Cathy Barnes

cbarnes@frederickcountymd.gov

Senior Centers Without Walls

Senior Services Division of Frederick County 1440 Taney Avenue

Frederick, MD 21702 301-600-1605-Mondays only

JANUARY 2018

Senior Center Without Walls

Monthly Newsletter

New Year, Lasting Traditions

Another new year begins, and all around the world people will be popping champagne, singing “Auld Lang Syne,” and kissing loved ones at the stroke of midnight. But just why, exactly, do we repeat these New Year’s traditions year after year?

Bubbly champagne is the drink of choice on New Year’s. Its invention is often credited to Dom Perignon, the Benedictine monk who oversaw the wine cellars of his abbey in the year 1697. While others saw bubbles as a problematic sign that wine had spoiled, Perignon perfected the production of this new fermented drink known as champagne. From its beginnings in the abbey cellar, champagne was regularly used in religious celebrations such as consecrations and coronations. It then made the natural transition to secular celebrations, most notably at the soirees of the French aristocracy. As champagne became cheaper and more accessible, it became the classiest beverage to offer during the holidays.

Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns penned the words to “Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and sent them to the Scots Musical Museum, requesting that his lyrics be set to an old Scottish folk tune. The phrase auld lang syne roughly translates to “for old times’ sake,” and, fittingly, the nostalgic song is about preserving friendships. The tune was often sung at funerals, farewells, and other group celebrations. It finally made it to America in 1929, when the Guy Lombardo Orchestra played it at a New Year’s celebration in New York’s Roosevelt Hotel.

No New Year’s party is complete without a kiss at the stroke of midnight. In

ancient times, the winter darkness was the domain of evil spirits. At New Year’s

masquerade balls, scary masks were torn off at midnight, and a kiss was shared

as an act of purification to chase away malign spirits. For centuries, New Year’s has

been a time of celebration, nostalgia, and hope.

Celebrating January

Braille Literacy

Month

Soup Month

Fruitcake Toss

Day

January 3

Cuddle Up

Day

January 6

Make Your

Dream Come

True Day

January 13

Popcorn Day

January 19

Martin Luther

King Jr. Day

January 21

Australia Day

January 26

Nothing Trivial

It is a little-known fact that January 4 is Trivia Day. Ahh, trivia, which for many is considered useless or trivial knowledge. But the word trivia has nothing to do with the useless or unimportant. Rather, it comes from the Latin word trivium, which means “crossroads” or “place where three roads meet.” From trivium came the word trivialis, meaning “found everywhere” or “commonplace.” In medieval times, the Trivium of academia referred to a threefold curriculum of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, as opposed to the Quadrivium of arithmetic, music, geometry, and astronomy. In fact, the Trivium was considered the essential foundation of a full liberal arts education as far back as in ancient Greece, as explained by Plato in his dialogues. As you can see, there is nothing at all trivial about the Trivium or about the meaning of the word trivia.

Researchers even argue that trivia games are good for the brain. People enjoy guessing answers to questions about little-known facts. Psychology professor John Kouinos explains that your brain experiences a dopamine rush when getting the answer right. It just makes the brain feel good. Koinos compares collecting facts to a person who collects stamps. “The more, and the rarer, the better,” he says. Psychologist Deborah Stokes also points out that retaining information, no matter how useless that information may be, is like exercise for the frontal cortex of the brain as it ages. Moreover, trivia games often don’t happen in isolation. People enjoy playing trivia games in social settings, which is an added bonus to brain health.

To get you ready for your next trivia challenge,

check out these weird bits of knowledge: Oscar

the Grouch was originally orange and didn’t turn

green until the second season of Sesame Street;

Hydrox creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies

were invented four years before Oreos; and Wayne

Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse, married Russi

Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse.

Making Sense In January of 1776, just months

before America made its

Declaration of Independence from

Great Britain, American propagan-

dist Thomas Paine published his pamphlet Com-

mon Sense. In Common Sense, Paine not only set

forth a list of compelling reasons for independ-

ence but he also was able to transform the colo-

nists’ vision of themselves. Paine argued that Eng-

land was not the parent country of America and

that colonists were not simply aggrieved subjects.

Rather, colonists had fled to America from the whole

of Europe, seeking peace from violent oppression

and self-realization from monstrous tyranny. Many

historians believe that Paine’s pamphlet was the

glue that united average folk with American po-

litical leaders, turning a colonial squabble into a

full-fledged war. Paine’s 47-page pamphlet sold

500,000 copies, and although it was published

anonymously, Paine’s name would enter history

books alongside heroes like Washington and Revere.

