D E C E M B E R, 2016 – J A N U A R Y 2017 Martin ‘ SENIOR ‘ FOCUS

Martin Co. Council on Aging, Inc. NON-PROFIT 201 Lee Street ORGANIZATION P. O. Box 1023 US POSTAGE PAID Williamston, NC 27892 EVERETTS NC Telephone: 252/792-1027 PERMIT Fax: 252/792-9141 1

Merry Christmas

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES STAFF

Office Hours – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Telephone 252/792-1027

Monday – Friday Fax 252/792-9141 Charmaine Hardison --------------------------------------------------------------- Director Lisa P. Edmonds -------------------------------------------------------- Assistant Director Edna Minor --------------------------------------------------------------------- Receptionist Martha J. MacDonald --------------------------------------Senior Information Specialist Deborah Hollis --------------------------------------------- Health/Wellness Coordinator Jessica Godard---------------------------------------------In-Home Aide Coordinator/RN Carol Leggett---------------------------------------------------Administrative Coordinator Cathy Taylor----------------------------------------------------Nutrition Site Coordinator Jamesville Activity Site Manager, Carolyn Thompson----------------------- 792-1215 Oak City Activity Site Manager, William Bridgers---------------------------- 798-9761 Robersonville Activity Site Manager, Vivian Powell-------------------------- 795-4580

MARTIN COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING, INC. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Angela Bell John Ouellette Dinah Gradis Carolyn Harrell Elmo “Butch” Lilley Wayne Peel Lula Council Nola Pritchett Steve Minor

MISSION STATEMENT

The Martin County Adult & Aging Services Department responds to older adults’ needs and interests by providing resources and programs that enhance independence, personal growth, and self-esteem.

UNITED FUND

The Martin County Adult & Aging Services Department receives funding from the Martin County United Fund.

Are you getting the most out of your Medicare

Prescription Drug Plan?

Let us give your plan a check up!

It will soon be time to evaluate your current Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and see what’s new for 2017! Or, check to see if you may qualify for help with paying your premiums and drug co-payments. Changes to your Medicare will be effective on January 1, 2017, but you must make the changes during the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment now begins October 15 and ends December 7, 2016. Trained SHIIP counselors are available throughout North Carolina to help you make changes to your plan and apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration. You can call the Martin County Adult & Aging Services the last of September or first of October to make an appointment.

Please call 792-1027 for an appointment.

REMEMBER OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR

MEDICARE D - (MEDICINE) IS

OCTOBER 15, 2015 THRU

DECEMBER 7, 2015 CALL

792-1027 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

COUNTY WIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

SENATOR BOB MARTIN EASTERN AGRICULTURAL CENTER

MEETING ROOM

DOORS WILL OPEN AT 10:30 AM NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED

BEFORE 10:30 AM

MERRY CHRISTMAS &

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING

SERVICES STAFF

COUNTY WIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

SENATOR BOB MARTIN EASTERN AGRICULTURAL CENTER

MEETING ROOM

DOORS WILL OPEN AT 10:30 AM NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED

BEFORE 10:30 AM

MERRY CHRISTMAS &

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MARTIN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING

STAFF

WHAT MONTH IS DECEMBER?

Month

Buckwheat Month: Designated the “December Grain of the Month” by the Whole Grains Council, buckwheat contains higher levels of zinc, copper, and manganese than other cereal grains, along with a very high level of protein. It’s used in soba noodles, crepes, blintzes, pancakes, and other delicious foods. National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: This holiday season, make sure to plan for a safe way home, especially if your plans involve alcohol. If someone you know is drinking, don’t let that person get behind the wheel. Remember, too, that just because you’re driving sober, others on the road may not be. Always buckle up, drive with caution, and call 911 to report a suspected drunken driver. Safe Toys and Gifts Month: Prevent Blindness America has declared December Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, encouraging gift-givers to consider whether the toys they plan on giving suit the age and individual skills and abilities of the child who will receive them—especially for children under age 3. Universal Human Rights Month: This month commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on Dec. 10, 1948. Driven by the human tragedy of World War II, this document represents the first global expression of human rights. Weekly National Handwashing Awareness Week, Dec. 4-10: Remember these four principles of hand awareness to stay healthy: Wash your hands when they’re dirty and before eating; don’t cough into your hands; don’t sneeze into your hands; and avoid putting your fingers into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 5-9: Promoting greater understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation so older adults can remain active in the community by shopping, working, or volunteering—with the confidence that lack of transportation options will not strand them at home. Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 5-11: Computer Science Education Week is an annual program dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take an interest in computer science. Computer Science Education Week is held in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Adm. Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). Kwanzaa, Dec. 26-Jan. 1: A weeklong celebration held in the United States and in other nations honoring African heritage in African-American culture, culminating in feasts and gift giving. Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–67.

Daily

Santa's List Day, December 4: Have you been good all year? Have you been Naughty? Or, have you been nice? Santa knows. Pearl Harbor Day, December 7: This day commemorates the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack began at dawn December 7, 1941. It crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and caused the U.S. to enter World War II. Winter Solstice Begins, December 21, 2016: Winter Solstice marks the beginning of winter and is the shortest day of the year. On this day, it seems as if the nighttime darkness lasts all day and all night. At the North Pole, the sun never rises on this day. Christmas Day, December 25: A holiday around the world celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Bacon Day, December 30: Bacon Day celebrates crispy strips of salted pork…Bacon! This is a day to thoroughly enjoy bacon at every meal. Snack time, too. It is recommend that you enjoy bacon today in social gatherings. So, go ahead, and have a bacon party!! Today's Motto: Everything tastes better with bacon! New Year's Eve, December 31: The evening of December 31st to the morning of January 1st is when all the fun and festivities are. We see out the old year and ring in the new. While it is often thought of as a time to drink and be merry, many people take it as an opportunity to eat and be merry.

WHAT MONTH IS JANUARY Month

National Bath Safety Awareness Month: In the United States, an average of 370 people across all age groups suffer bathtub or shower-related injuries every day. Slips, falls, and hot-water burns are the prime causes of accidents in the bath and the second leading cause of accidental death and disability. Remember: Bath safety is an integral part of general home safety. National Blood Donor Month: Some give blood because they’ve been asked to. Some know a family member or a friend who might need blood someday. Some simply believe it’s the right thing to do. Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your donation is important to maintaining a healthy and reliable blood supply. National Stalking Awareness Month: The National Center for Victims of Crime launched National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM) in January 2004 to increase the public’s understanding of the crime of stalking. The National Stalking Awareness Month website (www.stalkingawrenessmonth.org), launched in January 2009, provides a wealth of information about this crime and about the nationwide observance. National Train Your Dog Month: The Association of Professional Dog Trainers began the National Train Your Dog Month campaign in 2010 to raise awareness of the importance of socialization and training, to inform the public that training your dog can be easy and fun, and to help new pet parents start off the year right with their newest family member.

Weekly Diet Resolution Week, Jan. 1-7: This week is about focusing and altering the types of food you consume rather than just reducing the amount. Try eating at least one piece of produce every day (fruit or vegetable), eating fish at least once a month (once a week would be better), and drinking at least two glasses of water a day. National Sugar Awareness Week, Jan. 16-20: Can you go five days without sugar? Take the challenge to find out how difficult finding foods that do not contain some form of sugar can be, as well as how this substance can affect your body, mind, emotions, and life. No Name-Calling Week, Jan 16-20: No Name-Calling Week was inspired by the popular young adult novel The Misfits, by James Howe. The No Name-Calling Week Coalition was created by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children’s publishing and has been adopted by schools around the U.S., growing into one of the largest bullying-prevention initiatives in the country. International Snowmobile Safety Week, Jan. 21-29: Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting family activity enjoyed by over 4 million people across the United States and Canada. The purpose of International Snowmobile Safety Week is to expose people to safe snowmobiling practices and demonstrate how safety can prevent mishaps. Daily

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1: Sing out the old, ring in the new … National Science Fiction Day, Jan 2: An informal celebration of science fiction fans on the birthday of celebrated author Isaac Asimov. National Bird Day, Jan. 5: Nearly 12 percent of the world’s 9,800 bird species face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world’s 330 parrot species. The survival and wellbeing of the world’s birds depends upon public education and support for conservation. Martin Luther King Day, Jan 16: A national holiday celebrating the work of the African-American civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner (born Jan. 15, 1929). Inauguration Day, January 20: Inauguration Day marks the beginning of the new four year term of the President of the United States. The Inauguration of the US President garners national attention. Held in Washington D.C., the Inauguration ceremony takes place on the western front of the US Capitol Building. This day is a federally recognized holiday for all workers within the District of Columbia, and several counties in both Maryland and Virginia. Inauguration Day falls on January 20th every fourth year, unless the 20th falls on a Sunday. In this case, it is held on January 21st.

TRUE CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS BY: Joanna Fuchs

Christmas isn't showy gifts or glittering decoration;

it's honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ in humble adoration.

It's serving those less fortunate, meeting their needs before our own; it's making sure at Christmas time

that no one is alone.

It's taking what we would have spent on things that no one needs, and using it to help someone with service and good deeds.

Our Savior showed us how to live with charity, faith and service. It makes the holidays a joy,

more peaceful, and less nervous.

So let's remember Christmas is about our Savior's birth;

that's the way to happiness, the way to peace on earth.

JESUS IS THE REASON

BY: Joanna Fuchs

In Bethlehem, God gave to us the source of Christmas joy; a star shown on a miracle: the virgin birth of a boy.

He was born both God and man, a Savior for us all,

the way to get to our heavenly home, if we just heed His call.

So as we shop and spend and wrap and enjoy the Christmas season,

let's keep in mind the sacred truth: Jesus is the reason.

CHRISTIAN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS BY: Joanna Fuchs

How can I use the New Year

to better serve my Lord? I’ll read my Bible every day,

and be more in accord.

I’ll find new ways to serve others; I’ll love my neighbor, too.

I’ll focus on "give" instead of "get" in everything I do.

