May, 2010 - Franklin, MA

THE FRANKLIN
CONNECTION
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520520-4945/(508) 520520-4917 (fax)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/
FranklinMA_Senior/index
May, 2010
Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WMRC SENIOR EXPO
PLANNED FOR JUNE 11
EXPO ‘10
Expect great things at this year’s WMRC Senior Expo! We are hosting the Expo at the Franklin
Senior Center this year due to construction at the Dean College site. The 2010 Expo is planned for
Friday, June 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is sponsored by WMRC 1490 AM - First Class
Radio and the Franklin Council on Aging. The Expo again features live entertainment with a ballroom dancing performance by Metronome Studio, a concert by the Bellingham Senior Chorus,
and our Senior Fashion Show sponsored by TJ Maxx. We will be awarding $50 gift certificates
every half hour and play “Name That Tune” for prizes. A free lunch will be offered to the first 200
guests, and the Silver Spirit Award will be presented to a special senior who has shown the most
community spirit. You can nominate a senior for the Silver Spirit Award by using the form on page 5.
Seniors are encouraged to pre-register for the Expo and get a lunch ticket at the Senior Center.
Trivia Bee & Pizza Lunch
Join us for an entertaining morning of trivia on
Friday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Our two teams of
trivia experts, The Senior Panthers and Ben’s
Brainiacs, will face off to see which team goes to
the semi-final bee in Bellingham. Our Moderator
is Town Council Chairman, Scott Mason. After the Bee, we’ll enjoy a pizza luncheon and
award door prizes. Please sign up for lunch ($2)
by Thursday, May 13. (You are welcome whether
or not you have lunch.) After the semi-final Trivia
Bee at the Bellingham Senior Center on May 18,
we’ll host the final match up at the Franklin Senior Center in June. We hope you’ll come to support the Home Team!
Veteran’s Memorial
Day Breakfast on May 28
A Veteran’s Memorial Day Breakfast will be held
on Friday, May 28, at 8:30 a.m. at the Franklin
Lodge of Elks on Pond Street. Bob Fahey, Veterans Agent, will offer a Program of Remembrance in Honor of our Deceased Veterans and
their Families following breakfast. Franklin seniors are welcome to attend the breakfast at no
charge. Seating is limited so please sign up at
the Senior Center by Thursday, May 20. We are
truly grateful for the generosity of the Franklin
Lodge of Elks for funding this event.
-The Franklin Senior Center will be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day–
Daily Activities
Common Grounds Café: Open Daily (Café Closed on May 21 & 31)
Breakfast - 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for $2; breakfast meat is offered for $1 extra. Affordable Lunch - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ben’s Bounty Gift Shop: Open Daily; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Computer Classes (Individual Instruction): 6 weeks for $15; call to sign up.
Pool Table: Open Daily
MONDAY
Brain Gamers – Second & fourth Monday at 9:00 a.m.
Barber/Hairdresser - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; $10 for women/$8 for men
Painting with Aivars Zandbergs - 9:00 a.m.; 10 lessons for $50
Open Studio Painting with Pauline Robinson - 1:00 p.m.
Mah Jong - Asian Mah Jong at 10:00 a.m./American Mah Jong at 1:00 p.m.
Mexican Train Dominoes - 10:00 a.m.
Italian Conversation Group - 10:00 a.m.
The Page Turners book discussion group - First Monday of the month at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba Gold Aerobics - 12:00 p.m.; $3/free to ’Y’ members
Monday Movies - 1:15 p.m.; see schedule on page 5
Cribbage - 6:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
Cards & Cribbage – 9:00 a.m.
Chair Exercise - 9:30 a.m. ; $2
Bocce & Busy Bee Crafts - 9:30 a.m.
Manicures with Rona - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; $8
Franklin Men’s Club - Third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
Cardio, Tone & Stretch - 11:00 a.m.; $3
Legal Clinic with Fran Small - May 18 at 12:30 p.m., by appointment.
