August 2014 Gazette - JKV Media Official Site

ENLIGHTEN t ENRICH t ENGAGE
Words &
Letters .............. 2
You & Your Health
How To Keep Heat
Exhaustion
At Bay................. 3
Headline
Scramble .......... 3
Enjoy A Timeless World … With Strings Attached
Today’s High-Tech Toys Haven’t Killed Puppetry’s Universal Appeal
P
eople have been telling each other
stories for just about as long as there
have been people. And not long after
they started telling stories, they came
up with one of the very first ‘high tech’
cultural innovations: the puppet show!
Today’s modern electronic marvels
might make some think this art has
been eclipsed, but there are still people
dedicated to preserving the magic of
puppetry.
Atlanta hosts the Center for Pup-
Life At John Knox
Village .............. 4
Myth-Busting
Cheese Kreplach
Tempting Recipe
Turns Out Tasty
‘Leftovers’.............. 4
Healthy & Happy
O
Social Activities
Make Village Life
Rewarding . ........ 4
Save Your Brain
Exercise Does
More Than Just
Tone Your
Body................... 5
Pets Of The Month
Tiki & Maggie Are
Adorable............. 5
Putting Down
Roots
‘New’ Agriculture
Approach Helps
Clean The Air..... 6
Staying
Independent
Ease Your Burdens
… And Your
Kids’................... 7
The Thin Red Line
Overlooked War
Movie Is Deeply
Moving ............. 7
A Look At John Knox
Village
The Area’s Best
Retirement! ....... 8
petry Arts (CPA) in Midtown. This
I found out more about it later on
combination of museum and school is
when I worked in New York City
dedicated to prefor seven years …. I
serving, exploring,
was working in a nursand teaching the
ery school, and also
“I do find that
timeless technique
with young children
older
people
really
of puppetry. Not
in a social work setfar from Hartford,
do love puppets.” ting, and began trying
the Ballard Institute
things out with pupand Museum of
pets that way.
Puppetry is connected to the University
“Later, in the 1970s, I came to
of Connecticut, which is also one of the Connecticut and found out about
SEE “PUPPETRY” ON P. 2
first universities to offer a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts with a
specialty in puppetry.
Katie Van Vlack lives in
a retirement community near
New Haven and has made pup“It’s less expensive and
petry her passion.
more financially secure
“I’ve been interested in puppetry ever since I was a child,
for me to stay in my
maybe four years old,” she
current home.”
explains. “My mother read me
the story of Pinocchio, and I
by Ann Burnside Love
just really loved that story.”
ne concern that never seems
Fascination Born From A
to go away, no matter our age,
Book
is saving money. We worry about
She points out this was
saving to buy a house, saving to
the pre-Disney version of
send our children to college, savPinocchio.
ing for the dream vacation, and
“It was illustrated, and it
eventually, we worry about having
had lively conversations, and it enough in our savings to carry us
was just very absorbing,” she
through retirement.
says. “I think I made my first
According to a survey of older
puppets out of paper mâché
Americans done by Age Wave, a
when I was high school age
research and consulting company,
or in the beginning of college.
it may seem like moving to a continuing care retirement community
isn’t a fiscally sound decision.
How untrue that myth is!
While it may seem that staying in
your home, the home that you’ve
already paid off, is the best option
financially, you must consider the
home-related costs that you still
have to pay monthly. More likely
Rooftop Solar Sends Wholesale Electricity
Prices In Australia Into Negative Territory
by Bert Meisel
Editor
I
f you pay close attention to
news stories about global
warming, there’s a good
chance
Analysis
you’ve
become
angry or frustrated by what
you’re reading. If you subscribe to the views held by
many climatologists, the news
about rapidly melting glaciers
and record temperatures may
leave you fearful about what the future Walking On Sunshine Down Under
holds in store. If you’re a global warmIn a recent article by Giles Parkinson
ing skeptic, you might worry about the at the The Guardian website, those rays
possible
of sunshine are,
expense of
well, rays of suneliminatshine. He reports
As
unlikely
as
it
may
seem,
ing cheap
that in Australia,
though, there are some rays something remarkenergy
like coal
able is happening:
of
sunshine
on
the
horizon.
from our
“Last week,
economy.
for the first time
As
in memory,
unlikely as it may seem, though, there
the wholesale price of electricity in
are some rays of sunshine on the horiQueensland fell into negative territory
zon that just might hearten people in
– in the middle of the day,” he says.
both camps.
SEE “ROOFTOP” ON P. 6
SEE “COSTS” ON P. 6
John Knox Village of Florida, Inc.
651 S.W. Sixth Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Inside
August 2014
The John Knox Village Gazette
Page 2
August 2014
Puppetry’s
Magic Charms
The Child
In All Of Us
FROM “PUPPETRY” ON P. 1
the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry, and lots of other wonderful and interesting things going on in puppetry,” she
continues. “I began going to some puppetry festivals — the
regional and national festivals of Puppeteers of America.
“The festivals have wonderful workshops as well as performances, puppetry stores, and collections of puppets,” she
adds.
Puppets Reach Around The World
Barbara Wylly is also passionate about puppets. She
lives in a retirement community in Atlanta and serves on the
Executive Committee of the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Barbara explains that the center opened its doors in 1978,
and attracted the participation of one of the biggest names in
puppetry, Sesame Street’s legendary Jim Henson.
“Our main
audience is
children and
“The festivals have
families,” she
wonderful workshops as
points out.
“We’ve diswell as performances,
tributed over
puppetry stores, and
70,000 discounted and
collections of puppets.”
free tickets to
schoolchildren
from low income families.”
More than 150,000 people visit the center each year,
according to CPA Marketing Director Daniel Summers Jr.