Bye-Bye to Dry

The cold, dry winter air can wreak havoc on sensi-

tive skin and cause chronic dryness. Luckily, January

8 is Winter Skin Relief Day, a day to take some

small steps to ease the discomfort of dry skin. Skin

lotions and moisturizers are helpful, but dermatolo-

gists also recommend taking shorter showers. This

may be the number one cause of dry skin. A long,

hot shower strips the skin of its natural oils,

degrading our best barrier against cold, dry air.

Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner recommends

showers less than 10 minutes and no hotter than 84

degrees. Many common cleansers and soaps are

alkaline, and washing often disrupts the natural

acidic pH of our skin. Look for soaps that are pH

balanced. These will have a less deleterious effect

on the skin. Moisturizer is key. Applying a thick and

oily cream while the skin is still damp will improve

absorption, but don’t apply too much. Dr. Zeichner

explains that constant moisturizing may tell the skin

that it doesn’t need to maintain its own hydration.

These small changes to your routine may ease some

uncomfortable symptoms of dry skin.

A History of Exploration

On January 13, 1888, an elite group of

33 explorers, scientists, academics,

and wealthy financiers met at the

Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C.,

with a common goal: “the increase and diffusion

of geographical knowledge.” Their organization

was officially incorporated two weeks later, on

January 27, as the National Geographic Society.

The Society’s first president, Gardiner Greene

Hubbard, was not a scientist but a lawyer and

philanthropist. He embodied the organization’s

mission to share scientific knowledge with the

layperson and to open up the world to everyone.

It took nine months for National Geographic to

publish its first magazine, and it was not meant

for a popular audience. It was a scholarly journal

filled with short, technical articles mailed to only

165 charter members. Then in 1899, Gilbert H.

Grosvenor was hired as the magazine’s full-time

editor by Society president Alexander Graham Bell.

Grosvenor changed the publication from a scholarly

journal into a popular magazine full of general

interest articles and full-color photography. Its

images were so striking and beautiful that

circulation grew from just 1,000 to over two

million. Grosvenor became known as one of the

“fathers” of photojournalism and one of the

champions of creating a national parks system in

America. Grosvenor’s legacy continues today, with

the magazine’s worldwide circulation at 6.7 million.

The National Geographic magazine is certainly the

Society’s most important and well-known outlet for

spreading knowledge, and all revenue from the

magazine is used to sponsor new expeditions and

research. Indeed, the National Geographic Society

has aided some of the world’s most fascinating

explorations: Robert Peary’s journey to the North

Pole, Jacques Cousteau’s dives to the deepest parts

of the seas, Hiram Bingham’s uncovering of Machu

Picchu, and Jane Goodall’s communes with

chimpanzees. For over 130 years, it has stood by

its original motto, and it continues to make important

discoveries, such as an ancient megalopolis hidden

in the Amazon jungle and new species of tarantula

living in the Andes mountains.

A Birthday Mystery

Happy birthday to Sherlock Holmes, who is believed to have been born on January 6, 1854. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, never explicitly stated the date of his fictional detective’s birth, so how, exactly, have we arrived at this birth date?

The January 6 date was first asserted by Christopher Morley, a literary essayist and Sherlock Holmes superfan. Morley decided on the date after noticing Holmes’ penchant for quoting Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night. He deduced that Holmes’ birthday must fall on the twelfth night after Christmas, which is January 6. On that date in 1934, Morley arranged a meeting of the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of Sherlock Holmes fans and scholars who gathered together to enjoy all things Sherlockian over the course of a few days, including lectures, dinners, cocktail parties, and performances. Morley’s group has included such esteemed members as Isaac Asimov, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. The original Baker Street Irregulars appeared in various Sherlock Holmes stories. They were a band of street kids who aided Holmes in gathering tidbits of information.

Sherlock Holmes scholar William S. Baring-Gould corroborates the January 6 date in a roundabout fashion. He points out that in Doyle’s final Sherlock Holmes mystery, The Valley of Fear, Holmes awakes very cranky on January 7. Why is he cranky? He must have a hangover. Why a hangover? He was up late celebrating. What was Holmes celebrating? Baring-Gould postulates that it was his birthday. However, many attest that this is all rather shoddy detective work.