I’ll forgive the people I’m mad at;

Angry feelings I’ll discard; I’ll try to love my enemies,

even though it’s hard.

In the New Year, I’ll lift people up, instead of putting them down.

I’ll fill my heart with love and joy, and never wear a frown.

I’ll let go of my worries;

I’ll put it all in His hands; I’ll repent and try to sin less, and obey all His commands.

These New Year’s resolutions

are difficult, at best, but there’s something I can do each day

that will put my soul at rest.

I’ll love my Lord with all my heart, with all my mind and soul,

and if I do that essential thing, all the rest will be in control.

THIS CHRISTMAS AND ALWAYS,

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

THE KIND OF GIFTS THAT JESUS CAME TO

GIVE.

LOVE, PEACE, HOPE AND JOY!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM

THE MARTIN COUNTY

ADULT & AGING SERVICES STAFF

SEEING SANTA CLAUS

A grandmother took her grandson to the shopping mall in December to see Santa Claus. The young boy was very excited to sit on Santa’s lap. “Now, little boy,” Santa said, “tell Santa what you want for Christmas.” In a very loud voice, the boy said, “I want a NINTENDO, and a NEW BIKE, and some BOOKS, and—” “You don’t have to shout,” Santa chuckled. “Santa isn’t hard of hearing.” The boy leaned forward and whispered, “No, but my grandma is.”

THE PROFESSIONAL

A woman at work received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left the office and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication, but when she got back to her car she discovered that she’d locked her keys inside.

Desperate, she started to pray: “Dear God, please help me get back in my car so I can help my daughter.”

Just then a man pulled up on a motorcycle. He had a long beard and his arms were covered with tattoos. He asked what the matter was, and the tearful mother told him.

“Don’t worry,” the motorcyclist said. “I can get inside the car.” He went into the drugstore and came out with a coat hanger. In minutes, he had the door open.

“Oh, thank you!” the woman cried. “I prayed for someone to help me, and God sent me the kindest man in the world!”

Embarrassed, the man took a step backward. “I’m not actually a good person, ma’am. In fact, I just got out of prison last week for stealing cars.” The woman looked up toward heaven. “Thank you, God, for sending me a professional!”

DUCK HUNTING

Sam and Joe were hunting ducks in a boat on a lake. They had just taken shots at a flock of airborne ducks, but only Joe brought down a bird. Sam was a bit jealous.

The duck fell into the water on the other side of the lake, so Joe sent his dog to retrieve the bird. Sam watched in surprise as Joe’s dog jumped out of the boat and ran across the surface of the water to make the retrieval. Joe looked at his friend with an expectant smile, but Sam said nothing.

Later Joe brought down a second duck, and again his dog ran across the water to retrieve it. Sam still said nothing until Joe couldn’t contain himself any longer. “Don’t you notice something unusual about my dog?”

“Yep,” said Sam. “He sure can’t swim.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DECEMBER FRIENDS

December 10 Jill Whitfield Lucia Peele Teresa Shephard Bennie A Moore Churchill Briley December 11 Mary Magaline Perkins Marie Tyre Sudie Reason William A Day Robert D Clark December 12 O’Neil Raiford Josephine Clemons Mattlyon Staton Frankie D Evans Louise C Rogerson Christine Whitaker Ruby B Gurganus December 13 Vivian H Morris Octive Roseborough Sylvia Wilkinson Gertrude A Brown Mary Alice Bunting Elmer M Leggett Norman W Butts

December 1 Linda E Griffin Jean Edmonds Cathy Taylor Jackie Gardner Lindsay Lilley William Dugger December 2 Ruby Whitaker Patricia R Williams Harold Edmondson William R Maple Robert Wynne December 3 Florence Everett Dorothy M Rogerson Bridget James Diane Rogerson Joyce M Croom Gayle Bowen Brenda Johnson Diane Snelgrove Beatrice Copeland Barbara Harrison E J Eatmon December 4 Faye Reason Marie Highsmith Juanita S Wheelous Janice Wynne Blanche Harmon Robert Taylor

December 5 Arwilda Smith Hannah Baker Ann L White Nellie Rogerson Leroy R Reid Sr December 6 Ailiene Jones Marie R Wiggins Laurie D Joyner Lola H Capps Sarah House December 7 Charlotte L Gay Pearl W O’Mary Ruby B Whitley Rachel H Williams Rita Cannon Theodore Bowen Charlie Gurganus Bennie Peele December 8 Margaret Bailey Jackie T Ayers Douglas Cannon December 9 Hilda Rawls Gwendoline Richardson Cathryn “Kit” Reddick Ella Mae Modlin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DECEMBER FRIENDS

December 27 Audrey P Battle Joan Brown Edna Keel John Tracey Alton Highsmith December 28 Annabelle Heath Calvin Warren Billy Barber

December 29 Sue H Bell Bessie S Judge Sidney Peaks Ruby Mobley Barbara H Bowen Retha Kelton David Evans

December 30 Hazel A Stotesberry Frances Burden Davis Jenkins Eugene Richmond

December 31 Josie Lilley Smith Vivian Lacy

December 14 Mae Roberson Carol Brining Sherwood Carraway December 15 Earnest Spruill Delma E Simpson Joseph L Owens December 16 Olga M Jones Dora L Bryant Faye Calvert Ina Little Ruth Baker Vicky Chapman C Elton Hardy Alton L Croom Isaac Kukahiko December 17 Hattie B Hardison December 18 Earnestine Jenkins James O Hagwood December 19 Alverta D Smith Clara Long Elizabeth S Coltrain

December 20 Mary Pilgreen Leora Dare Andrews Patsy Curtis December 21

Larry L Isaacs December 22 Julia E Congleton Maria M Taylor Colleen H Deans Maria B Taylor

Diana Hardison December 23 Ophelia Taylor Jessie L Dolberry Annie Louise Wynne Noah S Bennett December 24

Maxine Ouelette Betty Jo Ange December 25 Velma Coltrain Roye Ann H Wallace Bettie A Hill Booker T Brown December 26 Lynn C. Beach Bonnie Howell Rachel Armston Dorothy Beach Marian Griffey Alvoria Lacy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANUARY FRIENDS

January 12 Nancy Latham Hazel K Lloyd Nancy G Manning Hazel Purvis Allen Pilgreen January 13 Myrtle Stallings January 14 Ann Higginbotham Sally Gardner Georgia Hanson January 15 Alice H Roberson Sandra H Reason January 16 Glennie James Janice Barber Ruth Miller Jessie H Rogers Roger Coltrain January 17 Ruby B Mizelle Barbara Bullock January 18 Nolie Stalls Marcia S Peele

January 1 Ollie E Slade Carol O’Rourke Raymond Bowen Ricky Dobson January 2 Agnes L Hyman Jane Bunch Mary L Holliday George Brown January 3 Alice Louise Mariner Annie Teele Ruby C Daniel Flonnie Parker Pattie Rogerson Annetta Allen Susan Jackson January 4 Katie B Price Virginia Donaldson Ann Beckwith January 5 Iredell P James Annie Ruth Manning Evelyn W Nicholson

January 6 Mary L Obenchain Helen Hopkins Willard Long William O Everett Johnnie Howard Billy Edwards

Frankie Rodgers January 7 Edna S Everett Edna W Bland Joseph Clark Joseph B “Sonny” Swain James Leo Hollis January 8 Bettie S Crandell Jenny Davis January 9 Eva Brown Thomas Gail Leggett January 10 Margaret C Allen Margaret M Hardison Joyce Hussey Janice Holliday John Ouelette Kenneth Cooper

January 11 Dorotha Baker Betty Roberson John E Nelson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANUARY FRIENDS

January 28 Nannie Ree Hill Jo Ann Getchell Jeanette Wynne Louvenia B Slade David D Scott George James Phillip Waters Johnnie Meeks January 29 Janie B Cowan Thelma E Harrison Ludie Mae Peel Sudie Hinson Jeanette Whitley Leroy Mobley January 30 Annie R Perry Margaret L Wagner Dorothy Woodworth Hugh F Smith January 31 Cherry Hampton Doris Bonds Dallas Lee James

January 19 Louvenia E Peaks Faye Lewis Marian Roberts Daniel Spell Vernon E Brown Mack Whitfield January 20 Esther C Williams Hannah Glenn Mardenia Wynn Laura Bland January 21

Grace P Whitehurst Peggy Perry Thomina L Wooten Gertrude R Warren January 22 Rebecca Whitaker Marjorie Jenkins Wildra Beacham Gloria E Roberson George T Moore January 23 Omie Roberson Betty Jones Betty Sue Davis

January 24 Laura F Lilley Melba Warren Laura L Manning Betty Mebane Bobby Davis George James January 25 Virginia Gaskins Marian E Williams Sylvia P Day January 26 Sarah Smith Eve L Thomas Martha Lee Anna Moore Chris Mobley Jeremiah Jackson January 27 Winnie E Harrell Louise B Newsome

QUILT RAFFLE THIS QUILT COULD BE YOURS!

QUILT WILL BE GIVEN AWAY DECEMBER 19, 2016. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A CHANCE

DONATIONS: 1 TICKET - $1:00 6 TICKETS - $5.00 CALL THE MARTIN COUNTY QUILTERS AT 252/802-5001

OR THE MARTIN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING

252/792-1027

DONATIONS WILL BENEFIT THE MARTIN COUNTY DEPT. OF AGING

GREETING CARDS

The Martin County Adult & Aging Services has greeting cards for sale. We have a beautiful selection of get well, sympathy, thinking of you, birthday, encouragement, anniversary, all occasion and thank you cards. Come take a look at our selection. We also have a new selection of Christmas cards.

NOTICE TO READERS

Please inform the Martin County Adult & Aging Services of any change in your address so that we may keep our records up-to-date. The post office now charges us every time they have to give us an address change. IF A NEWSLETTER IS RETURNED TO US BECAUSE OF AN ADDRESS CHANGE, WE WILL NOT REMAIL IT. Please help us keep our costs down. It will also help to insure that you receive your newsletter promptly. Thank you for your continued support.

