SENIOR TIMES JULY 2025
- Melanie Crippen
- Jul 1
- 11 min read
GOLDEN NUGGETS
Torch Festival is a traditional grand festival held in the summer among some ethnic groups, such as the Yi, Bai, Hani, Lisu, Naxi, Pumi and Lahu in southwestern China. The festival features lighting up torches, hence its name. The origin of the festival has something to do with the worship of light or fire by ancestors. They believed fire had the power to repel insects, drive away evils and protect crop growth. For some ethnic groups, it is a tradition in the festival for elders to share farming experience with young people. In the Torch Festival, every family needs to light a torch and hold the torch to illuminate the corners in the room and walk around the fields. Some villagers even have torch parade so as to drive away all bad lucks and pray for a bountiful harvest. The custom of holding a torch to shed light on tree and field was found in Han people in Southern Song Dynasty. In Ming and Qing Dynasties, people in east China’s Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces had the custom as well. The most attractive activity is the Bonfire Party. People play musical instruments like yusheng, yueqin and sanxian (three stringed plucked instrument), singing and dancing for a whole night. During the festival, big torches tied up with dried pine wood, lightwood are erected in all villages, with small torches placed in front of the door of each household. When night falls, the torches are lit and the villages are as bright as daytime. Inside the villages, young men and women are singing and dancing around the big torches that keep burning throughout the night. Other activities like song and dance parties, horse races, bullfights, arrow shooting, wrestling, tug-of-war and swinging are also held during the festival. And there are trade fairs going on. In some areas, various religious rituals are performed to pray for a good harvest. For the Lisu people in Sichuan, the festival is an occasion for holding grand torch parades. Big torches are carried by the procession, which is like a fire dragon. If several processions from different directions meet, it is a tradition to swap the big torches with one another. Torch Festival shows these ethnic groups are seeking to worship light and to dispel darkness.
The Bible states, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (II Corinthians 4:6). This is the true light that men are still seeking. A LIGHT that will always shine and never go out. Amazing!
REMEMBER WHEN
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was a landmark 1954 Supreme Court case in which the justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. Brown v. Board of Education was one of the cornerstones of the civil rights movement, and helped establish the precedent that “separate-but-equal” education and other services were not, in fact, equal at all. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board marked a shining moment in the NAACP’s decades-long campaign to combat school segregation. In declaring school segregation as unconstitutional, the Court overturned the longstanding “separate but equal” doctrine established nearly 60 years earlier in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). In his opinion, Chief Justice Warren asserted public education was an essential right that deserved equal protection, stating educational facilities are inherently unequal. Still, Thurgood Marshall, head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund and lead lawyer from the plaintiffs, knew the fight was far from over—and that the high court’s decision was only a first step in the long, complicated process of dismantling institutionalized racism. He warned his colleagues soon after the verdict came down: “The fight has just begun.” In 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously strikes down segregation in public schools, sparking the Civil Rights movement.
Grandma’s Cooking Corner:
Al Roker’s
Lemon and Mint Potato Salad
Ingredients
· 3 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
· 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
· 3 tablespoons olive oil
· Kosher salt, to taste
· Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· 1 cup mint leaves, chopped
· Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Preparation
In a large saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water and season the water with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook the potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Quarter the potatoes and toss them with the dressing and chopped mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
SENIOR-FRIENDLY
HALL OF FAME
If you know an individual, a business, a group, an organization, or a municipality that is “senior-friendly”, you may nominate them for the “Senior-Friendly” Hall of Fame. Submit their name, contact information and why you think they should be considered.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Brain Teaser (Answer at the end)
People have gathered from around the world to witness the 2015 snail races. Each snail was handpicked by its country to race its way across the brutal 10 cm track. Try to figure out the finishing time, country of origin, and shell color for each of the five snails.1. Of Todd and the snail with the teal shell, one finished in 24 minutes and the other is from Mexico.2. The snail from Mexico finished 3 minutes after the snail with the lime shell, who finished 1 minute before the snail with the silver shell (who wasn't Hank).3. The snail from USA finished 2 minutes before Kipp, who finished some time before the snail from Spain.4. Of Ralph and the Spain contestant one had the fastest time and the other had the violet shell.5. The snail from Canada was either the one with the teal shell or the one who finished in 25 minutes.