But participation goes far beyond those who physically
Peter Pan (left) and Tiger Lilly are two characters brought to life at the Center for
Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.
attend a performance or who visit the
center’s museum.
The center offers a number of ‘distance
learning’ programs using video conferences and ‘webinars’ (seminars people
access through the Internet). These programs reach most of the states, as well as
puppetry enthusiasts in England, Taiwan,
Mexico, and Canada. The programs are
primarily geared towards schools, but
include some children’s hospitals as well.
“We have professional puppet builders,
plus educational workshops,” says Daniel.
“We even have our own resident puppet
builder.”
Timeless Appeal
along. It’s just a wonderful experience.”
Katie agrees. She recently gave a demonstration to her neighbors at her Connecticut community.
“I thought it went very well,” she
points out. “There was a lot of interest
among the residents here in puppetry.
“I’m hoping to do some puppet shows
here,” she continues. “The kind of puppetry that I’ve done in performance has
been the traditional hand puppetry in the
way that has been done for a number of
years in Europe. I like to do folk tales,
Aesop’s Fables, and stories that have
some important things to say.”
Seniors seem particularly receptive to
this art form.
“I do find that older people really do
love puppets,” Katie smiles. “They’re
very ready to suspend their disbelief and
really see the puppets as alive.”
It’s not hard to see what’s
made the institution so popular.
“The performances are absolutely outstanding,” Barbara says
proudly. “Everyone enjoys
PHOTO BY ROSS HENDERSON
them; it doesn’t matter if you’re
a grandmother or
if you’re
Children learn
two years
some of the
old. Everyfiner points
one just
of puppet
loves these
creation during
shows.
a workshop at
They enjoy
the Center for
Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts produces
the music,
Puppetry Arts.
material for educators around the world.
they sing
WORDS & LETTERS
39 Nerdy
Most of the clues here are solved in the usual crossword fashion. Clues DOWN
that begin with a bullet (“•”), though, indicate the answer is not a
word, but simply a string of letters. You’re given the letters, but you 1 Guardianship
will have to divine their correct order.
2 Burdensome
3 Excavators
19 Gilmore girl
ACROSS
4 Billings home
21
Sioux
Falls
home
1 “___ ___ and the ___” (with
5 Streisand movie
7 Across and 11 Down): Pop 22 Vienna home
8 Electric unit
group from 1960s & 1970s
23
Germany,
Spain,
___
9 German possessive
known for “Mony Mony,”
“Crimson And Clover,” and
26 ___ Warriors of the NBA
10 Variety of ancient pottery
“Draggin’ The Line”
27 • N, T, Y
11 See 1 Across
7 See 1 Across
29 Designer color
15 Mix liquid ingredients
12 Manchester ___: British
30
Ice
___
17 Kind of alcohol
football (soccer) squad
31 • A, L, N, T
20 Not before
13 Crystal ___: one of the
32
Preposition
drugs in Breaking Bad
24 Begin offensive
33 Butt
14 X
25 Almost
35
Fire
indicator
15 Agnew
28 Negative
37 NCAA hoops dynasty
16 Construct
32 Text abbreviation for
saying too much
38
Eliminate
18 Sister
34 ___ Union (abbr.)
35 Name suffix
1
2
3
7
8
12
18
13
14
15
16
4
36 Talking horse
5
6
17
20
22
23
27
10
11
18
19
26
9
21
24
28
25
29
30
31
32
33
35
36
38
39
34
37
Answer on page 7
August 2014
The John Knox Village Gazette
Page 3
“I
t’s a scorcher today!”
As we drift through the dog
days of summer, you’ve probably
said that to yourself more than once!
Have you been taking proper care of
yourself in these hot muggy days?
It’s important, because you may be
vulnerable to heat cramps and heat
exhaustion, which, besides being
unpleasant in themselves, could
develop into an extremely serious
heat stroke if left untreated.
The medical information website
WebMD says there are two kinds of
heat exhaustion, though it’s certainly
possible to have both at once! If you
become dehydrated, you may experience excessive thirst, weakness, or
headache … or even pass out! Salt
depletion, on the other
hand, can lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle
Early detection can often keep
cramps, or dizziness.
a minor physical problem from
WebMD says
that other symptoms
turning into a serious medical issue
of heat exhaustion
… which is why the residents of
include sweating; conJohn Knox Village appreciate the
fusion; dark-colored
urine (associated with
many on-site health care programs
dehydration); fatigue;
and resources helping them stay
pale skin or cool,
moist skin with goose
active and informed.
bumps in the heat;
profuse sweating; and
and may not be aware
a thin, rapid heartbeat.
of their own personal
The Cure Is Easy …
risk for this. In addition, confusion can be
If you’re starting to experience heat exhaustion, the steps you need to take are pretty simple one of the symptoms
of heat exhaustion
and in line with common sense:
and may interfere with your ability to recognize
1. Stop your physical activity and rest;
what’s happening to you. And if you pass out
2. Go some place cool;
before you’re able to act, things could become
3. Drink something cool.
very serious
Water is always a
indeed!
good choice in this situaSo the best
tion. Sports drinks often
Confusion can be one of the
approach is to
have ingredients that help
symptoms
of
heat
exhaustion
take steps before
replenish your electrolytes
and may interfere with your
you venture out
(though many are sugary
from your air-conand you need to be cauability
to
recognize
what’s
ditioned home to
tious if you have diabetes).
happening to you.
make sure you’re
Anything alcoholic, howprotected.
ever, is not a good idea.
Drink plenty of
Easy enough, right?
fluids, and be sure you have more liquid refresh… But Prevention Is Better!
ment readily available while you’re gardening
or out exercising. Holly St. Lifer at the AARP
The problem here is that older people are
says that having a sports drink with sodium in
more vulnerable to heat than younger people
the morning is a good way to
help prevent heat-related muscle
cramps. “Older adults, especially
if they are fit, sweat more than
they realize,” she notes.