DONATIONS NEEDED

Tired of dusting all that furniture or just want to redecorate? The Bargain Shoppe, a nonprofit organization operated by the Martin County Council on Aging, would love to help you solve your problem. We can pick up large items if necessary and provide tax letters if requested. Donations of household furniture, dishes, clothing, knick knacks, etc., would be appreciated. Proceeds from the Bargain Shoppe assist with funding programs for the seniors of Martin County. Please call us at 252-792-0851. Make a call

and leave the moving to us!

DONATIONS = DOLLARS FOR SENIOR PROGRAMS!

There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a

child! Erma Bombeck

The magic of Christmas isn’t in the presents, BUT IN HIS PRESENCE!

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and

more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. Roy L Smith

THE BIRTH OF JESUS Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2

An Angel Visits Mary

One day about 2,000 years ago an angel named Gabriel appeared to a young Jewish woman named Mary. Gabriel told Mary she would have a son, Jesus, who would be the Son of God! Mary was confused and worried about this sudden news, but she had faith in God and said, "I am the Lord's servant; let it be as you say." Journey to Bethlehem

Mary and her husband-to-be, Joseph, lived in a town called Nazareth. But they had to travel to the city of Bethlehem to register for a census ordered by the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus. Both Nazareth and Bethlehem are in the country now called Israel. It is about 65 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and the trip probably took them several days.

When Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay because the inn was already full. They ended up spending the night in a stable, a place where animals were kept. There was probably fresh hay on the floor that they used for beds.

That night, Jesus was born. There was no crib, so they laid baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. The manger probably had fresh hay in it and made a nice bed for the baby. Shepherds Visit Jesus

That night, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks of sheep. An angel appeared to them and gave them the good news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born. The angel told the shepherds they could find Jesus lying in a manger. Suddenly a whole group of angels appeared saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The shepherds hurried into Bethlehem and found Jesus in the manger, just as the angel had told them. After they had seen Jesus, they spread the news, and everyone who heard was in awe. Wise Men Visit Jesus

Sometime later, wise men, or magi, from eastern countries saw a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a new king. They came to Judea, the region around Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to worship Jesus, the new king.

A man named Herod was the king of Judea. He called the wise men to a meeting and told them to find the new king so he could go and worship him, too.

The wise men continued on to Bethlehem and followed the star until it was directly above the house where Jesus was. They found Mary and Jesus in the house and knelt down to worship Him. They brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, some of the finest things in the ancient world. Frankincense was burned to make a sweet smell, and myrrh was an expensive perfume.

After visiting Jesus, the wise men had a dream that warned them not to go back to King Herod, so they took a different route home. Journey to Egypt

King Herod lied when he told the wise men he wanted to worship Jesus. He was afraid this new "king" would replace him as king of Judea. He did not understand that Jesus would grow up to be king of God's spiritual kingdom, not king of Judea.

What Herod really wanted was to find Jesus and kill Him! Herod was furious when he realized the wise men had not come back to tell him where to find Jesus. He sent his soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all the children under two years old, thinking Jesus would certainly be one of the ones killed.

But God had told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. Joseph took Mary and Jesus to live in Egypt where they would be safe from Herod. Joseph, Mary and Jesus stayed in Egypt until Herod had died, and then they returned to Nazareth.

SENATOR BOB MARTIN EASTERN AGRICULTURAL CENTER

EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER, 2016 – JANUARY, 2017 December 3 & 4 EHA & NCHJA “C” Horse Show January 6 & 7 Indoor Dirt Karting Championships January 20 & 21 Big Daddy Motorsports Truck & Tractor Pull

Some events are free and some events have an admission charge. Dates subject to change. For more information call the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center at 792-5802.

FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS Christmas tree fires usually cause serious and costly damage. Eighteen percent of these fires were caused by a heat source too close to the tree. Improper disposal of the tree is also implicated as a cause. Here are tips to prevent this very preventable type of residential fire.

Choose fresh over cheap and dry. The fresher the tree, the less likely it will pose a fire hazard. Look for flexible needles that don't break, and a trunk with sap.

Keep the water coming. The tree stand should contain a continuous source of water and be sturdy enough to resist toppling by kids or pets.

Don't choke the cord. Attach only three maximum strings of lights to any one extension cord, then place cords along walls to prevent a tripping hazard. Never run them under rugs or carpets.

Trees don't need warmth. Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles and even a TV.

Not any lights will do. Use low energy, safe lighting that's been certified by a safety testing lab. Don't use damaged or frayed cords.

Shut off the lights. Never leave the lights on overnight. Same goes for any appliances not in use when you are home or away.

Don't keep a dry tree around. Dispose of it at this point properly. Don't even keep it in the garage.

Artificial tree safety awareness. Artificial trees should be flame resistant and have a seal for an approved safety testing laboratory if the tree contains a built-in lighting set.

Death by artificial tree. If the tree is metal, never use electric lights, as they can charge the tree and lead to electrocution.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure everyone knows its location and how to use it.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SAFETY TIPS BY: Adam Verwymeren

A house lit up with Christmas lights is a beautiful sight to behold. But stringing lights across your roof and around your home can be a real safety hazard if you're not careful. So before you flip the switch to dazzle friends and family with your spectacular light show, take a few moments to run through a quick safety checklist. Before you string up a single strand of lights, carefully check them for cracked

cords, frayed ends or loose connections. The combination of shorts in electrical lights and a tinder-dry tree can be deadly.

There are 250 Christmas tree fires and 14 related deaths each year, according to

the U.S. Fire Administration. So keep your tree well-watered. Not only will it stay fresh and green, but it might also keep your house from burning down.

Modern lights have fused plugs, preventing sparks in case of a short circuit. Ditch old strands of lights that don't have fuses and get a set of newer, safer lights.

If bulbs have burned out, replace them right away, but make sure you use the correct wattage bulbs.

Water and debris can get into outdoor sockets, so make sure outdoor lights are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet to reduce the risk of shorts and shocks.

Keep an eye on extension cords, as they can occasionally overheat. Just touch-test the cord. If it's hot, unplug it.

Don't use tacks, nails or screws to hang lights, which can pierce the cable and become electrified. Use insulated hooks instead.

When running extension cords along the ground, make sure to elevate plugs and connectors with a brick to keep snow, water and debris out of the connections.

Tape down any ground-level extensions cords to prevent people from tripping over them.

Check to make sure lights have been rated by a testing laboratory. You can see a list of federally recognized labs on the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's website.

Not all lights are rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights often have thinner insulation, which can become cracked and damaged when exposed to the elements outdoors. So make sure the ones you string up on the house belong out there.

Don't leave Christmas lights running when you go to bed at night or when you leave the house.

When you put your lights back into storage after the holidays, make sure to put them in a well-sealed container to prevent possible water damage and to block hungry rodents looking to turn the cords into lunch. My final advice? Be careful with ladders.

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Calvin Coolidge Three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included. Unknown Christmas is a time to open our hearts to god and his gifts. Just like the rest of the year. Unknown

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS MORNING Author Unknown

In September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and just 75 cents in my pocket. Their father was gone. The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was two. Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared. Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they would scramble to hide under their beds. He did manage to leave $15 a week to buy groceries. Now that he had decided to leave, there would be no more beatings, but no food either. If there was a welfare system in effect in southern Indiana at that time, I certainly knew nothing about it. I scrubbed the kids until they looked brand new and then put on my best homemade dress, loaded them into the rusty old 51 Chevy and drove off to find a job. The seven of us went to every factory, store and restaurant in our small town. No luck. The kids stayed crammed into the car and tried to be quiet while I tried to convince whoever would listen that I was willing to learn or do anything. I had to have a job. Still no luck. The last place we went to, just a few miles out of town was an old Root Beer Barrel drive-in that had been converted to a truck stop. It was called the Big Wheel. An old lady named Granny owned the place and she peeked out of the window from time to time at all those kids. She needed someone on the graveyard shift, 11 at night until seven in the morning. She paid 65 cents an hour, and I could start that night. I raced home and called the teenager down the street that baby-sat for people. I bargained with her to come and sleep on my sofa for a dollar a night. She could arrive with her pajamas on and the kids would already be asleep. This seemed like a good arrangement to her, so we made a deal. That night when the little ones and I knelt to say our prayers, we all thanked God for finding Mommy a job, and so I started at the Big Wheel. When I got home in the mornings I woke the baby-sitter up and sent her home with one dollar of my tip money-- fully half of what I averaged every night. As the weeks went by, heating bills added a strain to my meager wage. The tires on the old Chevy had the consistency of penny balloons and began to leak. I had to fill them with air on the way to work and again every morning before I could go home. One bleak fall morning, I dragged myself to the car to go home and found four tires in the back seat. New tires! There was no note, no nothing, just those beautiful brand new tires. Had angels taken up residence in Indiana I wondered? I made a deal with the local service station. In exchange for his mounting the new tires, I would clean up his office. I remember it took me a lot longer to scrub his floor than it did for him to do the tires. I was now working six nights instead of five and it still wasn't enough. Christmas was coming and I knew there would be no money for toys for the kids. I found a can of red paint and started repairing and painting some old toys - then hid them in the

basement so there would be something for Santa to deliver on Christmas morning. Clothes were a worry too. I was sewing patches on top of patches on the boy’s pants and soon they would be too far gone to repair. On Christmas Eve the usual customers were drinking coffee in the Big Wheel. There were the truckers, Les, Frank, and Jim, and a state trooper named Joe. A few musicians were hanging around after a gig at the Legion and were dropping nickels in the pinball machine. The regulars all just sat around and talked through the wee hours of the morning and then left to get home before the sun came up. When it was time for me to go home at seven o'clock on Christmas morning, to my amazement, my old battered Chevy was filled full to the top with boxes of all shapes and sizes. I quickly opened the driver's side door, crawled inside and kneeled in the front facing the back seat. Reaching back, I pulled off the lid of the top box. Inside was a whole case of little blue jeans, sizes 2-10! I looked inside another box: It was full of shirts to go with the jeans. Then I peeked inside some of the other boxes. There was candy and nuts and bananas and bags of groceries. There was an enormous ham for baking, and canned vegetables and potatoes. There was pudding and Jell-O and cookies, pie filling and flour. There was a whole bag of laundry supplies and cleaning items. And there were five toy trucks and one beautiful little doll. As I drove back through empty streets as the sun slowly rose on most amazing Christmas Day of my life, I was sobbing with gratitude. And I will never forget the joy on the faces of my little ones that precious morning. Yes, there were angels in Indiana that long-ago December. And they all hung out at the Big Wheel truck stop.