Bingo - 1:00 p.m.
Low Vision Support Group - Second Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Trailblazer Walking Club - 9:00 a.m.; meet at the Town Common
Drums Alive/ Wellness Beats - 9:15 a.m.; $3 /free for ‘Y’ members
SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) Counselor - 9:00 a.m.; by appointment
Quilting, Knitting Instruction, & Scrabble - 10:00 a.m.
Yoga - $5/free to ‘Y’ members
Chair Massage - 9:00 to noon by appointment; $10 for 20 minutes
Blood Sugar Testing: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 8:30 a.m./Diabetes Support Group: May 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Barber/Hairdresser - 12:30 p.m.; $10 for women/$8 for men
Line Dancing - Clare Shea (Advanced) 1:00 p.m.; $2
THURSDAY
Blood Pressure - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cards, Cribbage & Bridge – 9:00 a.m.
Busy Bee Crafts - 9:30 a.m.
Chair Exercise - 9:30 a.m.;$2
Current Events Discussion Group – 2nd & 4th Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Line Dancing with Mary Lennon - 11:00 a.m.; $2
Tai Chi for Seniors with Michelle Cote - 12:00 p.m.; $5/free for ‘Y’ members
Bingo - 1:00 p.m.
Scarlet Scamps Red Hat Society - Second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Whist - 10:00 a.m.
Wood Carving with Basil LeBlanc - 10:00 a.m.
ZUMBA Gold Aerobics - 11:00 a.m.; $3/free to ‘Y’ members
Chiropractic Clinic – Third Friday of the month; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., with Dr. Craig Julian. Call for an appt.
Podiatry Clinic – Last Friday of the month; 1:00 to 3:45 p.m. Call for an appointment.
TOPS Weight Loss Support Group - 1:00 p.m.
Canasta & Pokeno - 1:00 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, May 5: Drums Alive/Wellness Beats is now offered on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. The
class is free to ‘Y’ members and $3 for non-Y members. Come by to see this great new fitness class!
Friday, May 7: Widows & Friends Club meets at 12 noon in the Café for lunch. Join us!
Monday, May 10: Reaching Out Across Cultures: Multicultural Experiences of Aging has been
rescheduled for this date at 10:00 a.m. Learn about aging in different ‘cultures’, including the deaf and hard of hearing,
visually impaired, those with physical disabilities, those suffering cognitive decline, and diverse racial and ethnic groups.
Please call to sign up.
Tuesday, May 11: Low Vision Support Group meets at 1:00 p.m. Call to sign up.
Wednesday, May 12 & 26: Blood Sugar Testing by our Wellness Nurse; 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays.
Friday, May 14: Trivia Bee & Pizza Lunch at the Franklin Senior Center starts at 10:00 a.m.; see page 1.
Tuesday, May 18: The Franklin Men’s Club will visit the National Weather Service office in Taunton. They meet for
breakfast at the Senior Center and leave at 10:15 a.m. Lunch will follow the tour; call to sign up.
Tuesday, May 18: Trivia Bee Semi-Finals at the Bellingham Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. - support our seniors. as we
face off to see which teams will compete in the finals in June. Please call to sign up.
Wednesday, May 19: Caregivers Support Group meets at 4:00 p.m. with facilitator Pat Coakley. Respite can be provided. Please call to sign up. All caregivers are welcome!!
Thursday, May 20: AARP Driver Safety Program will be presented at 1:00 p.m. This program is designed to help older
drivers remain safe on the road. The cost is $14 or $12 for AARP members. Space is limited so come by to sign up soon!
Friday, May 21: Stars & Stripes Party is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. with the great Jack Craig performing patriotic songs,
and prizes for the most patriotic outfits. Lunch is Baked Chicken Breast with Baked Potatoes with Strawberry Shortcake.
Many thanks to New Pond Village for sponsoring Jack’s performance.