Don’t Let The Dog
Days Of Summer Take
The Spring Out
Of Your Step!
Great Tips For Keeping Cool
blood vessels are close to the surface of your
skin — are the direct super highway to cooling
off your blood and body temperature.
“I usually take a couple of bandanas and keep
them soaking in cool water while I work outside,” she says. “I wring one out, fold it down
and tie it around either my neck, wrists or inner
elbows. Believe me, this trick works.”
Betsy also suggests eating light and avoiding
large, hot, protein-heavy meals which require the
body to work hard to digest and produce metabolic heat. She also advises avoiding strenuous
chores and taking lots of breaks.
One really great tip she includes is to never
garden alone.
“Even if you are following all of the other
rules, and you are healthy as a horse, why risk
fainting … or worse, while working in your yard
alone,” she says. “Gardening with friends is
always much more fun anyway.”
This is a great idea, and applies not just to
gardening but also to any kind of exercise in the
sun. Of course, it’s a lot easier to take this advice
if you happen to be lucky enough to live in a
continuing care retirement community like John
Knox Village, where many like-minded, friendly
neighbors are just a short stroll away!
Kenneth Sleight at the Examiner says that
working the
garden or exercising in the
How many words (of 5+ letters) from this issue’s headlines can
morning is a
good idea. “The
you find embedded below? (There are 12.)
temperature is
still relatively
Y L M I P H P S B E Y
low and the sun
isn’t directly
S U D A E N U F R T R
overhead,” he
S F M L G M P M A R T
points out.
Betsy Franz
S B R A M I P C I R E
of the Metro
DC Lawn and
E I D E G L C A N O P
Garden Blog
N K R E P L A C H O P
agrees. She also
has a number of
L A F F A I R C T L U
other good tips
to staying safe
L S O I P A B F H U P
in the heat.
E O M B L T O I F F A
“Cool your
pulse points,”
W E C O T O N E S S E
she advises.
“Your pulse
D C S N R L L E W O R
points— areas
A R T H E L P F U L K
where you can
feel your pulse
Answer on p. 7
because your
HEADLINE SCRAMBLE
√ACCLAIMED
√PUPPETRY
√SOLAR
√ROOFTOP
WELLNESS
√KREPLACH
√BRAIN
The John Knox Village Gazette
Page 4
August 2014
August 2014
The John Knox Village Gazette
The Importance of Social Wellness Keeps
Family Integral To Village Life
J
Life at
John Knox
Village
Recipe Tips From Suzanne Jones:
Rapoport’s Cheese Kreplach
Y
ears ago, I gave a class using ideas for leftovers. Many of us
have tried for years to think of innovative ways to serve what
we like to call “elegant aftermaths.” This recipe for Cheese Kreplach was given to me by my good friend, the late Ray Rapoport.
Ray’s original New York Rapoport’s Dairy Restaurants featured them. They were extremely popular, and he added that
occasionally they also were filled with meat or mashed potatoes.
These need to be started ahead to refrigerate the filling for at
least two hours. However, once the Kreplach are parboiled, they
can be refrigerated for several days before the finished cooking of
boiling or frying, or wrapped and frozen.
Cheese Filling (be sure to make ahead and refrigerate for at
least two hours):
• 8 ounces creamed cottage cheese
• Half of a 7½ ounce package of Farmer cheese
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• All-purpose flour, as needed
Dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup water – more, if needed
• 1 additional tablespoon of oil for cooking water
To make the cheese filling, place the cottage cheese in a large
square of cheese cloth and squeeze to remove all the liquid possible. Mix all ingredients well. If the mixture seems too wet, add a
tablespoon or more of flour. Refrigerate for two hours.
To make the dough, stir the flour and salt together in a mixing
bowl. In a 2-cup measure, mix the eggs, oil and water. Add to the
flour, mixing well with a fork, until the dough leaves the side of
the bowl. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Turn out onto a
lightly floured board and knead gently for a minute or two. Cover
and let stand for 30 minutes.
To assemble the Kreplach, roll half the dough out to about 1/8
inch. Use a 3 to 3½-inch cookie cutter to cut out 18 rounds. Reroll
scraps if necessary. Place about a heaping teaspoon of cheese
filling in the center. Brush the bottom edges with water, fold over
filling and seal tightly with a fork. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat
with remaining dough.
Bring a large saucepot filled with water to a boil with the tablespoon of oil. Add the Kreplach without crowding, and let bubble
until they rise to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon to
paper towels. Repeat with remaining Kreplach. Place in an oiled
pan. Can now be refrigerated and finished in a day or two. They
can also be frozen.
To finish cooking, boil another 2-3 minutes to thoroughly cook
the pastry, and add to chicken or other soups to serve, or add about
¼-inch oil in a large skillet and cook the Kreplach over medium
heat until nicely browned, turning once. Makes 36 Kreplach.
Suzanne Jones is a resident at John Knox Village. She
also is the author of the book READABLE, DOABLE AND DELICIOUS:
REQUESTED RECIPES AND STORIES FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT.
ohn Knox Village
located in Pompano Beach is South
Florida’s largest
not-for-profit continuing care retirement
community — and is
home to more than
900 residents.
One of the keys to
The Village’s success
has been the commitment to a wellbalanced and varied
activities and events
calendar. Every day,
there are numerous
scheduled gatherings
that cultivate fitness,
education, recreation, creativity and
Margaret Castendyck (left) with
socialization.
daughter Carol Ripley and Gigi.