WHERE IS THE POST OFFICE?

The Rev. Billy Graham tells of a time early in his career when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy told him, Rev. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Baptist church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven.” “I don’t think I’ll be there,” the boy said. “You don’t even know your way to the post office.”

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. Oren Arnold

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE TRIVIA

Try your hand at these trivia questions about Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life.” (Answers are at the bottom of the page)

1. “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t

around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” What is the name of the stumbling, bumbling, but very lovable angel who helps George realize what a wonderful life he has?

2. What is the name of the city where this story takes place? 3. “I wish I had a million dollars!” What two words follows this George Bailey quote

twice in the film? 4. How much does Violet spend on licorice? 5. Which president’s picture hangs in George Bailey’s living room after the money

was lost? 6. What is the name of the book that Clarence is reading in the beginning of the

movie? 7. What does George pile high on Mary’s sundae even though she says she doesn’t

like it? 8. Who lost the $8,000 dollars? 9. Where is Mary working when George tries to find her after Clarence changes

everything? 10. What does it mean when a bell rings?

A MAN AND HIS DOG

A blind man was out walking with his seeing-eye dog when suddenly the animal paused and wet the man's leg. Bending down, the blind man stretched out his hand and patted the dog's head.

Having watched what happened, a bystander said, "Why are you patting him? That dog just peed on your leg!" "I know," said the blind man, "but I gotta find his head before I can kick his butt."

1. Clarence Oddbody 2. Bedford Falls 3. Hot Dog! 4. 2 cents. “Two cents worth of shoelaces?” 5. Abraham Lincoln 6. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 7. Coconut 8. Uncle Billy lost it at the bank. The envelope containing the money got wrapped up in a newspaper which Uncle Billy Left with Mr. Potter 9. The library 10. An angel gets his wings!

THE TWELEVE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS ANGEL Imagine . . . you are a lowly shepherd, watching your sheep. This night seems no different than any other. Then all of a sudden an angel of the Lord is in the sky above you . . . telling you of the Savior’s birth. You, a shepherd? Why did God send an angel to tell shepherds? Because the message that God had about the birth of Jesus was for all people! Not just for the rich, not just for the Jew . . . EVERYONE! God chose his messenger to tell the lowest of people (in the world’s eyes) of His Son’s birth! God looks at the heart – not what the world looks at – thank goodness!

Luke 2: 9-11 CANDY CANE The Candy Cane symbolizes multiple things. If you hold it upright . . . it looks like a shepherd’s crook. The shepherds were on of the few people who were able to see the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. If you turn the candy can upside down . . . it looks like a “J.” Jesus starts with J. The colors of the candy cane are also symbolic. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross and the white represents the purity of Jesus. There are candy canes with three small red stripes running around it. These stripes symbolize the Trinity – God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Who knew that this delicious simple candy was so profoundly symbolic of our Lord Jesus Christ and His simple birth?

Matthew 1:21

Holly We see holly as decorations during the Christmas season. But do we really understand what the holly stands for? The leaves represent the crown of thorns that were placed upon Jesus’ head as He was being crucified. The berries symbolize the blood that He shed for us. He endured Criticism, excruciating pain, and embarrassment . . . all for you and I. The next time you see a decoration with holly on it, remember what was done for you so that He could spend eternity with you. I know that I will.

Matthew 27: 29 CANDLE When a room is full of darkness, it is dark. But, if you light a single match in a dark room, the room is light. There may be more darkness, but the light overpowers it. We are the light. We can be the single light in a world of darkness. We must share our light with the world so that the light increases.

Matthew 5: 14-15

PRESENT These days, the world has forgotten the reason for Christmas. Most people seem to think that getting presents is the greatest thing about Christmas. Other people seem to think that presents have nothing to do with Christmas. Well, they are both wrong. The Wise men came to visit Jesus as a young child and gave Him presents. They gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh. They offered him gold, as a king, paying him tribute: frankincense, as God, for they honored God with the smoke of incense; and myrrh, as a man that should die, for myrrh as used in embalming dead bodies. These men . . . these wise men . . . saw this baby and knew that He is a king, is God and that He would die for the sins of the world. How can anyone, with the knowledge that we have now, not believe? Matthew 2: 11 BOWS & RIBBON Many people spend hours wrapping all their presents during Christmas time. They use ribbons, garland and bows to make sure that their presents are as beautiful as possible. What they don’t realize is that the items that they use to complete the outside of the gift have more meaning than the actual gift inside. The bow ties our present with a beautiful ribbon, just as Jesus ties us as Christians together in His love. We may not be in the same family, but we are all in the family of god. Jesus is the ribbon that binds us together.

Colossians 3: 14 WREATH The wreath has its evergreen branches bent in a circle so that the ends tough, having no beginning or end just as there is no beginning or end of Jesus’ eternal love for us. Just as the wreath looks the same throughout and seems to not change, so His Word will always be the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

John 17: 17 BELL The bell rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold, signifying that all are precious in the eyes of the lord. Jesus is our shepherd and He laid down His life for us so that we may spend eternity with Him in Heaven. He is calling us to follow Him through His Word. Are you going to listen?

Matthew 18: 12 & John 10: 11 COOKIES Making cookies is a favorite pastime for most families during the Christmas season. Cookie cutters are used to turn ordinary cookie dough into edible masterpieces. God doesn’t use any cookie cutters when He creates each one of us. He makes every one of us so special and unique that He would have to break the mold after just one use.

He is the potter and we are His clay. He wants to mold us into His masterpieces. We only need to be moldable and willing to follow His lead.

Jeremiah 18: 6

Ornaments Ornaments are used to decorate Christmas trees each and every year. People look for the perfect ones to fit on their tree. Our Christmas tree just wouldn’t seem complete without our ornaments. Ornaments symbolize the blessings in our lives. Our lives just wouldn’t be complete without God’s blessings. Everything that we have is due to God loving us so much that He wants to shower us with His blessings. Just as ornaments are all different shapes and sizes, blessings are all different as well. God picks and chooses each blessing for us so that it will be just right. The next time you decorate your tree, and as you put up each ornament, think of a blessing that God has given you. I think you’ll find that you’ll run out of ornaments before you can run out of blessings!

Deuteronomy 16: 17

STAR The star is a heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled ages ago, the shining hope of all mankind. The star led the wise men to find the baby Jesus. These wise men traveled many miles following a star in the sky. The star was their “guiding light” to the Savior. God was the wise men’s travel agent, in sorts, leading them to the greatest destination known to man – the Savior. We now have His Word as our “guiding light” to lead us to be with Him in heaven. Are you going to follow Him?

Matthew 2: 9-10

EVERGREEN TREE An evergreen has a very appropriate name. It is ever green – always green. It does not become dormant in the winter as most other trees do. The color green represents new life and the needles of the evergreen always point up – heavenward. It symbolizes our everlasting life with Jesus Christ. We should be as the evergreen tree – always full of life never becoming dormant in our life with Christ as our arms are lifted heavenward.

John 6: 33

Thurs. Dec. 1 10 Dominos – OC 10:30 Tri-Ominos– OC 11 Make and Bake Christmas Cookies– J 11 Bingo/Dominos - OC 11 Bible Study – R 11 Worship/Singing 12 Lunch –J,OC,R,W 1 Bingo/Dominos – OC Fri. Dec. 2 11 Games – W 11:30 Bingo – W 12 Lunch - W Mon. Dec. 5 10 Shopping Tips - OC 10:30 Tri-Ominos/Dominos - OC 11 Christmas Calendar - J 11 Dominos - OC 11 Conversation/Snacks- R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R Tues. Dec 6 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Bingo (RDC) - J 11 Bible Study - OC 11 Bingo (Prizes) - R 11 Christian Karokee - W 11:30 ABE - J 11:30 Shopping Tips – R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Wed. Dec. 7 10 Speaker. – OC 11 Bible Study – J 11 Bingo/Dominos – OC 11 Puzzle - R 11 Crafts – W 11:30 Shopping Tips -W 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Thurs. Dec. 8 10 Tri –Ominos - OC 11 Make Christmas Cards - J 11 ABE –OC 11 Hot Enough For You – R 11 Worship/Singing 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W

Fri. Dec. 9 11 Games - W 11:30 Bingo – W 12 Lunch - W Mon. Dec. 12 10 Bingo /Dominos - OC 11 Exercise - J 11 Exercise – OC 11 Exercise - R 11:30 Shopping Tips - OC 11:30 REC. - R 12 Lunch –J,OC,R 1:00 Bingo/Dominos -OC Tues. Dec. 13 All Site Closed Home Delivery Only Wed. Dec. 14 10 Shopping Tips – OC 10:30 Nutrition Ed. - W 11 Bible Study -J 11 Bingo/Dominos - OC 11 Conversation /Snacks– R 11 Humor (Linda Windley) - W 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Thurs. Dec. 15 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Shopping Tips- J 11 Bingo/Dominos – OC 11 Bible Study– R 11 Worship – W 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W 1 Bingo /Dominos – OC Fri. Dec. 16 11 Games - W 11:30 Bingo - W 12 Lunch- W Mon. Dec. 19 10 Bingo/Dominos – OC 11Move it Monday – J 11 Shopping Tips – OC 11 Games – R 11:30 Shopping Tips – R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS J = Jamesville OC = Oak City R = Robersonville W = Williamston

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS J = Jamesville OC = Oak City R = Robersonville W = Williamston