Not everyone agrees that Sherlock Holmes’

birthday is January 6. Many instead celebrate

Holmes’ birthday on December 2, the real-life

birthday of Dr. Joseph Bell, the surgeon and

professor after whom Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

modeled his detective. Yet all agree on the year 1854,

for in a 1914 tale, Holmes was described as 60 years

old. Elementary, my dear.

Splish-Splash: A Brief History of the Rise, Fall, and Rise of the Bath Ancient Times (around 3000 BC): The Rise of the Art of Bathing Archaeologists list the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro as one of the earliest public baths in history. Located in Sindh, Pakistan, the bath dates back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization—one of the three oldest human civilizations. (The others are Egypt and Mesopotamia.) Two stairwells lead into the bath, which measures 40 feet by 22 feet. The houses in the Indus Valley, which were carefully built on a grid, had rooms set aside for bathing and indoor toilets that flushed. Waste water was directed to covered drains flowing away from the homes. These ancient plumbing systems were more sophisticated than those in much of the Middle East today.

• Ancient Egyptians believed that cleanliness brought you closer to the gods. Their hygiene rituals included bathing

with a scented soap paste made of ash and clay. They also mixed oils with salts to exfoliate the skin. They plucked and shaved their hair and wore cosmetics. They would sometimes wash several times a day, oiling their bodies with scents and washing their feet in basins. They felt it was extremely important to be clean and well-groomed to be ready to be welcomed into the afterlife.

• Mesopotamia was similar to Egypt, although bathing time was more routine—usually before the evening meal.

Men and women, especially of the upper classes, would bathe in aromatic oils. Afterward, both sexes would enhance their appearance with an early form of mascara that both rimmed the eyes and lengthened the lashes. They would then apply perfumes made from steeping aromatic plants and flowers. The recipes for these perfumes were closely guarded because of their importance. Discussion Starters

• Are you surprised at the sophistication of the ancient plumbing systems?

• What grooming rituals from ancient cultures are still popular today? (Examples: exfoliating, wearing mascara,

shaving)

• Why do you think these rituals stood the test of (a massive amount of) time?

Bathing in Classical Greece and Rome (around 1000 BC): A Way of Life In Greece and Rome during the classical period, public baths were an essential part of community life. Greek baths were simpler than the palatial marble Roman bathhouses, but both were centers for cleansing the body and socializing. The Greeks and Romans believed that bathing regularly was part of a healthy regime that also included sports and delicious foods. They would sit in public baths to debate, gossip, and even hear lectures. Some of these communal baths were segregated by sex, but most were not. The whole lifestyle of the time was very communal, and that extended to the body. Privacy wasn’t valued as it is today. Toilets at the baths were often marble with sewage systems, but the toilets sat next to each other without doors or any partitioning. The societal nature of public baths spilled out onto the streets nearby. Often gymnasiums were built next door to the baths. Women would swim and run, while men wrestled and lifted weights. Food carts could be found outside the baths too, and musicians and philosophers were also on hand to share a tune or an opinion. Although public baths were popular, private bathtubs and washbasins were common as well. Romans developed indoor plumbing by using a system of pipes and aqueducts. There were also public wells and fountains. Discussion Starters

• Have you been to a spa or public bath here or abroad? What was the experience like?

• Do you associate baths with privacy? Is part of the enjoyment of bathing being alone, or does a social bath sound

appealing? Medieval Europe (around 1500 AD): The Dark (and Dirty) Ages The fall of the Roman Empire marked the end of long, luxurious baths and reliable sewage systems. The Roman aque-duct system fell into disrepair, and indoor plumbing went extinct. During the Middle Ages, bathing was considered unhealthy and unsavory and was no longer part of daily life. It is said that members of medieval royalty would boast, “I have only bathed twice in my life. The day I was born and the day I married.”

Most doctors and laypeople agreed that bathing caused illness. The reasoning was that sitting in water opened up the pores, letting illness and disease seep into the openings. So, not bathing was a sign of staying in good health. The rise of Catholicism may have also influenced bathing practices. Being naked was considered immodest and immoral. Being naked in a bath with other people was simply not an accepted Catholic practice. This lack of hygiene along with a period of climate warming were two factors leading to the spread of the Black Plague, which killed more than half of the population of medieval Europe. The plague was spread by fleas that lived on host rats before infecting humans. The weather allowed the fleas to flourish and multiply, and the absence of good hygiene and the lack of sanitation (raw sewage often ran through the streets) left people vulnerable to disease. Discussion Starters

• Have you traveled to Europe? What were your bathing experiences there? How were the bathrooms different from

those in your own home?

