THE SENIOR TIMES - SEPTEMBER 2025

GOLDEN NUGGETS

 One of the flowers for the month of September is the morning glory.   The Morning Glory is associated with love regardless of culture. This is most likely due to the vining habits of the plants that share this name. Vining plants tend to be associated with love and devotion because of their clinging nature.  The Japanese were the first to cultivate and crossbreed the various species of Morning Glory. They use the flower to symbolize innocence and love, making it a shared gift between young lovers. In China, the flower is widely grown as a decoration on garden fences and house walls. It’s also associated with love in this culture, but a specific folklore story goes along with it.  Two lovers started to neglect their duties to see each other, which angered the gods. They were banished to the separate banks of a wide river and only allowed to meet one day per year. The plant’s constant climbing and propensity to reach across open spaces reminded people of the lovers’ desire to see each other. In the language of flowers, the Victorians also loved growing Morning Glories, some varieties easily adapted to cool climates like England. Thus, it acquired an essential role in developing the Language of Flowers, which was used to send coded messages.  These flowers picked up a similar association with unrequited love as it had in Chinese culture. Including a Morning Glory in a bouquet could signal continuing or undying love.  Pre-Columbian cultures extracted compounds from the Morning Glory to create rubber materials.

Interestingly, some ancient Mesoamerican cultures utilized Morning Glory plants, particularly their seeds, for their hallucinogenic properties. These seeds contain a natural tryptamine called LSA, which can induce visions and were possibly used in shamanic rituals.  Some Christian groups have taken up the use of the flower as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. This comes from Exodus 16:7 in the Bible, which states, “And in the morning, then you shall see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your complaints against the Lord.  But what are we, that you complain against us?”  This verse gives us assurance and hope that God is aware of our situations, hears our grievances and is present in our trials.  What comfort to know this great caring God! 

Brain Teaser

 (answer at end of newsletter)

 Two boxers are in a match scheduled for 12 rounds. (Pure boxing only. There are no kicking or takedowns). One of the boxers gets knocked out after only six rounds, yet no man throws a punch. How is this possible?

 HUMOR ME

A guy sees an advertisement in a pet-shop window: “Talking Centipede $100.”  The guy goes in and buys it.  He gets home, opens the box and asks the centipede if he wants to go for an ice cream cone.  The centipede doesn't answer, so the guy closes the lid, convinced he's been swindled.  Thirty minutes later he decides to try again.  He raises his voice and shouts, “Do you want to go for ice cream?”  The centipede pokes his head out of the box and says, “Pipe down! I heard you the first time.  I'm putting on my shoes.”

GRANDMA’S COOKING CORNER

Harumi Kurihara’s Famous Japanese Apple Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake Batter: 

· 3 large eggs

· 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp sugar

· 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

· 1/3 cup vegetable oil

· 1/2 cup milk

· 1 tsp baking soda

· 1 1/2 cups flour

· Zest of 1/2 lemon

· Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Apple Filling: 

· 2 medium apples

· 1 tbsp sugar

· 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

· 1 tsp cinnamon

· Lemon zest

Instructions:

 In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat with a mixer for 2-3 minutes. Mixture should become light and fluffy. Gradually add vegetable oil. Pour in milk. Sprinkle baking soda. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Add flour in two portions. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender

Prepare Apple Filling. Peel and core apples. Cut into small, uniform cubes. Mix apple cubes with sugar. Add vanilla and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly

Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a 24cm (9-inch) baking dish with butter. Pour half the cake batter into the dish. Distribute apple filling evenly. Cover with remaining batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness

Finish and Serve. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar or whipped cream or both if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature 

 Words of Wisdom:

“A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.” Bob Hope

MILITARY SALUTE

Born and raised in New York City, Oliver Stone dropped out of Yale University to teach English in South Vietnam, then dropped out again to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1967. During a 15-month tour of duty, Stone served in the 25th Infantry Division near the Cambodian border. In contrast to his earlier time in South Vietnam (near the beginning of the U.S. presence there), Stone felt that the Vietnamese had grown to resent the presence of American troops, and he soon grew disillusioned with the war effort. Wounded several times during his service, Stone was awarded a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.  After his return from Vietnam, Stone attended film school at New York University under the G.I. bill, studying with teachers like Martin Scorsese and producing early student films including Last Year in Viet Nam (1971). Stone went on to mine his experience in Vietnam for a trilogy of films: Platoon (1986) and Born on the Fourth of July (1989), both of which earned him Academy Awards for Best Director; and “Heaven and Earth” (1993). Platoon drew on Stone’s experience as a young volunteer in Vietnam, while Born on the Fourth of July was based on a memoir written by Ron Kovic, a paraplegic Vietnam vet who became an antiwar activist