Tues. Dec. 20 10 Shopping Tips – OC 11 Trillium Christmas Card (Linda Windley)- J 11 Bible Study – OC 11 Bingo (prize) – R 11 Congregrate Christmas Party -W 11:30 Rec. – J 11:30 Nutri. Ed – R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W 1:00 Bingo/Dominos -OC Wed. Dec. 21 10 Shopping Tips – OC 11 Bible Study Christmas Party (Shamrock) – J 11 Bingo/ Dominos – OC 11 Puzzle Games – R 11 Mystery Day - W 11:30 Nutrition Ed. - R 11:30 Shopping Tips - W 12 Lunch –J,OC,R,W Thurs. Dec. 22 ALL SITES CLOSED Fri. Dec 23 ALL SITES CLOSED

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Mon. Dec. 26 ALL SITES CLOSED Tues. Dec. 27 10 Shopping Tips -- OC 11 Birthday Celebration - J 11 Bible Study - OC 11 Bingo/Corn Hole - R 11 Blood Pressure Info.- W 11:30 Shopping Tips - R 11:30 Birth Day Celebration - W 12 Lunch –J,OC,R,W 1:00 – 2:00 Domino’s - OC Wed. Dec. 28 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Bible Study – J 11 Bingo/Dominos –OC 11 Puzzle Games - R 11 Conversation /Games - W 11:30 Mind Games (with Davarius) W - 11:30 Inform/Referral - R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Thurs. Dec. 29 10 Exercise - OC 11 New Years Over View - J 11 Dominos - OC 11 Bible Study - R 11 Worship/Singing - W 11:30 Health Counseling - J 11:30 Exercise - W 12 Lunch –J,OC ,R,W Fri. Dec. 30 11 Bingo – W 11:30 Games - W 12 Lunch - W

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS J = Jamesville OC = Oak City R = Robersonville W = Williamston

Mon. Jan. 2 All Sites Closed Tues. Jan 3 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 New Year Craft (wear Blue) - J 11 Bible Study - OC 11 Bingo/Prizes - R 11 Karokee - W 11:30 Nutrition Ed. - R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W 1:00 -2:00 Dominos - OC Wed. Jan, 4 10 Nutrition Ed. - OC 11 Bible Study - J 11 Dominos - OC 11 Puzzle - R 11 Mind Games - W 11:30 Talk - J 11:30 Shopping Tips - R 12 Lunch –J,OC,R, W 1:00 – 2:00 Domino’s _ OC Thurs. Jan 5 10 Bingo/Dominos- -OC 11 Jamesville Fire Dept – J 11 Tri-Ominos - OC 11 Worship /Singing- W 11:30 Nutrition ED - J 11:30 Nutrition Ed. – R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W 1:00 – 2:00 Domino’s - OC Fri. Jan. 6 11 Games/Bingo - W 11:30 Nutrition Ed - W 12 Lunch - W Mon. Jan. 9 10 Dominos/Bingo - OC 11 Speaker- J 11 Speaker - OC 11 Exercise - R 11:30 Puzzle/Games - J 11:30 Shopping Tips - R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R, 1:00 Dominos - OC

Tues. Jan. 10 10 Shopping Tips – OC 11 Bingo (RDC) – J 11 Bible Study - OC 11 Bingo R 11Snow Man Craft - W 11:30 Shopping Tips - R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W 1:00 – 2:00 Domino’s - OC Wed. Jan. 11 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Bible Study - J 11 Dominos - OC 11 Puzzle Games - R 11 Nutrition Ed. - W 11:30 Crafts – W 11:30 ABE - J 12 Lunch –J,OC,R,W 1:00 – 2:00 Domino’s - OC Thurs. Jan. 12 10-11 Shopping Tips – OC 11 Living Will – J 11 Tri-Ominos - OC 11 Hot Enough for You (Tasting)– R 11 Worship/Singing - W 11:30 Shopping Tips – R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Fri. Jan. 13 11 Bingo /Games -W 11:30 Welfare Counseling - W 12 Lunch - W Mon. Jan. 16 Closed M.L.K.Birthday All Sites Tues. Jan. 17 10 Exercise - OC 11 Speaker - J 11 Bible Study - OC 11 Bingo/Prizes- R 11 Linda Windley -W 11:30 Nutrition - R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS J = Jamesville OC = Oak City R = Robersonville W = Williamston

Wed. Jan. 18 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Bible Study - J 11 Tri-Ominos -OC 11 Conversation /Snacks R 11 Shopping Tips - W 11:30 Winter and You - W 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Thurs. Jan. 19 10 Bingo/Dominos - OC 11 Crafts - J 11 Dominos - OC 11 Bible Study- R 11 Worship/Singing- W 11:30 Health Ed. - W 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W 1:00-2:00 Domino’s OC Fri. Jan. 20 11 Games – W 11:30 Bingo – W 12 Lunch - W Mon. Jan 23 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Coffee (with Sheriff)- J 11 Bingo/Dominos - OC 11 Puzzle Games - R 11:30 Health Counsel - R 11:30 Shopping Tips – J 12 Lunch –J,OC ,R 1:00-2:00 Domino’ Tues. Jan. 24 10 Nutrition Ed. - OC 11 Cooking With ? - J 11 Bible Study - OC 11 Word Search - R 11 Clutter and You - W 11:30 ABE - J 11:30 Tips – W 12 Lunch - W 1:00 Dominos - OC Wed. Jan. 25 10 Bingo/Dominos - OC 11 Bible Study - J 11 Welfare Counsel - OC (cont)

Wed. Jan. 25 (cont.) 11 Chair Exercise – R 11 Nutrition Ed. - W 11:30 Word Search - J 11:30 Health Counseling - R 11:30 Mind Game (Davarius) W 12 Lunch – J,OC,R,W Thurs Jan. 26 10 Shopping Tips - OC 11 Speaker – J 11 Exercise - OC 11 Bible Study- R 11 Worship/ Singing - W 11:30 Games - J 12 Lunch – J, OC ,R ,W Fri. Jan. 27 11 Bingo - W 11:30 Games - W 12 Lunch - W Fri. 29 10 Outside Activity - W 11 Elizabeth City (To Kill a Mocking Bird) -J 11 S’mores - W 12 Lunch – W Mon. Jan. 30 10 Shopping Tips – OC 11 Exercise -J 11 Tri -Ominos - OC 11 Conversation/Snacks - R 11:30 Shopping Tips -R 12 Lunch – J,OC,R ,W 1:00 Bingo/Dominos - OC Tues. Jan. 31 10 Adult Basic Ed. - OC 11 Birthday Celebration - J 11 Dominos - OC 11 Bingo - R 11 Happy New Year - W 11:30 Shopping Assistant - R 11:30 Infom/Referral - W 12 Lunch – J, OC, R, W 1:00-2:00 Domino’s - OC

Monday – Friday

9 am – 4 pm

Saturday – 9 am – 2 pm

Where shopping is a pleasure, Each item a treasure

Men’s, Women’s & Children’s Clothes

Accessories Knick Knacks

Household Furnishings

Donations to the Martin County Council on Aging, Inc.

are welcome and appreciated.

The Bargain Shoppe is operated by

The Martin County Council on Aging, Inc.

111 Washington. St.

Williamston NC 27892

792-0851

Monday—Friday

9 am—4 pm

Saturday—9 am—2 pm

OUR CARE SYSTEM (VRI)

The Martin County Adult & Aging Services now has a program that provides units to help older adults in need with just the push of a button. Now you or your loved ones don’t have to fear being alone. The units are installed in the home, connected to the phone jack. They are placed in a central location in your home, if available, so that the responders can hear you if you should call for help. The buttons are worn around the neck or around the wrist and they are waterproof. You never have to take them off. The units have a range of 600 feet, which means you can feel safe going to the mailbox or around in your yard. If you should fall or have any troubles, you can push the button. When the responders do not get a response from you, they will automatically send for help. You can also use it if you feel uncomfortable for any reason. For example, if you hear a noise outside and you’re not sure what it is, they encourage you to push the button and they’ll come on the line and talk to you until you feel comfortable. They also have a back-up battery that will last up to 80 hours, in case of a power outage. The units are available for a $10 installation fee and a $25 a month charge. If you are interested or have any questions, please call the Martin County Adult & Aging Services at 792-1027.

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. provides FREE legal services for low income senior residents of Martin County.

Landlord/Tenant Law – Consumer Law – Public Benefits Law – Employment Law Family Law – Education Law, Advance Directives

(Wills, Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney for people ages 60 and older)

For more information, Call 252-758-0113 or 252-792-1027

SHREDDERS

The Martin County Adult & Aging Services has shredders available for public use to shred any papers and junk mail you may have gotten in the mail or if you’re just cleaning out. Feel free to bring it to our office and get rid of it. This may prevent you from being a victim of identity theft.