• Do you think there is an optimal number of times to bathe (or shower) per week?

Colonial Times (1700 AD): The Labor of Bathing During the Revolutionary War, George Washington encouraged his troops to take a dip in the river to cleanse and refresh themselves. This sums up the attitude toward bathing in colonial times: it was regarded as healthy in general, but it wasn’t a part of daily life. Fetching and warming water to bathe in was laborious and time consuming. Families shared the same bathwater (taking turns), so only some family members actually had warm, clean water. In the wintertime, the process of collecting frigid water and attempting to warm it was unappealing, so bathing was often halted for months at a time. Swimming was a makeshift type of bathing. It was not considered a form of hygiene, but people enjoyed the refreshing aspects. The United States’ first indoor plumbing system did not come about until 1829, with the opening of Boston’s Tremont Hotel. The luxury hotel offered flushing toilets and showers, inspiring wealthy homeowners to have such amenities in their own homes. Discussion Starters

• Do you know the origin of the expression “Don’t throw the baby out with the

bathwater”? Answer: Often when a family shared a tub of bathwater, bathing order began with the eldest family member. The baby of the family was always the last to take a bath. By then, the water was so dirty it was hard to see the baby.

• Did you ever have to carry water from a well or other source to a tub for bathing?

• Did you ever bathe in a lake or river? Describe the experience.

Modern Times (around 1920 AD): Indoor Plumbing Arrives… Again In 1920, only 35 percent of the population had electricity and plumbing in their homes. But by 1929, plumbing and elec-tricity became more common in cities as more people moved to urban centers. It took another decade for rural America to have access to indoor plumbing. Many people who grew up in the country in the ’30s and ’40s recall hauling water to an outdoor basin and then heating it in order to bathe. Beginning in the ‘40s, bathing was often portrayed romantically in films. Some movies that featured starlets in bubble baths include:

• Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch • Lena Horne in Meet Me in Las Vegas

• Greer Garson in Julia Misbehaves • Betty Grable in Mother Wore Tights

• Ava Gardner in One Touch of Venus • Kim Novak in Pal Joey

• Lana Turner in Pillow Talk • Claudette Colbert and Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra

• Jeanne Crain in Margie

Discussion Starter Can you think of any other iconic bath scenes from films? (Some star men, such as The Godfather.)

Let’s Reminisce!

Remembering Campbell’s Soup

Introduction A warm bowl of Campbell’s soup makes for a great multi-sensory experience that will bring back fond memories: the feel of a warm bowl of soup on a cold day, the sounds of family talking around the table, the smell of tomato or chicken noodle, the taste of delicious soup, and the sights and memories of Campbell’s soup commercials and jingles.

Part 1: Campbell’s Soup Memories 1. Do you remember making a bowl of Campbell’s soup? 2. What types of Campbell’s soup do you remember? Which ones do you enjoy eating the most? (Chicken noodle, cream of mushroom, tomato, beef noodle, vegetable, etc.) 3. Do you remember making a can of condensed soup? What would you have to add to it? (Water or milk) 4. Do you prefer the ready-to-go soups of today that don’t require anything to be added? 5. What would you serve with the Campbell’s soup? (Sandwich, grilled cheese, salad, crackers, etc.) 6. Who was the soup maker in your house? (mother, father, grandma, etc.) 7. Have you ever made a casserole or other recipe using Campbell’s soup? What other Campbell’s recipes can you think of? (Green bean casserole, tuna noodle casserole, scalloped potatoes, etc.) 8. Do you prefer soup served in a bowl or a mug or something else? 9. Do you remember the rosy-cheeked Campbell’s Kids in commercials and advertising? Can you think of any other products that have used illustrations of children in their advertising? (Coppertone, Gerber, Clabber Girl Baking Powder, etc.) Part 2: Let’s Imagine Let’s imagine doing these soup-related activities: 1. You are in the kitchen making homemade vegetable soup from scratch. What are some of the ingredients you have prepared? (Onions, broth, spices, salt, carrots, tomatoes, celery, pasta, etc.) 2. You’re looking in your kitchen for something to cook your soup in. What kind of pot do you use? (Slow cooker, a large soup or stockpot with a lid, a Dutch oven, etc.) 3. Your soup is too hot to eat. How do you cool it down? (Do you blow on it? Add an ice cube? Let it sit until it cools?) 4. You want to send soup with your spouse or child for their lunch. What do you put it in? (In a thermos or Tupperware container in a lunchbox, etc.) Part 3: Campbell’s Fun Facts 1. In 1869, the founder of Campbell’s Condensed Soups, Joseph Campbell, started selling soup from the back of a horse-drawn cart. 2. Americans eat 440 million cans of Campbell’s soup each year. 3. Ronald Reagan was a spokesperson for Campbell’s soup. 4. The red and white design on the label was inspired by the colors of the Cornell University Football team. 5. The gold seal on the label is from the 1900 Paris International Exhibition. 6. The Campbell’s Kids were drawn and designed by a children’s book illustrator, Grace Drayton. 7. By the mid-20th century, Campbell’s boasted 21 different kinds of soup. Part 4: Fill-in-the-Blanks Ask participants to complete the missing word in the answers to these soup-related questions. Lead a discussion of memories the exercise generates. 1. Can you complete the last word of the Campbell’s soup slogan? “Mmm, mmm, ____.” (good) 2. Can you think of the name of the artist who used Campbell’s soup cans as inspiration for his “pop art”? Andy _______ (Warhol) 3. What soup are people encouraged to eat if they are sick? Chicken _____ soup (noodle) 4. Can you complete the saying? “Everything from soup to ____.” (nuts) 5. Can you complete the saying? “As thick as ____ soup.” (pea)

