Lifestyles

Seniors’ basic need to socialize

Just like food and shelter, human beings of any age need to socialize for mental health and physical health. This process begins at birth and does not end with a maturing age. Socialization is crucial not only for development culturally, emotionally, and cognitively but also to ensure continuity of society as cultural knowledge is passed on through the generations. Socialization fosters a sense of belonging by connecting individuals to families and their communities, which brings this topic closer to home here in Trumbull County. Through the Senior Levy-funded programs, this county ...

Dear Annie: Neighbor’s bright light leads to sleepless nights

DEAR ANNIE: My neighbor “Rod” installed a motion-activated floodlight that shines directly into our bedroom window every time our dog (or another animal) moves in the yard — which is often. It goes off all night long. I mentioned it once, and he said, “It’s for security,” and suggested we “get better curtains.” We already have blackout shades, but the light still leaks in around the edges. I don’t want to start a neighborhood feud, but I also haven’t slept properly in weeks. How do I get him to listen? — Blinded at Bedtime DEAR BLINDED AT BEDTIME: Ask ...

Hints from Heloise: Donating newspapers and bags

DEAR HELOISE: As a follow-up to the hint about using newspaper bags for doggie cleanup bags, I, too, use them for this purpose. However, I also donate all of my used newspapers and the majority of the bags to my local animal shelter. But do call the shelter first and ask if they take them. — Rita G., via email DEAR HELOISE: Store parking lots can sometimes be a very tough place to find your car. It would be a lot easier if stores would mark their rows or aisles with letters or numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or A, B, C, D. I think most people could/would more easily remember a number ...

Friday evening TV

Bridge by Steve Becker

1. Partner’s one-notrump response shows six to 10 points, so you know immediately that the 26 points normally required for game are lacking. It might be tempting to bid two hearts, but that would not be the winning bid in the long run. This is a partscore hand, and the only question is ...

Dear Annie: Standing firm when your family is divided

Dear Annie: Hopefully you can help me. I’ve read your column for years. My two kids are adults and have kids of their own, and they have always gotten along. However, last Thanksgiving, my son and his family decided not to stay when they found out my granddaughter was there. My granddaughter is gay and was recently married last fall to her partner. My son isn’t religious at all, but he follows his wife’s lead, and she is very Catholic. Both of them think that if they spend time with gay people, it will somehow hurt their children. They don’t want to expose their kids to my ...