DONATIONS AND MEMORIALS

Martin “Senior” Focus is published eleven times yearly. The $7 subscription fee will help defray the cost of publishing and mailing the newsletter. Your continued contributions will also help to offset some of these costs and will be used to help provide other services. Contributions can be made to the Adult & Aging Services Department in memory or in honor of a person or as a general donation. If you would like a card sent to someone in the family notifying them of your contributions, please let us know. The $7 subscription fee for the newsletter is not considered a memorial donation. This is because, according to the IRS, you are receiving something in return. Therefore, it has to be done separately. Checks should be made payable to Martin County Council on Aging, Inc. (MCCOA), PO Box 1023, Williamston NC 27892. Please specify exactly how you would like your money to be distributed (newsletter, donation, 2-year subscription, etc.). This will insure that your money is used exactly as you prefer. All contributions (not newsletter subscriptions) are tax deductible as provided in Section 10 of the Internal Revenue Code. The following have made donations or memorial contributions since our last newsletter: Jerry & Betty Savage Martha & John MacDonald – In Memory of Jasper & Ethelyn Jones CB & Valeria Roberson Annie & Tom Franklin – In Memory of Jasper & Ethelyn Jones CB & Valeria Roberson Betty Jean Harrison – In Memory of Elizabeth Cullipher Martin County Quilters – In Memory of Elizabeth Cullipher Betty Mobley – In Memory of Elizabeth Cullipher Julie Nichols Martha Howell – In Memory of Lynn Cutrell Peel Donald Wayne & Joyce Griffin – In Memory of Elizabeth Cullipher

MEASURING WEALTH

How much money do you have to have to be considered rich in today’s society? Some say you must have about $5 million per family member, with unearned income of about $500,000 per year to be considered rich. But I keep thinking of how many people AI know with far more than that who do not seem happy. On the other hand, I know people who have trouble paying their bills, yet are really wee-off emotionally. If you share any problem with your wife or husband, you’re rich. If you can face your parents and believe you have given back to them even a hint of what they gave you, you’re rich. Benjamin Stein

IN MEMORY

Jeffrey F Moore Larry Craig Cynthia M Peyton Christine H Scurletis James T Davis James E Woolard Ida A Stokes Emily B Kelly William C Teele Jr Milton C Jefferson Henry B Winslow Evelyn B Gurganus Jill B High Patricia Rayner Cassandra Brown Odell Thompson Janet L Ward Leon E Outerbridge Peggy J Dunham Magdalene J Jones John T Dolberry Hilda F Rawls Elizabeth G Cullipher Ben H Grimes Jacob James Perry Bryant Hilda H Williams Pauline Savage William G Long Sr Bobby W Bowen Franklin R Watson Genora L Roberson Willie Carter Jr Martha C Butts Sudie Clemons Robert J Spruill Samantha C Bolin Robano L Liverman Samuel T Roberson Alice M McIntyre Walter B Oakley Felicity C MacGrain Jerry L Jones Larry R Bullock Barbara Bowen Geraldine S Newbern Verline T Brown James H Price Ella B Baylor Melvin B Carter Jr Alice M McIntyre

SOMEONE IS MISSING AT CHRISTMAS

Let this be a loving reminder

that someone is missing today. Someone our hearts still hold on to,

as we travel along life’s way. Someone who made life so special,

for all those who gather here. Someone who won’t be forgotten, but cherished from year to year.

And now as we pause to remember, let us all fondly recall,

How dearly each one loved them and oh how they loved us all!

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Join us for our monthly caregiver support group. Sit Back, Relax and Join us for a chat

Come share your story, hear from others on this journey, and learn about

resources, techniques, and options that others have found helpful. We look forward to spending time with you.

You are invited to join us: 2nd Monday of Every Month

At 10:00 AM

Martin General Hospital Senior Circle 310 South McCaskey Road

Williamston, NC 27892

For more information you can contact, please call 252-974-1837

STAIRCASE SAFETY: TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS

A clown falling down a flight of stairs as a gag is funny. In real life, though, falling down a staircase can be dangerous, even fatal. Here are some basic tips for preventing stairway accidents in your workplace: • Handrails. Railings should extend the full length of the staircase on both sides. • Lights. The top and bottom of every stairway should be well lit, with light switches at both ends. • Rugs. Don’t leave loose rugs or carpets on the landings. Either fasten them securely to the floor so no one can trip, or get rid of them. • Steps. Make sure they’re not slippery. Put non-stick treads on each step. • Obstacles. Keep stairs clear of boxes, tools, and anything else that might clutter the path. • Packages. Don’t overload yourself when carrying items up and down the stairs. Be sure you can keep at least one hand on the rail as you ascend or descend. • The bottom step. Paint the lowest step white, especially for stairs leading into basements or other dark areas. This will make seeing the final step easier.

I WANT YOUR OLD CELL PHONE YOUR OLD CELL

PHONE = CRUCIAL SERVICES FOR SENIORS

Did you know your old cell phone can help provide essential services for our seniors? Please donate your old cell phones to:

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVIES 201 LEE STREET

WILLIAMSTON, NC 27892 252-792-1027

PLEASE NOTE: PHONE CHARGERS NOT NEEDED!

BARGAIN SHOPPE SALE

EVERY MONDAY IN DECEMBER & JANUARY

SALES WILL VARY DURING THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER & JANUARY

COME DOWN AND FIND SOME GREAT BARGAINS! 111 Washington Street

Williamston, N.C. 252-792-0851

THE MARTIN COUNTY QUILTERS INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM!

The Martin County Quilters are currently working on a quilt at the Martin County Department of Aging, 201 Lee St. They are inviting anyone that quilts or anyone that would like to learn to quilt to join them. As soon as the current quilt is finished they will begin a new quilt.

For more information you may call Mary Matamoros – 252-802-5001

or The Martin County Adult & Aging Services

at 252-792-1027.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – THE TWO LISTS BY: Scott Blum

I was fortunate to spend time with an enigmatic man named Robert during a very special period of my life. Robert taught me many things during our days together, and this time of year reminds me of one particular interaction we had. "Now that you are becoming more aware," Robert said, "you need to begin to set goals for yourself so you don't lose the momentum you have built." "Like New Year's resolutions?" I asked. "That's an interesting idea," he smirked. "Let's do that." By then I was used to his cryptic responses, so I knew something was up because of the way his eyes sparkled as he let out an impish laugh. "Tonight's assignment is to make two lists," Robert continued. "The first is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WANT to keep, and the second is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WILL keep. Write the WANT List first, and when you have exhausted all of your ideas, then write the second list on another sheet of paper." That night I went home and spent several hours working on the two lists. The WANT List felt overwhelming at first, but after a while I got into writing all the things I

had always wanted to do if the burdens of life hadn't gotten in the way. After nearly an hour, the list swelled to fill the entire page and contained nearly all of my ideas of an ideal life. The second list was much easier, and I was able to quickly commit ten practical resolutions that I felt would be both realistic and helpful. The next day, I met Robert in front of the local food Co-op, where we seemed to have most of our enlightening conversations. "Tell me about your two lists," Robert said as the familiar smirk crept onto his face. "The first list contains all the things I SHOULD do if I completely changed my life to be the person I always wanted to be. And the second list contains all the things I COULD do by accepting my current life, and taking realistic steps towards the life I want to lead." "Let me see the second list," he said. I handed him the second list, and without even looking at it, he ripped the paper into tiny pieces and threw it in the nearby garbage can. His disregard for the effort I had put into the list annoyed me at first, but after I calmed down I began to think about the first list in a different light. In my heart, I knew the second list was a cop out, and the first list was the only one that really mattered. "And now, the first list." Robert bowed his head and held out both of his hands. I purposefully handed him the first list and held his gaze for several seconds, waiting for him to begin reading the page. After an unusually long silence, he began to crumple the paper into a ball and once again tossed it into the can without looking at it. "What did you do that for?!" I couldn't hide my anger any longer. Robert began to speak in a quiet and assured voice. "What you SHOULD or COULD do with your life no longer matters. The only thing that matters, from this day forward, is what you MUST do." He then drew a folded piece of paper from his back pocket and handed it to me. I opened it carefully, and found a single word floating in the middle of the white page: "Love.”

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. J.L.W. Brooks

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!” . . . Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!” Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is. Eric Sevareid

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS Take Extra Precaution

The holiday season is a time when people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. People are often in a rush buying gifts, decorating their homes, visiting friends or traveling. There is a big increase in the amount of people that are out and about shopping at the malls and grocery stores, packing the parking lots, grabbing taxis, filling up the seats on rapid transit and waiting in lines at ATM machines. Late Nights: Many stores extend hours late into the night. People head to the stores after work, then at closing time, you see them emerging with the dazed eyes of sleepwalkers. Amazingly, then the mall parking lots empty out in record time and within minutes become deserted. Without fail, there are always a handful of people wandering the lots alone, looking for where they parked their cars or digging through handfuls of shopping bags searching for their lost car keys. To normal, law-abiding people, all of this kind of holiday hoopla and pressure is just part of the festive mood of the season. And all the gaiety, unfortunately, also tends to cause people to let their innate sense of caution temporarily fall by the wayside. Why Thieves Love the Holiday Season: All the hustle and bustle going on over the holidays gives thieves what they want, almost as much as an unlocked bank vault, and that is the opportunity to become invisible. By being as nondescript as possible, they can move through big crowds of rushed and distracted people without anyone noticing them. They can pickpocket and shoplift and when their victims realize that they have been robbed, they will have no idea who did it. In most communities, the police work additional hours during November and December. They are kept busy the increase of traffic accidents, home fires, bar fights and family disputes. Also, during the month of December, more people die of natural causes than any other time of the year. Police often have to change their regular routines and leave the nightly patrol through neighborhoods to answer emergency calls. Thieves Feed on Opportunities: Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season and they take full advantage it. They thrive on the fact that the police and stores' loss prevention staff have their hands full with amateur thieves who are hauled to jail for trying to steal from the electronics departments or waiting for the parents of pre-teens who pocketed the latest video game. In the meantime, the professional thieves are busy breaking into cars in the parking lots to steal gifts, cell phones and electronics, or stalking and robbing or scamming the people who are alone. Some thieves prefer burglarizing homes. They spend their time walking neighborhoods, looking for houses that appear that the

homeowners are away. Darkened homes nestled between neighbors with front yards bursting with holiday lights will draw their attention. Having the kids off from school is another concern because of the number of unsupervised teens hanging around without anything to do. Homes within neighborhoods are broken in more times by young male teens that live in or near the neighborhood. They often choose a home and then hang out to see when the homeowners leave each day. They might be so brazen and ring the doorbell, then pretend to try to sell something if anyone answers. How to Keep From Becoming a Holiday Crime Victim: The following tips can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.

Try to shop during the day, but if you do shop at night, do not do it alone. Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Consider bringing a security travel pouch

instead. Always carry your driver's license or identification along with necessary cash,

checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. Recognize when you are rushed, distracted and stressed out, and stay alert to

what is going on around you. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. Keep cash in your front pocket. If you discover that a credit card is missing, notify the credit card company as soon

as possible. Don't assume that you misplaced it and will find it later. Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of

criminals in crowded shopping areas, terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.

Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion if you are approached.

Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you, including working in teams, with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering “it will be happier …” Alfred Tennyson “Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” Brad Paisley

A DOZEN CHRISTMAS ROSES Unknown

Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow. Bobby didn't wear boots; he didn't own any and he didn't like them anyway. The thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already. And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought, "This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money to spend." Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far. What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for in love and family unity. Bobby had two older sisters and one younger sister, who ran the house hold in their mother's absence. All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother. Somehow it just wasn't fair. Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing. Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down to the street where the shops and stores were. It wasn't easy being six without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach. It was starting to get dark and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home when suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting off of something along the curb. He reached down and discovered a shiny dime. Never before has anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment. As he held his new found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire body and he walked into the first store he saw. His excitement quickly turned cold when the salesperson told him that he couldn't buy anything with only a dime. He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line. When the shop owner asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one flower for his mother's Christmas gift. The shop owner looked at Bobby and his ten cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him, "You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you." As Bobby waited he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers. The sound of the door closing as the last customer left jolted Bobby back to reality. All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. Suddenly the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before Bobby's eyes, lay twelve long stem, red roses, with leaves of green and tiny white flowers all tied together with a big silver

bow. Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box. "That will be ten cents young man," the shop owner said reaching out his hand for the dime. Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true? No one else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added, "I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?" This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, "Merry Christmas, son," As he returned inside, the shop keeper's wife walked out. "Who were you talking to back there and where are the roses you were fixing?" Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied, "A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway. Then just a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime. "When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago. I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars. "When I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my very best roses." The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all.

“As the old year retires and a new one is born, we commit into the hands of our Creator the happenings of the past year and ask for direction and guidance in the new one. May He grant us His grace, His tranquility and His wisdom!” Peggy T Horton “New Year – a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” Alex Morritt “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Santa isn’t the only one keeping track of who is naughty and who is nice! Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of these common holiday scams:

1. Look-alike websites: When shopping online, make sure to use only legitimate websites. Watch out for URLs that use the names of well-known brands along with extra words.

2. Fake shipping notifications: These can have attachments or links to sites that will download malware on your computer to steal your identity and your passwords. Don’t be fooled by a holiday phishing scam.

3. E-cards: Electronic cards can be great fun, but be careful. Two red flags to watch out for are: the sender’s name is not apparent; you are required to share additional information to get the card.

4. Letters from Santa: Several trusted companies offer charming and personalized letters from Santa, but scammers mimic them to get personal information from unsuspecting parents. Check with bbb.org to find out which ones are legitimate.

5. Grandparents scam: Seniors should be cautious if they get a call from a grandchild claiming to be in an accident, arrested or hospitalized while traveling in another country. Never send money unless you confirm with another family member that it’s true.

6. Phony charities: Everyone is in a generous mood at the holidays, so scammers take advantage of that with fake charity solicitations in email, on social media sites, and even by text. Check out charities at give.org before donating.

7. Temporary holiday jobs: Retailers and delivery services need extra help at the holidays, but beware of solicitations that require you to share personal information online or pay for a job lead. Apply in person or go to retailers’ main websites to find out who is hiring.

8. Unusual forms of payment: Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for holiday purchases using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, third parties, etc. These payments cannot be traced and cannot be undone. Use a credit card on a secure website; look for https in the address (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and the lock symbol.

9. Free gift cards: Pop-up ads or email offering free gift cards are often just a ploy to get your personal information that can later be used for identity theft.

10. Social media gift exchange: It sounds like a great deal; buy one gift and get 36 in return. But it’s just a variation on a pyramid scheme and it’s illegal.

11. Puppy scams: Be very careful buying pets online, especially at the holidays. You may get a puppy mill pooch with problems, or you may get nothing at all because it was a scam.

12. Fake coupons: Be cautious when downloading coupons. Always make sure you are at a retailer’s real website. Be especially careful with coupon sites that ask for personal information.

To find out more about scams or to report one, go to BBB Scam Stopper. Better Business Bureau

HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES

Unknown

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastroenterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber and the I.R.S. May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise. May New Year's Eve find you seated around the table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues. May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous amounts for charity. May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor. And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

5 FACTS ABOUT PEARL HARBOR AND USS ARIZONA This year is the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. May we all remember the importance of December 7, 1941, the “date which will live in infamy.”

1. Twenty-three sets of brothers died aboard USS Arizona.

There were 37 confirmed pairs or trios of brothers assigned to USS Arizona on

December 7, 1941. Of these 77 men, 62 were killed, and 23 sets of brothers died. Only

one full set of brothers, Kenneth and Russell Warriner, survived the attack; Kenneth

was away at flight school in San Diego on that day and Russell was badly wounded but

recovered. Both members of the ship’s only father-and-son pair, Thomas Augusta Free

and his son William Thomas Free, were killed in action.

Though family members often served on the same ship before World War II, U.S.

officials attempted to discourage the practice after Pearl Harbor. However, no official

regulations were established, and by the end of the war hundreds of brothers had

fought—and died—together. The five Sullivan brothers of Waterloo, Iowa, for instance,

jointly enlisted after learning that a friend, Bill Ball, had died aboard USS Arizona; their

only condition upon enlistment was that they be assigned to the same ship. In November

1942, all five siblings were killed in action when their light cruiser, USS Juneau, was

sunk during the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

2. USS Arizona’s entire band was lost in the attack.

Almost half of the casualties at Pearl Harbor occurred on the naval battleship USS

Arizona, which was hit four times by Japanese bombers and eventually sank. Among

the 1,177 crewmen killed were all 21 members of the Arizona’s band, known as U.S.

Navy Band Unit (NBU) 22. Most of its members were up on deck preparing to play music

for the daily flag raising ceremony when the attack began. They instantly moved to man

their battle positions beneath the ship’s gun turret. At no other time in American history

has an entire military band died in action.

The night before the attack, NBU 22 had attended the latest round of the annual

“Battle of Music” competition between military bands from U.S. ships based at Pearl

Harbor. Contrary to some reports, NBU 22 did not perform, having already qualified for

the finals set to be held on December 20, 1941. Following the assault, the unit was

unanimously declared the winner of that year’s contest, and the award was permanently

renamed the USS Arizona Band Trophy.

3. Fuel continues to leak from USS Arizona’s wreckage.

On December 6, 1941, Arizona took on a full load of fuel—nearly 1.5 million

gallons—in preparation for its scheduled trip to the mainland later that month. The next

day, much of it fed the explosion and subsequent fires that destroyed the ship following

its attack by Japanese bombers. However, despite the raging fire and ravages of time,

some 500,000 gallons are still slowly seeping out of the ship’s submerged wreckage:

Nearly 70 years after its demise, Arizona continues to spill up to 9 quarts of oil into the

harbor each day. In the mid-1990s, environmental concerns led the National Park

Service to commission a series of site studies to determine the long-term effects of the

oil leakage.

Some scientists have warned of a possible “catastrophic” eruption of oil from the

wreckage, which they believe would cause extensive damage to the Hawaiian shoreline

and disrupt U.S. naval functions in the area. The NPS and other governmental agencies

continue to monitor the deterioration of the wreck site but are reluctant to perform

extensive repairs or modifications due to the Arizona’s role as a “war grave.” In fact,

the oil that often coats the surface of the water surrounding the ship has added an

emotional gravity for many who visit the memorial and is sometimes referred to as the

“tears of the Arizona,” or “black tears.”

4. Some former crewmembers have chosen USS Arizona as their final resting

place.

The bonds between the crewmembers of Arizona have lasted far beyond the ship’s

loss on December 7, 1941. Since 1982, the U.S. Navy has allowed survivors of USS

Arizona to be interred in the ship’s wreckage upon their deaths. Following a full military

funeral at the Arizona memorial, the cremated remains are placed in an urn and then

deposited by divers beneath one of the Arizona’s gun turrets. To date, more than 30

Arizona crewmen who survived Pearl Harbor have chosen the ship as their final resting

place. Crewmembers who served on the ship prior to the attack may have their ashes

scattered above the wreck site, and those who served on other vessels stationed at

Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, may have their ashes scattered above their former

ships. As of November 2011, only 18 of the 355 crewmen who survived the bombing of

USS Arizona are known to be alive.

5. A memorial was built at the USS Arizona site, thanks in part to Elvis Presley.

After Arizona sank, its superstructure and main armament were salvaged and

reused to support the war effort, leaving its hull, two gun turrets and the remains of

more than 1,000 crewmen submerged in less than 40 feet of water. In 1949 the Pacific

War Memorial Commission was established to create a permanent tribute to those who

had lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, but it wasn’t until 1958 that President

Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to create a national memorial. The funds to

build it came from both the public sector and private donors, including one unlikely

source. In March 1961, entertainer Elvis Presley, who had recently finished a two-year

stint in the U.S. Army, performed a benefit concert at Pearl Harbor’s Block Arena that

raised over $50,000—more than 10 percent of the USS Arizona Memorial’s final cost.

The monument was officially dedicated on May 30, 1962, and attracts more than 1

million visitors each year.

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR Unknown

Take 12 whole months. Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts, but don’t make up the whole batch

at once. Prepare one day at a time with these ingredients:

Mix well into each day one part each of faith, patience, courage and work. Also add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play and a

cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile and serve with quietness, unselfishness and cheerfulness. You’re bound to have a happy new year.

“We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives . . . not looking for flaws, but for potential.” Ellen Goodman

SANTA AND SARAH A TRUE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

BY: Susan Leonard

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at the Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. “Who is this?” asked Santa, smiling. “Your friend? Your sister?'' “Yes, Santa,” he replied. “My sister, Sarah, who is very sick,” he said sadly. Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much , Santa!” the child exclaimed. “She misses you,” he added softly. Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted. “What is it?” Santa asked warmly. “Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but...” the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. “The girl in the photograph... my granddaughter well, you see ...she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays,” she said through tear-filled eyes. “Is there any way, Santa, any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa.” Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. “What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying,” he thought with a sinking heart, “This is the least I can do.” When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital. “Why?” Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face. Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. “C'mon.....I'll take you there.” Rick said softly Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall. Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead.