Whether it is aerobics, balance, pilates,
swimming or supervised exercise, there are plenty of opportunities to get fit and stay in shape. Lectures,
technology and photography classes, the book club and chats with medical professionals, all give residents a wealth of new knowledge to pique interests and educate in
a wide range of topics.
From dinner outings, to concerts and theatre, a wide selection of events outside
The Village maintains that important connection with Village residents and the local
Pompano Beach/Fort Lauderdale community.
Socialization is a key element in The Village’s Seven Dimensions of Wellness program — originally developed by Bill Hettler of the National Wellness Institute.
Several years ago, Gloria and Richard Tomey moved to The Village. Despite recently
losing her husband, Gloria is thriving with friends and family. She has four daughters
who all live in the immediate area. At JKV, she continues to use the pool, grow vegetables on her apartment patio and often gathers with friends for puzzles and games.
“John Knox Village has been an incredible place for them to live,” said her daughter, Theresa McIntosh. “I knew my father would need some extra care in the future,
and didn’t want mom to have that burden of providing care for him. Mom is incredible. She is very vibrant, even working two days a week in my acupuncture office.”
“We are grateful The Village offered independent living, where our parents could
make friends, stay active and enjoy the rest of their lives,” said daughter, Brenda
Sellers.
It’s All In The Family
Dirk DeJong, Vice Chairman of The Village’s Board of Directors, and his father
and stepmother, Don and Joyce DeJong, are another family that appreciates the opportunities in The Village. The DeJongs moved into JKV in December of 2012. They
both stay active. Don is a member of the Villagers Men’s Chorus, and became the new
President of the Rotary Club at JKV on July 1.
Don and Dirk DeJong with their 1937 Buick.
Focus On Social Wellness
Each month The Village has focused on one of the seven dimensions, including
Dirk shares a bond with his dad. The two own a 1937 Buick Series 40 Tourphysical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, and occupational. This month, The
ing Sedan that they showcase at area car shows. The DeJongs and the Buick have
Gazette focuses on social wellness, which encompasses communication, developing
appeared in The Village’s annual Holiday Parade, Classic and Antique Car Show and
the capacity for intimacy, contributing to the community, accepting others different
in the community’s marketing materials.
from you and cultivating a support network of caring friends and/or family members.
But the family ties do not end there. Dirk’s father-in-law, Frank Furman, is a resiVillage residents have numerous opportunities to remain socially active. Whether
dent. Founder of Furman Insurance, Inc. in Pompano
gathering for an organized activity or enjoying a meal
Beach, Frank and his wife, Martha Jane, call JKV their
together in the Dining Room or participating in the wor“We
are
grateful
The
Village
home. Frank served on The Village’s Board of Directors
ship services on Sunday or volunteering their time, there is
for over 31 years.
always something to do at JKV.
offered independent living,
The Village has so much to offer for senior residents
Social wellness isn’t limited to the boundaries of the
where
our
parents
could
make
through the life care contract in terms of security, care and
65-acre campus. The majority of Village residents moved
wellness. There is also a tremendous peace of mind for
friends, stay active and enjoy
from the nearby greater Fort Lauderdale area. Essentially
residents and their families because the burden of care is
they just changed their address and were able to remain
the
rest
of
their
lives.
”
relieved at John Knox Village. Parents and their children
involved with their local social and service organizations,
understand that they can go about their lives knowing
dine at their favorite restaurants, maintain relationships
that whatever happens in the present and future, the care the resident needs will be
with longtime friends and attend their own places of worship.
provided.
Their new lifestyle gives them more time to indulge in their hobbies and social
lives. In addition, family members have been very supportive of their decision, as it
Learn about the benefits of life care by calling the John Knox Village Marketing
removes most of the potential burden of how future care will be provided for their
Department at (954)-783-4040. Or plan to attend the upcoming “Family Affair” dinloved ones, if necessary.
ner on September 18 to find out more about The Village.
Staying Close To Family And Friends
Over the years, family members have expressed their gratitude to The Village.
In January of 2010, Robert and Margaret Castendyck moved from Illinois to their
Heritage Tower apartment to be closer to family. Their daughter, Carol Ripley, continues to applaud The Village’s services.
“Shortly after moving in, dad had experienced a fall. It was about 2 a.m. in the
morning when he returned to The Village from the hospital. The Wellness Nurses were
there waiting every step of the way to make sure he was comfortable and had proper
care,” she said.
Carol is impressed by the wisdom of her parents in deciding to move to John Knox
Village. “There are so many wonderful people living and working at JKV. We always
enjoy coming to visit my parents,” Carol said. “I can’t say enough positive about the
experience the entire family has had with mom and dad moving to The Village.”
Daughter Theresa McIntosh (left) with mother
Gloria Tomey and daughter Brenda Sellars.
You Are Invited To A Family Affair
Thursday, September 18 At 6 P.M.
I
f you are age 62 or greater and are interested in providing the peace of mind of life
care for yourself and your family, then plan to attend a “Family Affair” dinner and
learn about life at John Knox Village from the marketing staff, Village residents and
their families. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 in The Village’s Lakeside Dining Room.
Seniors and their adult children are invited to join us. You’ll experience the hospitality and camaraderie of Village life with residents. Enjoy a great dinner and bring
your questions. Our residents will be happy to share their own experiences, and how
John Knox Village has provided security and peace of mind to them and their families.
There will be a short presentation by the marketing department as well as residents
and their sons and daughters.
According to Christopher Miller, public relations manager at John Knox Village,
the “Family Affair” will be a great opportunity for visitors to meet new friends and
become acquainted with life in The Village.
