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Senior Scene
Embarrassing moments conjured up by kids
In my day, our house was the gathering spot after school. It was not only in the middle of the block, but it also had an old-fashioned gas street lamp in front of it. Made of dark green iron with a cross bar under the light, it was everyone's gathering place. Tony, the lamplighter, would come around at about 5:30 p.m. with a long pole and turn on the light with a loud pop. He didn't speak English, but always nodded, and had a pleasant smile on his face. We kids gathered on my front steps and took turns trying to shinny up the pole to the cross bar. Wally, the boy across the street, and I had a competition going to see who was best. I had just succeeded in reaching the cross bar, and gripping the bar tightly with the backs of my knees, I hung downward, waving my arms. My dress fell back over my head, exposing white cotton undergarments for all the world to see. Unfortunately, that included my mother, who had just stepped out onto the porch. "In the house this instant!" she commanded. I knew I was in trouble. All my friends stood silently as I climbed down from the light post and made my way into the house. Once inside, my mother said sternly, "That is not ladylike! We do not do that!" Funny, but growing up I learned that there are a lot of things "we" don't do, although others may. And you know, as my own kids were growing up, I found myself saying that many times. ***** Do you admire the beautiful bead and textile necklaces you see others wearing, but know instinctively that they are out of your price range? Well, you can learn to make such unique items yourself, during a sixweek course being offered at the Bayview Senior Center, beginning June 5. Instructor Debbie Koffskey will show techniques including textile collage and beading, to create your own unusual and lightweight broaches and pendant necklaces from silk and other fabrics. Classes will be held Mondays June 5 to July 10, from 9 a.m. until noon; or Tuesdays, July 5 to August 15 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. For information and to register, call 436-5190. Cost of the six-week class is $67.50, plus materials and supplies. You may discover an artistic bent you have never known you have! ***** I was talking to a friend the other day who has her mother in a nursing home. She has a lot of questions about the appropriateness of her care. She is often not sure if there is really a problem, or if it may be due to her mother's imaginings. I was happy to tell her about the Ombudsman Council, a group of citizens appointed by the governor, which is designed to protect the rights of individuals in nursing homes. The council, created under the Department of Elder Affairs, includes a doctor, nurse, attorney, and nursing home administrator, all of whom are volunteers. They investigate all instances of alleged abuse, neglect or maltreatment to resolve problems and grievances of residents of long-term care facilities. To contact the council for our area, call the Department of Elder Affairs 1-800-9635337 or the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging's Elder Helpline at 866-531-8011. Both numbers are operational Monday through Friday from from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Personally, I have found that frequent visits and an obvious interest in the resident's well-being and a friendly relationship with the staff usually prevents any problems. But if you are in any doubt, remember both you and the administrator know the Ombudsman Council is always ready to help. ***** Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage? Answer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there. See you next week! |
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