Easy Weave Coaster Weave yarn through a plastic embroidery canvas to make a coaster. You will need: • Large eye yarn needle

• 4" X 4" plastic canvas (7 count)

• 4-ply yarn (colors of choice)

• Scissors

• Ruler Directions: 1. Cut 30 pieces of yarn measuring approximately 24" long.

2. Thread one end of a piece of yarn through the needle and weave it through the first row of the canvas, leaving about 1 1/2" of yarn at the end.

3. Then weave back along the next row, leaving a 1 1/2" loop of yarn at the end. If changing colors or beginning a new strand, cut the yarn and leave a 1 1/2" tail. Note: Be sure to alternate the stitches in each row so the weaving looks like the last photo below.

4. When the canvas is completely covered, cut any loops and trim the ends of the strands of yarn, leaving a fringe of about 1" on each end.

5. Fray the ends of the yarn with the needle as shown in the last photo above. This will add a decorative element while preventing the strands from slipping out of the canvas. Or, if you prefer, tie groups of two strands together in a knot along both ends.

Balloon Exercises Using props can add a new and fun element to your regular exercise program. Try using ordinary balloons. The balloon exercises below work out the whole body and require a lot of thought and coordination. In fact, balloon exercises are often recom-mended for those with Parkinson’s. Balloon Exercises All of the exercises can be done sitting in an armless chair. 1. Hold a balloon in one hand with your arm extended out to the side. Circle your wrist forward and backward. Then transfer the balloon to the other hand and repeat. 2. Toss a balloon from hand to hand in front of your body. 3. Hold the balloon in both hands and bring it up over your head and down behind your head. Bring it forward and back again. 4. Hold the balloon in both hands out in front of your body. Rotate your arms so that your right hand is on the top of the balloon and your left hand is on the bottom. Then rotate in the other direction. 5. Bounce the balloon up in the air with one hand. Try to keep it up in the air as long as you can. Then switch to the other hand. 6. Toss the balloon in the air and clap your hands before the balloon floats back down. Then hit it up in the air again, clap, and keep it going. 7. Hold the balloon out in front of your body. Let it go and when it falls, bounce it up with your knee. Repeat with the other knee. 8. Bounce the balloon up in the air with your right elbow. Then switch to the other arm. 9. Kick the balloon up in the air with one foot and then with the other. See how long you can keep it going. 10. Put your feet together and lift your legs off the floor. Place a balloon on your ankles. Flex your feet and try to hit the balloon. 11. Arrange chairs in a circle. Hit the balloon from person to person around the circle. 12. A good old game of balloon volleyball is always fun. Just line up chairs facing each other with a “net” between. (It can be just a ribbon.) Then play volleyball with a balloon. Allowing each team to hit the balloon as many times as needed to get it back over the net (as opposed to regular volleyball’s three-hit rule). 13. You can also play a game of Keep It Up and time each person as they try to keep their balloon in the air the longest (or longer than their last time). Or just have them all go at the same time and see who is the last to drop it. Additional Idea: Purchase some punch balloons. They are great for a punching exercise, twirling, and bouncing exercises.