Wednesday, May 26: Diabetes Support Group meets at 10:00 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend. Call to sign up.
Friday, May 28: Annual Memorial Day Breakfast on Friday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge; see page1.
Upcoming Events & Activities:
Bocce & Horseshoes will be starting in May and new members are always welcome; call us!
Oral history interviews are offered - we interview you about your life and you get a DVD for posterity! Call for info.
Interested in a nice gentle walk for exercise? Ring Road Walkers walk around the Senior Center building; call for info.
Volunteers needed for the kitchen, gift shop, and for friendly visiting; call Sue Barbour at the Senior Center.
Free (used) cell phones are offered to seniors to use in an emergency; come by to pick one up.
Page 3
Outreach, Information and Referral
Health Care Reform & Medicare
Over the past year, there has been a long, hard fought debate about health reform in our country. If you
are on Medicare, you are probably concerned and confused about how the newly passed legislation will
change Medicare. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has written “Straight Talk for Seniors on
Health Reform,” to help you understand these changes. The NCOA is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, with a long
history of helping older adults understand complex programs. You can find this publication on the NCOA website,
www.ncoa.org and it is also available at the Senior Center. NCOA notes that the new legislation will provide you with the
following:
More Help with Prescription Drug Costs: If you’re someone who falls into the Medicare prescription drug “doughnut
hole” or coverage gap—this plan will help. It will gradually close the gap, so you’ll no longer have a period where you have
to pay 100% of your drug costs. In the first year, the plan will provide a one-time $250 payment to individuals who hit the
gap. It will also improve the program that reduces drug costs for seniors with limited means and make it easier for you to
appeal coverage denials.
Better Preventive Care: You’ll receive a new, free annual wellness visit. And you’ll no longer pay any out-of-pocket costs
for preventive benefits under Medicare—such as cancer and diabetes screenings.
If you need help on any aspect of your health insurance, make an appointment with our SHINE (Serving the Health
Information Needs of Elders) counselor.
Census Scams: The Census Bureau notes that persons posing as Census workers have been visiting households and
demanding payment in return for assistance in filling Census forms. Unfortunately this and other scams may be unavoidable, but there is a lot you can do to protect yourselves and your communities from fraudulent activities and scams. Please
find below information provided by the US Census on identifying scams, verifying the identity of census workers, and understanding what information is and is not collected by the census. The Census Bureau uses a workforce of trained federal
employees to conduct a variety of household and business surveys by telephone, in-person interviews, through the mail,
and in limited cases through the Internet. We understand your personal information is sensitive, and go to great lengths to
protect the data we collect. Although we cannot stop or warn against all bogus or false collections of data -- here are some
tips to help you recognize fraudulent activity or unofficial data collections.
If you are contacted for any of the following reasons -- Do Not Participate. It is NOT the U.S. Census Bureau.
•
The Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet
•
The Census Bureau does not send emails about participating in the 2010 Census
•
The Census Bureau never: asks for your full social security number, asks for money or a donation, sends requests
on behalf of a political party, requests PIN codes, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or
other financial accounts.
-For more information on any of the programs noted above, please call
Social Services Coordinator, Bob Fahey at 508 520-4973-
Page 4
Supportive Day Program
Monday Movie Marquee
The Sunshine Club at the Franklin
Senior Center is a place where
frail elders can receive individual
attention and enjoy the company
of others. Fun activities, lively discussions and gentle exercise
make for a stimulating day. If you
care for a loved one who is frail, socially isolated, has low
vision or dementia, come visit The Sunshine Club. To
learn more about the program or arrange for a visit, call
Patty O’Donnell, Supportive Day Program Coordinator, at
520-4945 for more information.