“We have so many extended families who built upon their parents’, and even
grandparents’ experiences in sharing community life,” Miller said. “In fact, Pam
Gardner became our first 3rd generation resident when she moved into her villa in
2012. Her parents and her grandparents all were residents of John Knox Village in the
decades before her. The satisfaction that her mom and dad, and grandfather and grandmother enjoyed, made it an easy decision for Pam to make the move to The Village
from her home in Delray Beach while still in her 60s.”
Plan to join us for this relaxed “Family Affair” and get to know the community, the
benefits of life care and our family of residents and staff. Call to make your reservations to the Marketing Department at (954) 783-4040. Be sure to bring the family
and enjoy dinner with us.
Page 5
Exercise Enhances
Brain Function
T
he benefits of exercise have long been researched as preventive medicine for risk factors related to chronic diseases.
Exercise is known for lowering resting blood pressure and
increasing HDL ‘good’ cholesterol, improving insulin tolerance
to lower elevated blood sugars, reducing high waist circumference and alleviating joint pain and stiffness.
This evidence has led to the development of guidelines for the
frequency, intensity, time and the type of exercise necessary for
keeping in good condition. Interestingly, exercise does not just
improve physical health, but also strengthens the brain’s ability
to function.
The Anatomy Of A Neuron
Physically active people will often say the reason they exercise is because they “feel so good when they are finished.”
Documented evidence has determined this “unexplained
feeling” to be a continuation of the brain’s response to exercise. The brain receives a “boost” from the transmission of
neurotransmitters.
The brain is a very complex organ with over 100 billion nerve
cells called “neurons.” You can use your arm and hand as a
simple model of a neuron. Hold out your arm to the side of your
body and spread your fingers. The palm of your hand represents
the “cell body,” known to resemble the shape of a fried egg with
a big yolk in the middle. The cell body houses the control center
of the neuron.
Your fingers represent “dendrites,” which resemble the bare
branches of a tree in the winter. These dendrites bring information to the cell body from other neurons. The length of your arm
represents the “axon,” similar to the shape of a garden hose with
many lengths. Axons take information away from the cell body
to the next neuron.
The end point of an axon is referred to as a “synaptic knob”
which has a little swelling and stores neurotransmitters in “vesicles,” similar in shape to a fluid-filled blister. The synaptic knob
forms “synapses or connections” with the dendrites of other neurons by way of a tiny gap, called a “synaptic cleft.” This is the
site for the release of neurotransmitters.
The Role Of A Neuron
Neurons are known as “excited cells.” Once their dendrites
become stimulated, an electrical signal is sent to the cell body,
and then fires down the axon at about 120 mph. Once the electrical signal arrives at the synaptic knob, it gets chemically converted by stored neurotransmitters.
The neurotransmitters get carried across the synaptic cleft and
diffuse, only to be reconverted back to an electrical signal for the
connecting neuron.
Benefits Of Exercise
Exercise plays a positive role in the transmission of neurotransmitters by enlarging blood flow to the brain. As a result,
brain function gets a boost by the increased amount, speed and
frequency of the neurotransmitters.
Exercise also increases communication across synapses, perks
up your mood, reduces anxiety, acts as a natural antidepressant,
helps you age gracefully with better maintenance of cognitive
function and best of all, makes you feel good!
Although evidence-based research for brain health is not as
well known as preventive medicine for chronic disease, the facts
on exercise and brain function are undeniably important. Be good
to your body and your brain: don’t skip that daily work-out!
– Jill Porter, B.S., ACSM-HFS
John Knox Village Fitness Professional
Pets of the Month
Almost everyone in John Knox Village knows Tequila (Tiki)
and Margareta (Maggie), the two chihuahuas owned by Ann
Grignon of Village Towers. They will be 8 years old this year.
They are faithful companions and have certainly changed the
way most people feel about chihuahuas. If you have a special pet
that you would like to showcase, please e-mail a photo and 50 words
describing why your pet should be selected as The Gazette’s “Pet
of the Month.” E-mail your entry to: [email protected]
The John Knox Village Gazette
Page 6
August 2014
Rooftop Solar Arrays May Help Put Coal Plants Out To Pasture
75 percent
“For several days the price, normally around
of its energy
$40-$50 a megawatt hour, hovered in and around needs met
zero. Prices were deflated throughout the week,
through the use
largely because of the influence of one of the
of renewable
newest, biggest power stations in the state –
energy sources,
rooftop solar.”
according to
Negative wholesale prices for electricity are
an article in
not unknown in Australia, according to Giles,
CleanTechnica.
but they typically occur in the middle of the
That was just
night. It can be costly to completely shut off a
the percentage
power plant and then fire it back up again, so
at that moment;
when demand for electricity largely disappears
but overall Gerin the middle of the night, coal plant operators
many has been
have been known to pay for clients to absorb
using renewtheir electrical output so the coal plant doesn’t
able energy to
have to shut down.
meet a stillbatteries appear to be years away from being as
remarkable 30
A Shock To The System
cheap and powerful as they need to be.
percent of its needs for the year.
Still, the dream of a world largely free of the
For prices to go negative in the middle of the
Grid
And
Bear
It
many problems created by burning coal is getday — when so many electrical devices are runting closer to being a reality.
ning in homes or at work — is a shocking develThe huge inroads that consumer-based roofopment for coal plant operators.
top solar is making is in many ways a
But it’s a welcome development for those
welcome development, bringing with
concerned about the pollution coal produces.
it the promise of clean, cheap energy.
Rooftop solar
However, it is not without
is now producits complications. Most
ing more than
consumers will still rely on
“The impact has been so
3,400 megabeing attached to the grid to
profound,
and
wholesale
watts of power
get power when the sun isn’t
cientists concerned about global warming worry
for Australia.
prices pushed so low, that shining, and power plants
about how to quickly remove large amounts of
“The impact
say they can’t maintain that
carbon dioxide from the air. The carbon dioxide that
few coal generators in
has been so
grid without all the revenue
comes from burning fossil fuels is the main driver of the
profound, and
Australia made a profit
they used to get from being
‘greenhouse effect.’
wholesale
the main source of energy.