Who Made Us Laugh? “I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.” Do you know what comedian said that? How-to’s & Tips: 1. Read each joke or one-liner and pause to see if anyone knows the comedian or humorist who said it. 2. If nobody guesses correctly, read the clue and try again. 3. As an option, divide the group into teams and keep score. Award two points without the clue and one point if the team needs the clue to identify the person. 4. If helpful, list the possible answers on a whiteboard and cross them off as they are revealed. 5. For a comic acting twist, invite people to stand up and “deliver” the joke or one-liner to the group. Who Made Us Laugh?

Who Said… 1. “I smoke 10 to 15 cigars a day. At my age I have to hold on to something.” Clue: He starred in the Oh, God! movie series and on a TV show with Gracie Allen. Answer: George Burns 2. When a mugger accosted his character and repeatedly demanded, “Your money or your life!” this comedian said, “I’m thinking it over!” Clue: He had a famously popular weekly radio show that ran from 1932 to 1955 and a TV program from 1950 to 1965. He was known for being very frugal. Answer: Jack Benny 3. “I’ve been asked to say a few words about my husband, Fang. How about short and cheap?” Clue: Her famous stage persona included unkempt hair, crazy clothes, and smoking from a long cigarette holder. Answer: Phyllis Diller 4. “I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll be glad to make an exception.” Clue: This American comedian performed in 15 feature films with his brothers Zeppo, Harpo, Chico, and Gummo. Answer: Groucho Marx 5. “I’d much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they’re the first to be resued off sinking ships.” Clue: Her most famous line was “It’s always something,” and she was married to Gene Wilder. Answer: Gilda Radner 6. “I’ve been in love with the same woman for 41 years. If my wife finds out, she’ll kill me.” Clue: The British-born comedian was known for rapid-fire one-liners, the most famous of which was “Take my wife, please.” Answer: Henny Youngman 7. “When I was born, the doctor said to my mother, ‘Congratulations, you have an eight-pound ham.’” Clue: He started his career as a boxer and played golf throughout his life—many times with American presidents. Answer: Bob Hope 8. “She loves to make soup—especially cream of yesterday.” Clue: This iconic TV comedian became known as Uncle Miltie after he told people tuned into his radio show to “listen to Uncle Miltie” and go to bed. Answer: Milton Berle 9. “A man who guesses a woman’s age may be smart, but he’s not very bright.” Clue: This talkative redhead had a 30-minute comedy television show with her husband that ran for 179 episodes. Answer: Lucille Ball 10. “One of these days, Alice. Pow! Right in the kisser!” Clue: He also made famous the saying “How sweet it is!” His TV comedy variety show ran from 1966 to 1970 and featured, among other things, musical remakes of old Honeymooners sketches. Answer: Jackie Gleason

11. “I don’t like heights. This is why I stopped growing at fifth grade.” Clue: This funny man is known for his incredible impressions, hosting the Academy Awards for several years, and for the phrase “Absolutely mahvelous, dahling!” Answer: Billy Crystal 12. “The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius.” Clue: This legendary comic is known for his uncanny physical comedic talent and had a Saturday evening TV show with Imogene Coca and Carl Reiner. Answer: Sid Caesar 13. Speaking on the recipe for the perfect marriage, this comedian said, “Two times a week, we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.” Clue: This man was thought of as America’s favorite clown. His show ran from 1953 to 1970. He always signed off say-ing, “Good night and God bless.” Answer: Red Skelton 14. “One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child’s name and how old he or she is.” Clue: From the mid-’60s to the late ’90s, this American columnist wrote humorously about suburban life. She also published 15 books of the same nature, most of which were best sellers. Answer: Erma Bombeck 15. “I’m a wild and crazy guy.” Clue: His first starring role was in the movie The Jerk. He is an author of both novels and nonfiction books and also plays the banjo in a bluegrass band. Answer: Steve Martin 16. “All I needed now was a computer. And a 10-year-old kid to teach me how to use it.” Clue: He was one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live. Later, he became famous for his role as Clark Griswold and for taking his family on some memorable vacations. Answer: Chevy Chase 17. “I’ve always wanted to be somebody, but now I see I should have been more specific.” Clue: She has been in two movies where she shrinks. You might also remember her as the telephone operator who said, “One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy… Is this the party to which I am speaking?” Answer: Lily Tomlin 18. “Here’s all you have to know about men and women: Women are crazy… Men are stupid. And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid.” Clue: He is best-known for a comedy skit about the seven words you can never say on television. Answer: George Carlin 19. “I wish I had a twin, so I could know what I’d look like without plastic surgery.” Clue: She won an Emmy in 1990 for her talk show. She also marketed a line of jewelry and apparel on the QVC shopping channel. She also said, “I don't exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.” Answer: Joan Rivers 20. “If it’s the Psychic Network why do they need a phone number?” Clue: “Mork calling Ork. Come in Ork.” He played Mork on the television series Mork and Mindy, and one of his most successful film roles was as Mrs. Doubtfire. Answer: Robin Williams

January IQ ~Start the new year off by taking this January IQ quiz.