We also offer a Caregiver Support Group on the third
Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. All caregivers are
welcome to attend. (Participation in the Supportive Day
Program is not required.) Please call to make a reservation for respite care during the meeting if needed. This
program is supported through a generous grant from the
Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Movies are shown at the Center on Monday at
1:15 p.m. If you would like to request a film,
please let us know. Many thanks to Hollywood
Video for providing the films listed below:
FOR TRANSPORTATION, call
Kiessling Transit at
1-800-698-7676. Select Option #2
With Appreciation To:
• Friends of Franklin Elders for funding our
Volunteer Recognition luncheon and entertainment for our Kentucky Derby party!
• The Franklin Cultural Council for a grant
which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, to partially fund the Asia Wood performance.
• The Busy Bee Craft Club for contributing to our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
• New Pond Village for generously funding the Jack Craig
performance.
• Catherine Little, Dominic D’Ascenzo, and Judith &
Anthony Mucciarone for a generous donation.
• Ruth Anderson, Frank Harrigan, Stephanie Saunders,
Phil Gandolfi, Lauren Anne Ledwith, Bill & Helen
Powers, Ernestine Vernaglia, Pauline Olson, Lara
Dezlavalze, Audrey Farrand, Maria Rodriguez, Francis Dimiglio, Phoebe Joseph, Nancy Murdock, Connie Baxter, Jeanette Moulton, Sona Bederian, Frank
Harrigan, Barbara Karmelin, Barbara Creamer, Veronica Santodomingo, Roland Trahan, Fran Allison, and
Shirley Hines for generous donations to our gift shop.
May 3: Hurt Locker (R) - Three fearless bomb
squad members take on the most dangerous job in Baghdad, it's
only a matter of time before one of them gets sent to "the hurt
locker." With Jeremy Renner and Guy Pearce.
May 10: Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) - A bickering New York couple on the verge of divorce is placed in the
Witness Protection Program and relocated to Wyoming after
witnessing a murder. With Hugh Grant & Sarah Jessica Parker.
May 17: Precious (R) - An overweight, illiterate AfricanAmerican teen from Harlem discovers an alternate path in life
after she begins attending a new school. With Gabourey Sidibe
& Mo’nique.
May 24: Crazy Heart (R) - A worn-down country singer and a
burgeoning journalist form an unusual bond in this drama . With
Jeff Bridges & Maggie Gyllenhaal.
FOR HOME DELIVERED MEALS,
please call Tri-Valley Elder Services
at 1-800-286-6640
Silver Spirit Award Form
WMRC SILVER SPIRIT AWARD
NOMINATION FORM
Name of Nominee_______________________________
Phone # of Nominee____________________________
Why this nominee should be selected:______________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
____________________________Use additional sheets if needed...
Page 5
Terrific Trips
Date
Wed.,
May 5
Wed.,
May 12
Wed.,
May 19
Destination
Details
Cost
Cinco De Mayo Festival at Cinco De Mayo Festival with Sigy Moller, a fabulous $34 per person all incluWhites of Westport
entertainer who lends his voice to the music of Sina- sive
tra, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and more! Dinner
choice is Top Round Beef or Fried Chicken.
Tropical Island Heat at
Luciano’s, Lake Pearl
Enjoy the Caribbean with steel band, calypso, and $49 per person all incluCarnival music along with boleros, mambos and sive.
cha-chas. Lunch choice is Stuffed Chicken Breast
or Baked Haddock.
Tour of Anheuser Busch, Enjoy this fun, interactive (yes, you can sample) tour $5 per person; transportation only
Merrimack, N.H.
and lunch at The Lobster Boat Restaurant.
Wed.,
May 26
Tour of Concord &
Wayside Inn Luncheon
Visit Walden Pond and the quaint shops downtown, $5 per person; transportation only
then on to the Wayside Inn for luncheon.
Wed.,
June 2
Tour of Plymouth &
Plymouth Winery
Visit Plymouth Rock and the winery at the Market- $5 per person; transportation only
place with lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Wed.,
June 9
Twin River
Wed.,
June 16
Wed.,
June 30
Wed.,
July 7
Slots and simulcast racing; luncheon at the casino.
