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Greetings!
 If you are grateful for what our first president, George Washington, did for our country...tell a child!
We Seniors have almost endless reserves of knowledge and experiences and it is a shame to keep so much of it to ourselves. Granted we are ready and eager to share advice, warnings and admonitions... home repair and automobile maintenance instructions, cleaning tips, and endless child rearing directives, but there is much more to be said and done.
When we think back to the role models of our childhood, we recognize the influence of parents and grandparents who molded our values and principles by their behavior. Then, listening on the fringes to the coffee talk around the grownups' table, or playing nearby, we used our radar ears and soaked up details of whom our elders, in their 30's and 40's and 50's, admired and why.
Each of us has memories of instances when an adult we admired took time to speak to us alone. Do you remember a time when your grandfather asked just you to help him mend the fence...or when your grandmother asked you to be her baking helper...or when your uncle showed you a card trick or your aunt chatted with you while she braided your hair? Do you remember a kindly neighbor showing you how he made a special bird feeder or teaching you to count to ten in German or maybe in Italian?
Grandparents, aunts and uncles, any adults who spend time with children in their most formative years must realize they are being observed, studied and imitated. The stories we tell, the values we live by, the people we speak of with respect and admiration are all taken in by young minds eager to be filled and are stored in a data base constantly accessed as the child matures.
This Washington's Birthday, Feb. 22, can be a reminder to even seasoned patriots. We can refresh our knowledge of our first president, the father of our country... of his challenges and accomplishments, his virtues and habits.
And most importantly, on this day or any day, we can ask the children in our lives what they know of George Washington then listen carefully to what they say. If we value these children's futures and would influence their characters, a give and take discussion of what we each know and admire and wonder about Washington becomes a high priority.
Reading with them about our first president, researching online for details of his battles, visiting his home, a museum or monument, would trump a trip to the outlet mall, or to the latest popular movie. Sharing with a child this focus on a man we so admire would be an experience that speaks to values and principles and a conversation that may well be remembered all their lives.
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Families Reading Together
Stories of America's founders and heroes; From Libraries of Hope
"...the man who, knowing what is right, dares to do it, and, doing it, is able to do it nobly and well, the man whose work is not for himself, but for the good of others, who is courageous, strong and honest, loving, tender and true, who can command and counsel, but is himself willing to obey and to take advice, who is a leader of men, but a lover of men also, who is noble because he is good, and great because he is noble--that is the man you can take for your hero, and thank God that such a man really has lived and labored and succeeded in the world. And such a man was George Washington."
(from The True Story of George Washington by Elbridge Brooks)
To receive the next title in the Freedom Series, Stories of the Government, you must subscribe by Monday, February 28.
This volume includes an imaginary trip to Washington D.C. and the stories behind many of our buildings and institutions. Also, learn what was taking place in England at the time of the Revolution and read a line-by-line explanation of the Constitution written for children. Thoughts and quotes from our founding fathers are included.
Subscribe at www.librariesofhope.org
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COLA Project on Food Inflation
Your reporting reflects reality
The latest compilation of your grocery price data appears on the website at
http://www.912superseniors.org/cola-project/cola-project-results/
 As of Feb 15, the reported prices for gasoline around the country averaged 3.07 per gallon. Highest reported was 3.49 per gal. for Mountain Ranch, CA, and lowest was Freeport, TX, at 2.81 per gal.
Although we are not tracking coffee for the survey, we get emails about shocking increases on every type and brand of coffee.
We know from Glenn Beck that the prices of everything made from cotton was bound to increase and now we read that all clothing is projected to cost 10% more this Spring.
As farmers are planning their Spring crops the analysts say it would take a bumper crop to significantly improve the food inflation all over the world.
As Super Seniors continue to provide the data for our COLA food inflation project, we are planning a project to get more information about the changes coming to healthcare out to Seniors who do not have internet access. The materials are being prepared with exact passages from the law and then hypothetical questions as to what the effects could be.
We hope to have the project materials and plan ready before the end of March. The project is going to depend 99.9% on help from our Super Seniors volunteers. More details as they are available.... |
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Senior Chat Topics
What would you cut?; Wal Mart vs..; How do you find best values?
 With increasing food inflation, getting value for our dollars remains the high priority it has always been for Seniors. We know how to get the most from each dollar, but are always open to new ideas. Share your best tips and hints with other Seniors ..and share your opinions while you are at it!
Add topics of your choice. If you have questions about posting here, use the "contact us" form on each page to email your question.
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New 912 Super Seniors Groups
The 912 Super Seniors group in Commack, NY, is growing in members, enthusiasm and focus. The group had its 4th meeting week and demonstrates one type of meeting which works well for Super Seniors. The group meets at a local restaurant for a lunch meeting. This type of meeting around a meal provides the opportunity to share information, set goals and hear speakers while patronizing a local business and enjoying companionship.
Other meetings may best function at a community center or clubhouse, at a VFW or American Legion hall. Libraries often have meeting rooms available.
Wherever 912 Super Seniors come together we support the goals of educate, empower and act in support of America's freedoms and prosperity.
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General Henry "Lighthorse Harry" Lee of Virginia eulogized Washington:
"To the memory of the Man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen"
Our country has a well deserved affection and respect for George Washington. The character of such a man, such a president, leaves an indelible mark upon a country. Indeed, character does matter.
Think of a person you have known in your life who had a strong and trustworthy character, someone of moral and ethical conviction who you knew would act on his principles even at great personal cost.
Now imagine electing a person like that to represent you in government. For when campaign adrenaline wanes, a fawning media turns critical, and issues become heated and complex, the decisions affecting you and your family will reflect your politician's character...or the lack of it.
It is an honor to join with you in this endeavor!
Barbara Samuells
Co-Founder
912 SUPER SENIORS |
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