MILITARY SALUTE
David McCampbell was an American WWII flying ace who holds a number of impressive achievements. Not only is he the top F6F Hellcat ace, but he is also the US Navy’s highest-scoring ace and the highest-scoring American ace to survive the war. He finished the war with a total of 34 kills and a Medal of Honor. McCampbell was born in Bessemer, Alabama on January 16, 1910, but was raised in Florida. Before attending the United States Naval Academy in 1929, McCampbell had already been through the Staunton Military Academy and the Georgia School of Technology. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1933 with a degree in marine engineering, but unfortunately, this was the peak of the Great Depression and McCampbell was honorably discharged from the Navy. The following year though the Navy wanted him back and gave him a position on the USS Portland, a heavy cruiser. He stayed in Portland until mid-1947 when he transferred to Naval Air Station Pensacola for pilot training.
He received his wings in April 1938 and was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. McCampbell started WWII as a landing signal officer aboard the USS Wasp, which was sunk in 1942. He survived the sinking, received a promotion to Lieutenant Commander, and was sent back to the US to train upcoming landing signal officers for the next year. In September 1943 he was given command of his own squadron (VF-15) and then in February 1944 was made the Commander of Air Group 15 (CAG-15). Throughout 1944 McCampbell and his men operated from the USS Essex aircraft carrier and flew 20,000 hours of combat missions. During this time McCampbell flew four different Grumman F6F Hellcats and racked up an impressive number of kills in them. He became an “ace in a day” when he shot down five Japanese Judy dive bombers at the Battle of the Philippine Sea, which pilots nicknamed the “Marianas Turkey Shoot.” McCampbell flew a second mission later that day and claimed another two Japanese aircraft, this time Zeros. McCampbell’s CAG-15 destroyed over 600 enemy aircraft during the war (around half of which were in the air), more than any other air group in the Pacific. In addition, they sank more ships than any other air group in the Pacific. A few months after the Marianas Turkey Shoot, McCampbell participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines where he simultaneously became the only US airman to become an “ace in a day” twice and scored the highest number of kills on a single mission by any American pilot. This happened on October 24, 1944. McCampbell and his wingman engaged 60 Japanese aircraft, with McCampbell shooting down seven Zeros and two Oscars for a total of nine enemy aircraft on a single mission. After this intense dogfight McCampbell was running on fumes and had to make an emergency landing on the USS Langley as the deck of the Essex was not clear. After landing his aircraft was found to only have two rounds of ammunition left and had to be manually moved along the flight deck as it was completely out of fuel. For his incredible display of airmanship and bravery on his “ace in a day” missions McCampbell was awarded the Medal of Honor. His Medal of Honor citation states that “His great personal valor and indomitable spirit of aggression under extremely perilous combat conditions reflect the highest credit upon Commander McCampbell and the United States Naval Service.”
The end of the war was certainly not the end of McCampbell’s military career. After the war ended McCampbell served as the Chief of Staff to the Commander Fleet Air at NAS Norfolk, Virginia for two years. After this, he worked as the Senior Naval Aviation Advisor for Argentina before becoming the executive officer aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Korean War. After Korea, he worked as the Planning Officer on the Staff of Commander Aircraft Atlantic for a year and served as the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Technical Training Center Jacksonville at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, from July 1953 to July 1954. He then became the commander of the fleet oiler USS Severn and then the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. He ended his career at the Pentagon as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations to the Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command, retiring in 1964. The legendary American pilot and hero passed away in 1996 after a long illness. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Although based in northern Wake County, North Carolina, we are receiving numerous requests from around the country and are now partnering with churches and other organizations in many states to fulfill needs of seniors, whatever they might be. Meanwhile, since we have learned that the universal need is socialization, we are concentrating on social events we bring to local senior living facilities as well as transporting to larger social events that are open to the public. We provide entertainment, an educational special feature and a total “party-like” atmosphere with something for everyone at no charge.
HUMOR ME
Johnny had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.
His father said he’d make a deal with his son,
“You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.”