And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with a weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, “Ho, ho, ho!” “Santa!” shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes intact. Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering “Thank you” as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels, “Oh, yes, Santa... I do!” she exclaimed. “Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you.” he said. Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing, softly, “Silent Night, Holy Night... all is calm, all is bright...” The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own. “Now, Sarah,” he said authoritatively, “you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!' He knew it was risky proclaiming that to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he 'had' to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE. 'Yes, Santa!' Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room. Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed.

Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him. 'My only child is the same age as Sarah,' he explained quietly. 'This is the least I could do.' They nodded with understanding and hugged him. One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. 'Hi, Santa! Remember me?!' 'Of course, I do,' Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her. After all, the secret to being a 'good' Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the 'only' child in the world at that moment. 'You came to see me in the hospital last year!' Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. 'Sarah!' he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes. That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed -- and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, 'Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!'

NOTE: This story took place in December 1997, according to Susan Leonard who wrote the story based on a first hand account from her husband, Mark R. Leonard who is a professional Santa Claus.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Retold By: Marilyn McAuley

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale once told a story about a twelve-year-old boy and his father who were doing some last-minute Christmas shopping. They were caught up in the bustling crowd and moving quickly when, suddenly, the boy flinched. An old beggar had touched his arm, hoping the boy would give him some money. The wise father saw what happened and took the boy aside to explain that he should have a more compassionate attitude. His son didn’t agree. He saw the old man as nothing more than a dirty bum, but the father saw him as a human being. Pressing a large bill into his son’s hand, the boy was encouraged to give it to the beggar in the spirit of Christmas. The boy obeyed his father and when the old beggar received the generous sum, he seemed to stand taller. Suddenly his face took on character and his eyes twinkled.

The boy was startled at the dramatic change. The old man bowed to the boy and thanked him – and in the spirit of Christmas he added, “May God bless you.” The boy learned a lesson that would stay with him the rest of his life. That day he realized that dignity rests in the soul of every human being, regardless of the outward appearance. Dr. Peale would know – for he was that boy.

A LETTER TO SANTA FROM MOM

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years. Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone. On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. And please don't forget the Playdough Travel Pack, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the in-laws' house seem just like mine. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup

a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight. Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch a cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet Yours Always...Mom. P.S. - One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa!

CONVERSION CHART FOR ALL YOUR HOLLIDAY BAKING

You may need to add a little more to a recipe or make a smaller portion. This conversion chart should help. Making HALF A Recipe When the recipe calls for:

¼ cup 2 Tablespoons 1/3 cup 2 Tablespoons and 2 teaspoons ½ cup ¼ cup 2/3 cup 1/3 cup ¾ cup 6 Tablespoons 1 Tablespoon 1 ½ teaspoons ½ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon

Making ONE-THIRD of a Recipe

¼ cup 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon 1/3 cup 1 Tablespoon + 2 1/3 teaspoons ½ cup 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons

AS THE NEW YEAR BEGINS,

LET US PRAY, THAT IT WILL BE A YEAR

WITH

PEACE

NEW HAPPINESS

AND

ABUNDANCE OF NEW FRIENDS.

GOD BLESS YOU THROUGH OUT THE

NEW YEAR.

FROM

MARTIN COUNTY

ADULT & AGING SERVICES

STAFF

DIABETIC RECIPES

Slow Cooked Tuscan Pork Chops

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 onion, chopped 6 bone-in pork chops, cut 1/2-inch think (about 2-1/2 lbs.) 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cold water 4 ounces cooked orzo, kept warm

1. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Place onion in a 5- to 6-qt. slow cooker. Add half of the pork chops over onions.

Sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture. Repeat layering with remaining pork chops and seasoning mixture. Top with undrained tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Add zucchini pieces.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours, or on HIGH for 4-1/2 hours. 4. Transfer meat and vegetables to a serving platter; cover and keep warm. 5. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together cornstarch and cold water. Add in

cooking juices from slow cooker. Cook and stir together until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 2 more minutes. Serve over meat and vegetables, with orzo on the side.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto

1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup Arborio rice 2 cups cubed butternut squash 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil and cook onion and garlic 3 to 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add rice and heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Place mixture into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Add squash, broth, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until rice is tender.

DIABETIC RECIPES

Really Good Chocolate Cake

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated Splenda 1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar blend 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1-1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk 1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup liquid egg substitute 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup hot strong brewed coffee

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a Bundt pan with cooking spray and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, mix flour, both kinds of Splenda, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. 3. In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, egg substitute, vanilla and coffee. Add to flour mixture, and with an electric mixer on medium speed, mix about 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour into prepared pan. 4. Bake 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then invert onto platter. Let cool completely before serving.

Rich & Creamy Fudge

1/4 cup margarine 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (2 squares) 1 cup granulated Splenda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a saucepan, melt margarine over low heat. Add chocolate and stir until melted. 3. Remove from heat and add Splenda and vanilla; stir until well mixed. Pour into a large bowl. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. 4. Stir in nuts, if desired, and spread into prepared baking dish. 5. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

RECIPES Golden Corn Pudding

1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained 1 (14 ¾ ounce) can cream-style corn ¼ cup milk ¼ cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 ½ cups crushed butter crackers, divided

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 1 ½ quart casserole dish with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except ½ cup crushed crackers; mix well. 3. Spoon mixture into casserole dish and sprinkle remaining ½ cup crushed crackers

on top. 4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden and set. Serve immediately.

Mrs. Claus’ Lemon Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Glaze 3/4 cup granulated sugar * 1 ½ cups sifted confectioner’s sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder * 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil * 1 teaspoons lemon extract 1/2 cup milk * 3 drops yellow food color 1 pinch salt 3 teaspoons lemon extract 1 egg

What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, oil, milk, salt, lemon

extract, and the egg. Roll dough into 1/2-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.

3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are set but not brown. Let sit 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

4. In a medium bowl, combine glaze ingredients and stir until smooth. 5. Dip tops of cookies in glaze and place on wire rack.

Notes

Use assorted sprinkles and decorating sugar to decorate your cookies. Just be sure to do it quickly, before the glaze hardens!

If you want to decorate your cookies with multiple colors, separate glaze into smaller bowls and mix in food colors one drop at a time, until desired colors are reached.

RECIPES Amish Bakery Custard Pie

1 (9-inch) baked pie crust 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups half-and-half 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Ground cinnamon for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in the half-and-half

and cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly, stirring occasionally. 3. Remove from heat, add butter, brown sugar, and vanilla and stir until butter is melted.

Pour into baked pie shell and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. 4. Bake 35 minutes; center of pie will not be set. Cool pie 1 hour, then refrigerate 6 to 8

hours, or until ready to serve. Pie will set upon chilling. Cover for longer storage. Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Meatballs

1 (9- to 10-ounce) jar sweet and sour sauce 1/4 cup light brown sugar 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 1/2 pounds frozen meatballs 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker; stir gently then cover with lid. Cook on low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on high setting for 4 to 5 hours, until done.

2. Carefully remove lid to allow steam to escape. Serve directly from slow cooker

Festive Punch

1 (46-ounce) bottle white grape juice, chilled 1 quart apple cider, chilled 1 liter ginger ale, chilled 1 cup orange juice, chilled 1/2 cup lemon juice 1 lemon, sliced 1 lime, sliced

1. Combine all juices in a punch bowl; mix well. 2. Float sliced fruit on top, and serve immediately.

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES DEPARTMENT . . . . . proudly serving its older adults since 1972. AVAILABLE SERVICES & PROGRAMS – Contributions are accepted General Transportation – A ride to nutrition sites, buy groceries, pay bills, pick up medicine, etc. Advance notice required Medical Transportation - A ride for scheduled doctor’s appointments. (48 hours notice required.) Congregate Meals – Mid-day programs, activities and hot meals served 5 days a week in a group setting. Home Delivered Meals – A hot mid-day meal delivered to the home bound elderly 5 days a week. Martin Co. United Way funds and Crop Walk also benefit this service. In-Home Aide Respite Care – Relief for the caregiver. A certified nurse’s assistant in your home to take care of your family member for limited hours a week. Health and Wellness Program – Multipurpose exercise program equipped to handle your fitness needs. Aerobics classes offered. Doctor’s note required. Arthritis Foundation exercise classes ongoing. Our Care System – Emergency Response Telephone System. Help is available at the push of a button. $10 installation and $25 a month. Caregiver Information – Educational information available. Support group available upon request Computer Classes – Taught through Martin Community College at the Department of Aging. Fees will apply regardless of age. SHIIP – Information provided concerning Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Part D, etc. Call for an appointment. Information and Referral – If services are not available at the Department of Aging we can refer you to the right agency or organization to meet your needs. Sitter’s List – Private Pay sitters list provided upon request. Bargain Shoppe – Donated items available for sale. Volunteers welcome. Located in Williamston. End of Life Forms – Living Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney. Notary Public provided. Appointments required. Volunteer Opportunities – For anyone who enjoys volunteer work. Participation is welcome in a number of services and programs. Monthly Newsletter – Subscription $5.00. To keep you abreast of older adult issues and activities. Educational and Recreational Trips – Occasional one day trips and special activities. Senior Games – Annual local, district and state competition. Helps 55+ stay active, athletic and competitive to improve life. Senior Tar Heel Cards Income Tax Assistance Referral Health Screenings Legal Assistance Referral

THE MARTIN COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING

WOULD LIKE TO THANK

MID-EAST COMMISSION – AREA AGENCY ON AGING

MAST PHARMACY

MARTIN COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP.

AREA AGENCY ON AGING

WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF GENEROUS SPONSORS

THE MARTIN COUNCIL ON AGING

COULD NOT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE

ENHANCED SERVES TO THE SENIORS OF MARTIN COUNTY.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THESE SPONSORS FOR THEIR

THOUGHTFULNESS, GENEROSITY AND CONTINUED SUPPORT.

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor of,

or making a donation to the

Martin County Adult & Aging Services Department/Martin County

Council On Aging please contact our office at 252/792-1027