1. Which January event occurred first in history?

A. The March of Dimes was established. B. New Mexico became a state. C. George Burns and Gracie Allen got married. D. Ellis Island in New York Harbor opened. 2. Born on January 18, 1882, author A.A. Milne created what famous fictional bear?________________________________________________________ 3. The word garnet comes from the Latin word for seed. This is because January’s

birthstone, the garnet, resembles the red seeds of what fruit? A. Apple B. Pomegranate C. Cherry D. Orange 4. Born on January 27, 1921, who played Mary in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)? A. Gloria Grahame B. Donna Stone C. Deborah Kerr D. Donna Reed 5. True or false? Born on January 4, 1809, Louis Braille invented sign language. 6. On January 1, 1999, eleven European countries officially changed their currency to what legal tender that is still used today?______________________ 7. Which January zodiac sign is represented by a sea goat? A. Capricorn B. Sagittarius C. Aquarius D. Pisces

8. True or false? A white carnation represents innocence or pure love. 9. On January 29, 1845, a poem by Edgar Allan Poe about a large bird was first published in the Evening Mirror. What is the name of that poem?___________

10. Born on January 8, 1935, Elvis sang all but one of the following songs. Which one? A. “Love Me Tender” B. “Thriller” C. “Jailhouse Rock” D. “Hound Dog” 11. Who is honored on (or around) January 15 for his tireless work as a social activist and leader of the civil rights movement in America?__________________ 12. Which of the following is NOT a football game played on January 1, 2019?

A. Rose Bowl B. Citrus Bowl C. Sugar Bowl D. Super Bowl 13. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed on January 1 of what year? A. 1901 B. 1911 C. 1921 D. 1931 14. Born on January 31, 1919, who was the first African American to play in major league baseball?______________________________________ 15. Which of the following heavyweight boxing champions was NOT born in

January? Hint: He’s also the only one not born in the 1940s.

A. Mohammad Ali B. Joe Frazier C. Rocky Marciano D. George Foreman

January IQ ~Answers 1. (D) Ellis Island in New York Harbor opened (1892). New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912. George Burns and Gracie Allen got married on

January 7, 1926. The March of Dimes was established January 3, 1938.

2. Winnie the Pooh. Published in the 1920s, the stories of Winnie the Pooh

continue to resonate for readers today.

3. (B) Pomegranate. The garnet gemstone is found in jewelry dating back to the

Bronze Age.

4. (D) Donna Reed. Gloria Grahame played Violet in the movie. Donna Stone

was Donna Reed’s character’s name on The Donna Reed Show. Deborah Kerr

co-starred with Reed in the film From Here to Eternity.

5. False. Louis Braille invented a system allowing people who are blind to read.

6. The Euro. The countries were Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany,

Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. As of this publication, eight more countries have adopted the euro as their

official currency.

7. (A) Capricorn. Capricorns are those born between December 22 and January 19.

8. True. The carnation and the snowdrop are January’s birth flowers.

9. “The Raven.” The poem depicts a man going mad in his grief.

10. (B) “Thriller.” “Thriller” was a Michael Jackson song.

11. Martin Luther King Jr. His “I Have a Dream” speech, among many others, helped mobilize many people to fight for civil rights.

12. (D) Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is played in early February. The Rose Bowl is played in Pasadena, California. The Citrus Bowl is played in Orlando, Florida.

The Sugar Bowl is played in New Orleans, Louisiana.

13. (A) 1901. January 1, 1901, the British Parliament passed legislation that

permitted the six Australian colonies to govern themselves.

14. Jackie Robinson. The Brooklyn Dodgers signed him, and he was named

Rookie of the Year in 1947, the first year he played. He was made National

League MVP in 1949 and a World Series champion in 1955.

15. (C) Rocky Marciano. Mohammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942. Joe Frazier

was born on January 12, 1944. George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949.