Plants will naturally ‘consume’ carbon dioxide and
last year..”
prices pushed
In Hawaii, there has been
replace it with oxygen, but this process can take an
down so low,
an enormous surge in the
extremely long time. A new book by Courtney White
that few coal generators in Australia made a
demand for rooftop solar. But the issue
suggests there are ways to speed up this process and
profit last year,” Giles adds. “Hardly any are
of how to cover the cost of grid mainregenerate tired soils at the same time.
making a profit this year. State-owned generators tenance has prompted a holdup in the
like Stanwell are specifically blaming rooftop
issuance of permits for solar installation, Proven Techniques Help Restore Balance
solar.”
as consumers, regulators, and the utilities
In Grass, Soil, Hope: A Journey Through Carbon
Australia is not alone in getting a big boost
wrestle with the issue of how to pay for
Country, Courtney talks about the integrated agriculture
from renewable energy. On a recent day in
the grid.
and grazing techniques that can speed up the transfer of
Germany, the country was getting a whopping
And in Germany, the very success of
carbon from the air and back into the soil.
the country’s shift to renewable
“It has long been the conventional wisdom of scienergy has fueled some angry
ence that it takes eons to create an inch of soil (and but
opposition to the cost of the sub- a single season to destroy it),” says science journalsidies which enabled that shift.
ist Michael Pollan in a forward to Grass, Soil, Hope.
The ultimate solution would
“This book brings the exceptionally good news that
be the development of cheap,
this conventional wisdom no longer holds: with good
durable batteries that could
husbandry, it is possible to create significant amounts of
absorb all the power that roofnew soil in the course of a single generation.”
top solar generates, and have it
“A highly efficient carbon cycle captures, stores,
ready to use when the sun isn’t
releases, and recaptures biochemical energy, making
shining. When and if such bateverything go and grow from the soil up,” writes Courtteries become readily available,
ney, adding that the techniques to restore this cycle are
many households will be able
not new or speculative.
to completely unhook from the
“Over the past thirty years, all manner of new ideas
grid. There have been some
and methods that put carbon back into the soil and
amazing technological innovareduce carbon footprints have been field-tested and
tions in that arena, but such
proven to be practical and profitable,” he says.
FROM “ROOFTOP” ON P. 1
New Hope Arises In Struggle
To Reclaim The Carbon In
The Air
S
Helpful CCRC Services Highlight Hidden Costs Of Staying Home
for your window if hail damages it.
than not, you pay for homeowner’s These quick repairs, though they
insurance,
may seem small,
electric, cable,
certainly add up
These
quick
repairs,
water, sewer,
over the years you
internet, telespend in your home.
though
they
seem
phone and
I’ve spoken to
small,
certainly
add
groceries, not
residents of various
to mention the
retirement comup over the years
unexpected
munities to find
you
spend
in
your
expenses such
out what they think
as a new roof,
about the financial
home.
or regular mainbenefits of moving
tenance items
to a continuing care
like repainting, landscaping, and
retirement community. Here’s what
winterizing your home.
they have to say:
“I really thought that finanServices Are A Real Value
cially, I would be really giving up
When you move into a continutoo much to move into a commuing care retirement community,
nity,” said Ken Smith, a resident
generally, your utilities, food,
of Lakeview Village in Lenexa,
housekeeping, landscaping, and
Kansas. “I went 3 or 4 times to an
maintenance are all included! You
excellent financial advisor, and the
don’t even have to run to the store
more we went through the numfor new light bulbs if one of yours
bers it became more obvious that I
stops working, or buy a new screen would be doing something like an
FROM “COSTS” ON P. 1
annuity – I was
using the equity
in my home to
have more security in the long
term.”
Ken added,
“I really went
with the numbers, but I still
had a sense of
mistrust that I
wouldn’t get
out of it what I
put into it. I’ve
discovered after
living here for
two years, my
checkbook establishes that I am on
the right track.”
Facing The Myth
“[Staying in your home being a
better financial decision] is surely a
myth,” stated Ed Coates, a resident
of Springmoor Life Care Retire-
ment Community
in Raleigh, North
Carolina. “We have
found that since
we have been at
Springmoor, the
monthly resources
seem to accumulate
more than when we
were living in and
having to maintain
our house.”
Don’t rule out
a continuing care
retirement community because
you’re afraid of the
cost. Do an honest
assessment of how much it costs to
stay in your home, and then visit
communities and get pricing information – you may be surprised at
what you find! Carry on!
For more from Ann Burnside
Love, see story on next page!
The John Knox Village Gazette
August 2014
Page 7
Highly Acclaimed ‘The Thin Red Line’ Deserves To Be Seen
I
n the summer of 1998, Saving Private Ryan hit
the theaters. This Spielberg movie was rightly
hailed for the extraordinary realism of its D-Day
re-creation and its compelling storyline. It won
five Oscars and was enormously popular, grossing over $200 million, according to the Internet
Movie Database (IMDB).
Less than a year later, there was another bigbudget World War II movie released.This one
was also extraordinarily realistic and gripping,
B
7
8
18
13
15
24
29
31
34
37
and boasted a star-studded cast.
It lost money.
Terrence Malik’s The Thin Red Line wasn’t
exactly neglected — it was critically acclaimed,
grossed
close to $40
million, and
was nominated for
seven Oscars
— but the
fact that
this superb
movie lost
money
strikes me
as a kind of
injustice.
Why did
Saving Private Ryan resonate so strongly with
movie goers, while The Thin Red Line did not?
Japanese Empire of that era had any redeeming
qualities.