$5 per person; transportation only
Jay Siegel & The Tokens The Tokens will sing their Doo Wop hits. Owners of $49 all inclusive; menu
At Venus DeMilo,
the 2nd longest chart span in the history of Rock & choice is Chicken ParmeRoll & inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. san or Baked Haddock
Swansea, MA
Yankee Candle &
Bridge of Flowers
Enjoy this great trip to the beautiful Bridge of Flow- $5 per person; transportaers and the Yankee Candle Factory. Lunch at a fun tion only
local restaurant.
Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruise Narragansett Bay to see 10 lighthouses, 3 $26 per person; not includCruise
bridges and the Newport mansions. Lunch in ing lunch
Wickford village.
Wed.,
July 21
Spirit of Boston Cruise
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet and the talented singing $43 per person; all inclusive.
wait staff on a two-hour cruise of Boston Harbor.
Wed.,
July 28
Plymouth
Whale Watch
We’ll travel to Plymouth and enjoy a morning of $26 per person; excluding
lunch
whale watching followed by lunch is your pick.
Wed.,
Aug. 4
Isabella Stewart Gardner Visit this beautiful Italian palazzo filled with gorgeous $15 per person; not including lunch.
Museum, Boston
gardens and fine art. Lunch at The Stockyard.
Wed.,
Aug. 11
Cruise Falmouth Harbor
on The Liberte
We are the sole passengers aboard the beautiful $30 per person; includes
schooner, The Liberte. Lunch at the Old Silvers boat & transportation.
Lounge.
Wed.,
Sept. 8
State House Tour
Get the inside scoop on the State House with a $5 per person; transportaguided tour by Senator Karen Spilka. Lunch at tion only.
Faneuil Hall.
Payment is due upon sign up at the Senior Center. Seventy-two hours notice (3 business days) is required to receive a full refund for
day trips. Conditions vary for overnight trips. For more information, please call 508 520-4945.
Franklin residents are given preference for Senior Center trips. Out of town residents will be put on a waiting list and payment may or may not be required at that
time, depending on the requirements of the travel company. If there are any vacant seats one week prior to a trip, the waiting list will be used to fill those seats. At
that time, the trip list will be considered complete and no other riders will be accepted unless there is a cancellation , when the waiting list will again be consulted.
Payment for trips (for Franklin residents) is due upon sign up at the Senior Center. Seventy-two hours notice (3 business days) is required to receive a full refund
for day trips. Conditions vary for overnight trips. For more information, please call (508) 520-4945.
Friends of Franklin Elders
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
•
Lillian Pisani in memory of Ethel Otenti
•
Sona Bederian in memory of Ethel Otenti
•
Rose Dunnebier in memory of Raymond & Lisa
Mastromatteo
•
Steve & Marie Dalo in memory of Sarah Anderson
•
Don & Dona Mackintosh in memory of
Alan Mackintosh
•
Steve & Marie Dalo in memory of Dorothy Villani,
Tony & Vera Mucciarone, Jim & Rose Dalo, and
Olga & Joe Zanstuck
•
Mary Ficco in memory of Shirley Cody
•
Zeffro V. Gianetti in memory of Audrey Gianetti
GENEROUS DONATIONS
•
Ernestine V. Gilmore in memory of
Howard A.Gilmore, Jr.
Charles & Mary Ellen Ross
•
Wanda H. Ippoliti in memory of Albert A. Ippoliti
•
Frank T. & Frances R. Malley in memory of
Stephen Malley
George Mellen
•
Doris Jean Romsey in memory of
Fred Romsey, Sr.