Dot-to-dot Connect the numbered dots 1–108

2019 Door Burst Greet 2019 with a wreath-like door decoration made by wrapping colorful strips of scrapbook paper around a paper plate. You will need: •7" paper plate

•5–7 sheets of assorted scrapbook paper

•Printout of 2-0-1-9 pennants on white paper

•Twine

•Stapler

•Scissors

•(Optional) Scalloped scissors

•Glue stick

•Scotch tape Print a picture of a completed door decoration to show crafters. Post a copy on your bulletin board to create interest in the activity. Directions: 1.Cut out the triangles with the numbers 2-0-1-9. Glue them to scrapbook paper. Then cut scrapbook paper around the numbers, leaving an 1/8" border as shown in the first photo below. For an added touch, use scalloped scissors.

2. Tape the top edge of the triangles to a 10" strand of twine as shown in the first photo above.

3. Cut the flat center out of a 7" paper plate, leaving about a 1 1/4" rim.

4. Cut scrapbook paper into 3/4" X 10" strips. You will need 25 to 28 strips, depending on how full you want the wreath to be.

5. Fold the strips in half around the rim of the paper plate and staple them in place as shown in the last photo above. Overlap a little for a fuller look.

6. Glue the ends of the paper strips together. Then, cut out forked tips as shown in the

first photo below.

7. Position the banner across the front of the wreath and tape the twine to the back of the wreath as shown above. You can staple it as well.

8. To hang, use mounting putty or staple a small loop of twine to the back and hang on a nail. Idea When January is over, remove the 2019 banner and replace it with a banner with your name on it or a “Welcome” banner.

Quirky Cork Charm Transform a bottle cork into a decorative charm to be used as a necklace or keyring. You will need: • Bottle cork (made of real cork or plastic) If possible, select a cork with a design, such as the ones used here from Winking Owl wine. You can also purchase craft corks. • 2 small screw eye rings • Embroidery floss (color of choice) • Embroidery needle • Small beads with holes large enough for embroidery needle • 2mm cord for necklace (choice of color) or keyring • Scissors Directions: 1. Screw an eye ring into each end of a cork as shown in the first photo below.

2. Cut two 10" strands of embroidery floss. Hold them together and fold in half. Insert the fold-ed end through the bottom eye screw. Then feed the loose ends of the floss back through the folded loop as shown in the center photo below. Pull to tighten.

3. Use a needle to thread beads onto each loose end of floss. Position the beads at different lengths along the thread and knot to keep the beads from sliding off. Trim a little below the knot for a frayed end.

4. To make a necklace, slide a 36" piece of cord through the screw on the other end of the cork and tie the ends together.

5. To use the charm for a keyring, add a keyring to the empty eye screw.

Burst Your Bubble

We wrap up the last Monday in January with Bubble Wrap Day, a day to pop to

your heart’s content. Why do we get such satisfaction from popping bubble

wrap? The answer may lie in the healing power of touch. Psychology professor

Kathleen Dillon turned to the ancient Greeks for an answer, and she came up

with a “fingering piece” or “worry stone,” often a smooth stone carried in

a pocket. Rubbing the stone with one’s fingers brought about a soothing sense of calm. The

same sense of relaxation has been attributed to Catholic rosary beads and the practice of do-

ing needlework. Keeping our fingers busy, it seems, has an intensely calming effect. So, too,

does popping bubble wrap. When we are stressed, our muscles tense. Tiny actions such as rub-

bing stones, tapping fingers, wiggling feet, or popping bubble wrap release nervous energy,

and with each burst bubble, more tension is released and the happier we get.

More to Explore Can you match the discovery to its discoverer?

1. King Tut’s tomb A. Mary Leakey 2. The wreck of the Titanic B. Richard Byrd 3. Ancestral skulls at Olduvai Gorge C. Robert Ballard 4. First flight over South Pole D. Howard Carter

Notable Quotable “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”

~ Sherlock Holmes, fictional detective

Bonus: Match the person to the correct clue. 1. Rock singer – I 2. Baseball player – J 3. Physicist – E 4. Movie actor – C 5. Astronaut – A 6. Philosopher – H 7. Pilot – B 8. TV actress – K 9. Novelist – L 10. Blues singer – F 11. Politician – D 12. Golfer – G

Mixed-Up Bowling (solution) 1. strike 2. gutter 3. spare 4. approach 5. double 6. turkey 7. frame 8. handicap 9. bowling alley 10. split 11. pocket 12. scoring 13. shoes 14. target 15. throwing 16. return 17. head pin 18. curve