Johnny thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it. After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.” Johnny said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”
Dad replied “Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went..?
Who’d A Thunk
Who knew that a company that made toilet tissue and paper
towels would start a fashion sensation? In April 1966, the Scott Paper Company launched a promotion for its new line of colorful paper products. Along with two proofs of purchase and $1.25 for shipping, customers could redeem a coupon for a paper dress, choosing from a red paisley bandana pattern or a black-and-white op art print. The media took immediate notice. So did the public. Scott’s “Paper Caper” dresses became a surprise hit. Soon fashion enthusiasts were wearing not only Scott’s dresses, but paper apparel created by other manufacturers and designers who quickly joined in the trend. The 1960s was an era of exploration and pushing boundaries. It was the space age--people envisioned an exciting future where everything was conveniently automated. New materials and disposability were in. Paper apparel promised convenience--you could simply discard it after one wearing. Altering the hemline was a snap--all it took was a pair of scissors and a steady hand. A tear? You could do a quick repair with sticky tape. The A-line shape and trendy prints of the paper dress fit perfectly with the youthful “Mod” look and aesthetic sensibilities of the 1960s. You could be up-to-the-minute at little cost--clothing could be quickly and cheaply replaced as trends shifted. There was a paper dress for every budget--from those on the shelves of mass-market retailer J.C. Penney to the chic creations carried by Manhattan boutiques. People bought over a million paper garments between 1966 and 1968. Some envisioned throwaway clothing beginning to cool. Paper clothing was not really practical or comfortable for everyday use. And the hippie movement--with its back-to-nature values and strong anti-pollution message--was changing public opinion. What had seemed hip and modern now seemed frivolous and wasteful. A bit of novelty in an era of experimentation, the paper dress fad was fun while it lasted.
Nonprofit of the Month
Lutheran Services in America network organizations are rooted in the Lutheran theology of caring for neighbors and the spirit of early Lutheran reformers who transformed the way society’s greatest challenges are addressed. Lutheran reformers worked together to pool community resources, not only to provide essentials such as food and shelter, but also to deliver healthcare, job training and other services critical to individuals leading a life of dignity and respect. They recognized that a holistic approach best empowers people to reach their full potential and when people thrive, communities thrive. Five centuries later, Lutheran social ministries continue the legacy of the Reformation by rising to 21st century challenges. Lutheran social ministries continue to care for neighbors putting people at the center of their work.
Grandpa’s Sports Stories
The 1954 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament was the culmination of the 1953–54 NCAA men's ice hockey season, the 7th such tournament in NCAA history. It was held between March 11 and 13, 1954, and concluded with Rensselaer defeating Minnesota 5-4 in overtime. All games were played at the Broadmoor Ice Palace in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This was the first championship game to go into overtime. Rensselaer's title was the only championship won by a team from the Tri-State League. Despite its low membership the Tri-State League would send at least one representative to the tournament every year from 1952 through 1964 before being dissolved in 1972
SENIOR OF THE MONTH -
July 2025
Denise Lucas
Although having lived in southern Illinois, eastern and western Kentucky and Jacksonville, Florida, Denise definitely calls North Carolina her home. Born in Wake County and graduating from what used to be the Wake Forest/Rolesville High School before they separated, she lives in the house next to the house she grew up in. The house she grew up in is now occupied by her son, daughter-in-law and her three grandchildren.
Denise worked many years in Public Health for North Carolina State Government while her husband worked for IBM. They also owned and operated a fishing and tackle business.
Now both are retired but continue to stay busy. Every Sunday after church, Denise and her husband serve a family dinner (family includes their son and daughter, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.)
Denise enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and of course her grandson and two granddaughters. She enjoys special short trips with her daughter and lunches with her husband. Sometimes she didn’t have time to do these things when she was working. But, she says, she couldn’t just sit. That would get boring! She must stay active!
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Answer to Brain Teaser:
Hank, 26, Spain, violet; Mike, 23, China, silver; Kipp, 24, Canada, teal; Ralph, 22, USA, lime; Todd, 25, Mexico, grey
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THE SENIOR NETWORK
3650 Rogers Road, Suite #323
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
954-666-2040
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