Jim & Beth Misner
•
David Haugh in memory of Penny Haugh
•
Alice Root in memory of Melvin J. Root
•
Lydia Dellorco in memory of Emilio Dellorco
Joe Spinale
•
Rose & Charles Solbo in memory of Artemisia
(Amy) & Sofie Simpson
Maret & Inwar Buck
•
Barbara Rondeau in memory of Delia DeMase
•
Helen Vetrano in memory of Dorothy Silvester
•
The Luccini Family in memory of Gary Luccini
Friends of Franklin Elders
The Friends of Franklin Elders is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to supplement local and state
government funding of the Franklin Senior Center by providing funds for programs, services, and equipment. Thanks to
all our very generous donors who contributed during our recent membership drive! Join us at our next meeting; the
annual meeting is planned for Monday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.
,
Diane Vanderkerkhoff
Joe Shields
Elynor Crothers
FOFE Memorial Donation
Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc.
Name _______________________________
Mary Ginivan, Chairwoman
Jackie Higgins, Secretary
Julie Garilli, Treasurer
Address_____________________________
Natalie Caldwell
Claire Calderone
Marge Capezza
Barbara Caligaris
Ruth Chism
Rose Pepin
Maria Rodriguez
Judy Pfeffer
Carol Condon, Associate Member
Town____________________Zip_________
Memorial Donation $_______ Enclosed
In Memory of: ______________________________________
___________________________________________________
Acknowledgement to: _______________________________
Page 7
FRANKLIN COUNCIL ON AGING
Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc.
Pre-Sorted
Officers:
c/o Franklin Council on Aging
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Standard
Chairwoman………………… Nan Rafter
Vice-Chairman……………....Bob Gagnon
Franklin, MA
Permit No. 13
Secretary……………………..Barbara Deely
Members:
Frank Harrigan
Mary Hick
Stella Jeon
Ken Norman
Paul O’Connell
Betty Snyder
Staff:
Director ………………..……….……..Karen Alves
Program Coordinator…….…….…...Sue Barbour
Outreach Worker/Vet’s Agent…...…..Bob Fahey
Supportive Day Coordinator…...Patty O’Donnell
Supportive Day Program Aide…...Robin Deaver
Health & Wellness Nurse……….Linda Hastings
Receptionists………..……….……...Claire Lewis
..
Gloria Gelineau
Driver…………………….....……....Phyllis Molloy
Grill Cook………………….…...Pauline Kennedy
The Franklin Connection is distributed with
funds provided by the Executive Office of Elder
Affairs, and the Friends of
Franklin Elders, Inc.
Franklin Senior Center
“We celebrate seniors!”
The Franklin Council on Aging meets on the second Tuesday of the month at
11:00 a.m. This is an open meeting and the public is invited to attend.
The mission of the Franklin Council on Aging is to:
1) Identify the needs of the elderly population, aged 60 and older.
2) Educate the community, and enlist support and participation of all citizens about
these needs.
3) Design, promote, or implement services to fill these needs, to coordinate existing
services.
The Lighter Side
Mama Mia
For several years, a man was having an affair with an Italian woman. One night, she confided in him that she was pregnant. It was agreed that he would pay her a large sum of money if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child. If she
stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also provide child support until the child turned 18. She then asked how he
would know when the baby was born. To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and write, ‘Spaghetti’
on the back. He would then arrange for the child support payments to begin. One day, about 9 months later, he came
home to his confused wife. ‘Honey’, she said, ‘You received a very strange post card today.’ ‘Oh, just give it to me and I’ll
explain it later,’ he said. The wife watched as her husband read the card, tuned white, and fainted. On the card was written: ‘Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Three with meatballs, two without. Send extra sauce.”
Baby Boomers Lament
I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. They’ve got it so easy! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have
the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog! There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across
the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Child Protective Services didn't care if our
parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to beat us! There weren't any damn
cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a damn call or receive one. You actually had to be out of
touch with your friends. OH MY GOD !! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!! And we didn't have
fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss,
your bookie, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister! You had to
actually get up off your butt and walk over to the TV to change the channel! NO REMOTES!! And our parents told us to
stay outside and play... all day long! And if you came back inside... you were doing chores! Kids today don’t have a clue!