents reported feeling lonely—but that number is much higher today. Now more than ever, the elderly population needs your help—whether or not you have a family member or friend in a long-term care facility. Here are a few simple ways you can (safely) reach out to help them feel less lonely. WRITE LETTERS OR CARDS Elderly people love getting letters and cards. Handwritten letters or pictures from grandkids often become prized possessions for display and serve as a constant reminder that someone was thinking about them. You can even pull out old letters from the past and treat them to a trip down memory lane!... MAKE A WINDOW VISIT Cards and letters are wonderful, but there&#39;s nothing like a face-to-face visit. Of course, in the time of COVID, you&#39;ll have to pivot a little. You&#39;ve probably seen the touching images of families making window visits to loved ones in care facilities over the past year. Until the pandemic subsides, this is still the safest way to make an in-person visit. Coordinate a window visit with your local care facility and you&#39;ll most likely make a lonely person&#39;s day. DONATE SUPPLIES Most nursing homes accept donations for items that are in high demand. Diabetic socks, jigsaw puzzles, board games, and personal care items are always good options, but consider thinking outside of the box. Books with large print, stationery, arts and crafts supplies… (Just make sure you check with the facility first before making your purchases.) BUY THEM A (REALISTIC TOY) PET According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, some long-term care residents with dementia find comfort from realistic toy dogs or cats. (Men seem to like dogs best.) Some studies even

Linda Davis Director of building relationships. 208.457.3403 www.LodgeLiving.net

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found that robotic animals (&quot;robopets&quot;) can help older adults in residential care facilities feel less lonely. While there are cheaper options available, Good Housekeeping rounded up a list of the top-rated robopets on Amazon, in case you need ideas. SEND A SINGING TELEGRAM Another effective way of reaching out to lonely seniors is through the healing power of music. Nursing homes and care facilities always welcome singers and performers to entertain and lift the spirits of their residents, but current visiting restrictions call for a little creativity in this area. If you are at all musically-inclined, you can share your talents via video calls or recordings… RECORD YOUR VOICE You don&#39;t have to be a performer, an artist, or particularly creative to reach out to lonely elders. Just the sound of your voice can offer peace, comfort, and a sense of companionship to a nursing home resident. Record yourself reading from a book, telling some jokes, or sharing a familiar story so that the resident can listen to it whenever they want. One study published by the Journal of American Geriatrics Society suggests this can be helpful for residents suffering from dementia. SAY GOOD MORNING AND GOOD NIGHT Everyone needs something to look forward to, and for people in nursing homes and care facilities, a simple phone call once or twice a day could mean the world. Making a &quot;good morning&quot; and &quot;good night&quot; phone call each day helps your loved one feel remembered. And residents who don&#39;t have active family members checking in will appreciate these calls even more. CALL YOUR LOCAL NURSING HOME For more ideas, you can always contact your local nursing homes or assisted living facilities directly. They&#39;ll be able to tell you specifically what items or services they need.” Please call for a tour of our “HOMES,” for truly they are…

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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022

www.tidbitscda.com

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time to reassess important relationships, both personal and professional, to see where problems might exist and how they can be overcome. Keep communication lines open. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It's not easy to bring order to a chaotic situation, whether it's in the workplace or at home. But if anyone can do it, you can. A pleasant surprise awaits you by week's end. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be careful that you don't make an upcoming decision solely on the word of those who might have their own reasons for wanting you to act as they suggest. Check things out for yourself. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal relationship that seems to be going nowhere could be restarted once you know why it stalled. An honest discussion could result in some surprising revelations. LEO (July 23 to August 22) That unexpected attack of self-doubt could be a way of warning yourself to go slow before making a careerchanging decision. Take more time to do a closer study of the facts. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A workplace problem needs your attention now, before it deteriorates to a point beyond repair. A trusted third party could be helpful in closing the gaps that have opened. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A recent family situation could give rise to a new problem. Keep an open mind and avoid making judgments about anyone's motives until all the facts are in. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Rely on your always-sharp intuition to alert you to potential problems with someone's attempt to explain away the circumstances behind a puzzling incident. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Although you still need to do some snipping of those lingering loose ends from a past project, you can begin moving on to something else. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) With your self-confidence levels rising, you should feel quite comfortable with agreeing to take on a possibly troublesome, but potentially well-rewarded, situation. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is favored, both for business and for fun. The end of the week brings news about an upcoming project that could lead toward that promised career change. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of responsibilities. But if you deal with each one in its turn, you'll soon be able to hold your head above water and move on. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a wonderful way of offering comfort as well as guidance. You would do well in the healing arts. (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #10 March 7th 2022

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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #32 Aug 9th 2021