REMEMBER WHEN 

At the dawn of the 20th century, the wringer washing machine emerged as a groundbreaking solution to the tedious and physically demanding task of hand-washing clothes. The traditional method involved scrubbing clothes on washboards and wringing them out by hand—a process that was both time-consuming and exhausting. The introduction of the wringer washer revolutionized this process, offering a mechanical solution that saved time and reduced physical strain.  The mechanics of the wringer washing machine were simple yet effective. It featured a large tub where laundry was soaked in soapy water and agitated, either by a hand crank or an electric motor, which was a significant advancement from manual labor. Post-wash, the clothes were fed through two rollers—known as the wringer—to squeeze out excess water, drastically cutting down drying time and making the laundry process more efficient.  Today, the wringer washing machine is often viewed as a quaint relic of the past, but its influence on household technology and efficiency is undeniable. It transformed laundry from a daunting task into a more manageable chore, freeing up time and significantly reducing labor. For those who remember or have heard tales of its use, the wringer washer remains a beloved symbol of innovation and simplicity.  This vintage machine is more than just a piece of technology; it’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and our ongoing quest to improve everyday life. Whether you’re familiar with its operation or have only seen it in photographs, the wringer washing machine is a fascinating portal to the past, offering insight into the evolution of home appliances and the impact of technological advancements on daily life.

 Who’d A Thunk

Believe it or not, a man’s suit caused riots in the streets. The term “zoot suit” refers to a particular type of suit with baggy pants, a long coat, and a wide-brimmed fedora. The suits were often brightly colored and accessorized with suspenders, chains, and other eye-catching details.  The zoot suit dress code was closely associated with the jazz and swing music scenes of the time and was seen as a form of protest against the more buttoned-up styles, of mainstream America. It was also a way to express pride in one’s culture and identity, as many African American and Latino men faced discrimination and hardship in their daily lives.  The zoot suit dress code was controversial at the time, with some critics seeing it as a sign of rebellion and others seeing it as a dangerous threat to the social order. This tension came to a head during the so-called “zoot suit riots” of 1943, when white servicemen attacked African American and Latino youth wearing zoot suits in Los Angeles.  Despite this moment of violence, the zoot suit dress code continued to be popular among certain communities in the years that followed. It has also had a lasting impact on fashion and culture more broadly, influencing everything from hip-hop style to the colorful suits worn by characters in movies like The Mask and Dick Tracy.  Today, the zoot suit dress code is often seen as a symbol of a particular time and place in American history, as well as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. While it may not be as widespread or politically charged as it was in the past, the zoot suit remains a beloved and influential style of dress for those who celebrate their heritage and embrace their individuality.

Nonprofit of the Month

The HealthWell Foundation is a leading independent non-profit dedicated to improving access to health care for America’s underinsured. When health insurance is not enough, HealthWell  fills the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. In 2024, they awarded more than $1.2 billion in grants through their Disease Funds, and since 2004 they have helped more than 1,100,000 patients afford essential treatments and medications. HealthWell is recognized as one of America’s most efficient charities — 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to patient grants and services.  This foundation provides financial assistance to help with: Prescription copays, Health insurance premiums, deductibles and coinsurance, Pediatric treatment costs, Travel costs and Behavioral health services.

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Grandpa’s Sports Stories

Before a game in Houston on May 6, 1968, Astros owner Roy Hofheinz presented Willie Mays with a 569-pound birthday cake for his 37th birthday—the pounds represented every home run Mays had hit (up to that point) in his career. After sharing some of it with his teammates, Mays sent the rest to the Texas Children's Hospital. He played 148 games and upped his batting average to .289, accumulating 84 runs scored, 144 hits, 23 home runs, and 79 runs batted in. 

SENIOR OF THE MONTH 

PATSY VOYLES

Patsy Voyles grew up on a 170-acre farm in rural Abbeville County, South Carolina, with her father, mother and two sisters.

For thirty years, she has worked in many aspects of ministry as a Hospice Chaplain, Clinical Chaplain, in both general and psychiatric hospitals in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

Voyles also worked in assisted living and memory care facilities, group homes and as a community center activities coordinator.

She was a radio disc jockey, “Chaplain on the Air” on Sunday mornings and served as staff in a variety of churches.

Voyles was employed as a private investigator for 12 years through the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. Her volunteer work includes providing spiritual services and counseling in substance abuse rehabilitation in the N.C. prison system and in Veterans hospitals.

An ordained minister, Voyles holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Theological Seminary with a certification in Clinical Pastoral Education.

Voyles enjoys music and has played drums in a Gospel group and has been a member of a 50's/60's pop bandv.

Patsy was interviewed on Youtube in July 2025 with additional stories. You can listen and watch on Sasquatch Theory, “South Carolina Bigfoot Encounter: Patsy’s Childhood Sighting and Mysteries in the Woods”.

Patsy received “The Spirit of Excellence Award 2019, Hospice Clinician of the Year by Amedisys.”

And Resources for Seniors of Wake County in 2015, “Employee of the Year.”

Patsy ia also an author; and you can learn about her book under ‘blogs’.

  Answer to Brain Teaser:

  Both the boxers were female.