So in both movies, there’s a clear sense that
America is fighting the Bad Guys.
But Ryan boasts a tighter focus, with
Tom Hanks embodying the reluctant hero
(Captain Miller) who embraces the bitter
hell of war because it’s a job that must be
done to protect that which he — and we
— hold dear. There’s tragedy in Ryan,
but it’s the tragedy of watching what is
lost in our collective quest to save ourselves from evil.
James Caveziel’s Private Witt plays
a similar role in The Thin Red Line. But
Director Terrence Malik’s take on war
is much more brooding and ambivalent
than Steven Spielberg’s. There is a sense
that, even in victory there is tragedy.
In one scene, as the Americans eventually
rout a Japanese unit after brutal, costly fighting,
we see the surviving Japanese as a collection of
A Difference In Mood
half-starving, indoctrinated boyish young men.
There are a
Terrence Malik’s movie deserves
number of clear
to be remembered. The cinematograDirector
Terrence
differences
phy is exquisite, as one might expect
between the two
from the director who gave us the
Malik’s
take
on
war
is
films. Perhaps
visual masterpiece, Days Of Heaven.
much
more
brooding
the least imporThe supporting cast includes Nick
tant is the fact
Nolte, Sean Penn, John Reilly, John
and ambivalent than
that Ryan was
Travolta, Woody Harrelson, John
Steven
Spielberg’s.
set in Europe,
Cusack, and George Clooney … a
while The Thin
few in little more than bit parts.
Red Line was set in the Pacific. While the Third
It’s a brilliant but unsettling movie that may
Reich may have justly earned the reputation
stay with you for days.
as the ultimate evil, few would argue that the
—Bert Meisel
efore I moved to my independent living retirement community, I admit I was bugging
my children for information or
assistance undoubtedly more than
I realized. They have always been
good-natured about this, but their
by Ann Burnside Love
demanding professional and family
schedules didn’t really have room
for things I impulsively just picked or another as needed. And they did
to doctor’s appointments when I
up the phone and asked about.
it with patience and kindness. I
shouldn’t drive myself
(Especially
also worked hard to conceal irrita• Fix a lamp or replace ceiling
9
10
11irksome to them when I
didn’t remember I’d already asked.) tion, worry over upset schedules
light bulbs
Anything sound familiar yet?
and constant fatigue, except when
• Put a heavy sliding door blind
“But
sorely pushed.
back up
there were
• Replace my
18
So
now
I
know
for
The
Virtue
Of
Self
special
dead microwave
Reliance
circum• Put a shower
a fact my move
21
stances!” I
Thus, I’ve always been
door back on its
was as good for
25
plead.
independent by nature and
sliding rails
Maybe.
my children, in
by need, which my whole
• And much
Since I
demonstrated until I
more, such as
countless ways, as life
myself had
became semi-retired, after
keeping my
it has been for me. health challenges interbecome,
apartment sparas an only
vened. Again, sound famil- kling — and
child and a young widow, responiar? So now I know for a fact my
serving delicious
sible for a series of elderly relamove was as good for my children, meals!
tives, including in-laws, while my
in countless ways, as it has been
Things my
four children were still young,
for me. Especially that I am safe
children who live
they grew up knowing about the
through storms, winds and political nearby still do
Ann Burnside Love
recurring needs of the elderly and
irresponsibility. (No, no, not that
regularly, now
actually taking part. They helped
last! That’s just mental churning!)
that I am no
them move, for example, or gave
Now I have access to good
longer a young
routine/frequent help of one sort
people ready to:
retiree:
• Dig my car out
• One, who is president of the
of the snow and
company I founded, takes me to
Answer to Crossword
clean sidewalks
lunch twice a month for updates. He
• Drive me
also provides transportation to his
T O MM Y
J A M E S
children’s sports
events, theater
U N I T E D
M E T H Answer to Headline Scramble
performances
T E N
N
S P I R O
M
S B
Y
and school
occasions.
A
U
R
R
E R E C T
T
N U N
• Two are
S
G M
A
T
L O R E L A I
S D
computer
S
M I
C I
E
savvy and can
A U S T
F R A N C E
E
E
C
N
P
respond when I
N K R E P L A C H O P
G S
Y N T
T E A L
have computer
L A F F A I R
T
U
or associated
E
F L O E
T A N L
L
I
A B F
P
printer or other
E
M
L
O
T O
R E A R
S
gear challenges.
W E
O
O N
They are priceS M O K E
U C L A
D
S
R
less assists for
R I D
D O R K Y
H E L P F U L
a writer with
Declaring Your Independence!
Is Your Move Also
Liberating Your Children?
√ACCLAIMED
√PUPPETRY
√SOLAR
√ROOFTOP
WELLNESS
√KREPLACH
√BRAIN
√AFFAIR
√SUMMER
√MAGIC
deadlines who goes crazy when
…………
• One is my financial advisor
and also helps me get ready for tax
preparers.
• One has told me to call her first
before becoming big-time agitated
when I can’t find something important. She has generously provided
endless kindnesses for years.
• They invite me to all sorts of
delightful occasions and pick me up
at the door.
• They phone to check in regularly or irregularly,
which I appreciate
beyond measure.
• One makes me
laugh until my ribs
ache.
Not Alone Anymore
I’m sure you could
prepare your own
list of things your
children, other relatives, professionals
or friends do to assist
you from time to time.
(Few retired people of
my age are still on a
schedule such as mine,
which has its ridiculous aspects.)
Next Independence Day, may
you find peace of mind and time to
participate at the retirement living
community of your choice. They
all offer a whole gamut of activities
and services to make life enjoyable
for you. And, for heaven’s sake,
remember that independence has
limits! You aren’t alone anymore!
Carry on!
An accomplished writer and
dedicated grandmother, Ann Burnside Love lives at a retirement community in Maryland. Check out her
blog, “Love Notes: Inside Retirement
Living,” at:
BloggingForRetirees.blogspot.com
The John Knox Village Gazette
Page 8
August 2014
If You Are Confused With Technology, Reserve Your
Place in the Technology For Seniors Classes
John Knox Village is offering technology classes to readers of the Gazette.
The dates are Thursday, August 7, and Tuesday, August 26. There will be a
four-part series of classes:
1. Learn the basics of computers, including e-mail.
2. Social media is a wonderful way to keep in contact with friends
and family. Facebook, YouTube, Skype and others will be covered.
3. Online shopping and protecting yourself from identity theft.
4. Bring in your iPads, smartphones and other handheld devices.
Ask questions about them, and learn about other fun gadgets.
The first two classes will be taught on the 7th, followed by the other two on the 26th.
Times are 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. both days. Classes are one hour each with a 30-minute break in
between both times. Attendees can sign up for any or all of the four classes. You do not have to be
at the first class, for example, to also benefit from the last scheduled session. Refreshments will be
served. The classes will be held in the Hibiscus Room in the Village Centre at John Knox Village.
Call the Marketing Department at (954) 783-4040 to make a reservation.
About the instructor: Maurice Scaglione is the owner of Stupid Computers, Inc.
Maurice teaches computer/technology classes twice monthly to residents of John Knox Village.
I
f you have been thinking about making the move to life care living,
but have been waiting for just the “right” time, then make sure you
visit John Knox Village to find out about the “Summer Savings” event.
Currently apartments are offered
with three different
levels of upgrades:
The Signature, The Premiere and The Platinum.
Now through September 30, you will receive a Premiere Upgrade
Package at no additional cost beyond the base entrance fee on any onebedroom residence. This will save you thousands on the most popular
upgrades available to customize your home just the way you like it.
For information on the “Summer Savings” event, call The Village
Marketing Department at (954) 783-4040.
Summer Savings Event:
Premiere Decor Upgrade
Featured Home Of The Month
Join The Senior Connection Club At
A Complimentary Brunch August 14
S
eniors looking for great times,
friendships, and the opportunity
to enjoy lunch outings, trips to local
attractions, concerts and social gatherings need to attend this summer’s 2nd
Senior Connection Club’s Membership Brunch on Thursday, August 14
at 10 a.m. The Brunch will be held in
the John Knox Village Towers Party
Room.
Learn about the benefits of membership in this South Florida Social
Club designed specifically for adults
age 62 and greater. The Club is a community outreach program for all
seniors and is coordinated by John Knox Village in Pompano Beach.
Members enjoy life to its fullest potential with like-minded people
through sharing social activities, entertainment, lunch outings and travel.
Summer Special – Free Membership
Club membership is just $15 per year, but anyone attending the
Membership Brunch will receive membership at no cost through the end
of the year. There are benefits to membership including discounts, free
transportation to select venues and hosted parties. Just sign up and get
involved. For most events all you have to do is pay your own way – no
additional costs or fees. Plus you will benefit from group rates on many
attractions. Golfers can take advantage of membership rates at four
country clubs in the North Broward area.
Call (954) 783-4040 to reserve your place for the brunch, so we
know how many guests and future members to expect.
Looking For A Topical Speaker
For Your Next Meeting Or Event?
• Exceptional 1 Bedroom/1.5 Bath
Village Towers Apartment Home
• Platinum Decor Upgrade Included
• Long-term Care Insurance Included
Just $164,600
As a reader of the Gazette, you have the first opportunity to make the
move into this convenient one bedroom, one and a half bath apartment
home. As part of the “Summer Savings” incentive program, this 790 square
foot home includes a Bonus Platinum Upgrade.
• Upgraded cabinets in amber suede
• Granite countertops
• Stainless steel appliances
• Stainless steel under mount sink with pull-out faucet
• Ceramic tile in kitchen and entry
• Eat-in kitchen with pass through
• Upgrade carpet in bedroom
• Crown molding
• Southern exposure
• Screen porch
Enjoy the carefree lifestyle that comes with a comprehensive long-term
care policy, unlimited access to John Knox’s amenities (swimming pool,
fitness center, dining, transportation and on-site health care), a wonderful
location and so much more.
Call today to find out more: (954) 783-4040!
Do you need a qualified expert to address your senior group on a
range of vital topics that concern and interest them today and in the
future? Then give the John Knox Village Speakers Bureau a call.
The John Knox Village Speakers Bureau presents informative
and educational presentations on topics of interest to older adults,
their families and caregivers.
The senior management team, health care professionals,
foundation officers, board members and residents have a wealth of
knowledge on retirement living options, senior services, wellness
and fitness, long-term care and financial strategies.
The speakers are all experts in their chosen fields of senior
services and on the various issues that affect seniors including:
financial planning for the future, reviewing the many retirement
lifestyle choices, choosing long-term health care options and
deciding when is the right time to move to a retirement community.
We are here to present ideas and to answer questions about how
to make retirement as fulfilling as it can be. The many John Knox
Village speakers include a diversity of backgrounds with experience
in many areas of interest and concern to today’s seniors.
• Qualified experts to discuss long-term care and retirement
options.
• Fitness and Wellness speakers who specialize in a senior
clientele.
• Skilled Nursing Care professionals to discuss home health
services, assisted living and nursing home options.
• Active seniors who can speak on antique car collecting,
kayaking, SCUBA diving, biking, traveling, digital
photography, volunteering and more.
If you are looking for a dynamic speaker to address senior topics for your church, social club or group, please call The Village’s
Marketing Department at (954) 783-4040 to arrange a speaker.