A Special Supplement to February 2025 | www.thepress-sentinel.com Living50Plus Wayne County
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February 27, 2025 3 We carry a full selection of dependable home medical supplies and equipment to help you maintain your independence at home. Offering home delivery and insurance billing for your convenience! Jesup • Brunswick • Pooler Safety. Comfort. Convenience. • Walkers • Wheelchairs • Scooters • Canes • Lift Chairs • Hospital Beds • Bathroom Safety • Daily Living Aids• Incontinence and Ostomy Supplies • Compression Stockings • Wound Care• CPAP and BIPAP • Oxygen • PPE Supplies • Uniforms 3000 Altama Avenue, Brunswick GA 31520 • 1557 Pooler Parkway Suite 300, Pooler GA 31322 Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • 477 South First Street, Jesup GA 31545 • 912.427.6600 ON THE COVER: There’s an art to throwing a cast net for shrimp. George Hires has mastered how to throw the net for a good catch. Hires feels blessed to work outdoors About Social Security Homestead exemptions can help seniors with taxes Homemade pasta makes for flavorful comfort food Outfit your golf cart with must-have accessories Know your osteoporosis risk How to determine if the time is right to downsize Food for body and soul 7 activities to commemorate the spring equinox Community Resource Directory Tips to make soup more nutritious How to plan a memorable, celebratory retirement party ‘Miss Raquel’ stays active, involved in Screven 4 8 11 13 14 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 27 Wayne County Living 50 Plus TABLE OF CONTENTS
By Jamie Denty SPECIAL TO THE PRESS-SENTINEL “I’m an outdoor guy,” says George Hires, who retired from Rayonier after 35 years of service and then worked as a part-time consultant for 10 more years. In retirement, he has turned his hobbies into a full-time, non-paying job. While working, Hires spent his leisure time gardening, fishing, shrimping and crabbing. With retirement, he now spends most days participating in one of these activities. “There’s a season for each one,” he says. On land Sharing the bounty of his labors with family, friends and even strangers has brought Hires great satisfaction. At the height of each growing season, he loads up his truck with vegetables and plastic bags early on a Sunday morning before driving to Shellman Bluff Baptist Church, where he is a member. He parks the truck near the church and invites members and visitors to take a “mess” home with them. “I’m encouraged to do this because of the smiles on their faces. No one has ever taken more than enough for their family. Their February 27, 2025 4 ❑ See HIRES, Page 5 Hires feels blessed to work outdoors and give away his labor’s productivity In the spring and summer, every day is harvest time. George Hires collects more than a bucketful of cucumbers each day. George Hires has learned to make every spot work as a growing bed and even grows turnips in a boat.
pleasure is such a blessing to me,” he says. His mother inspired his desire to give away the produce of his labor. “My mother loved to get two or three friends and drive out to see what I was harvesting. The joy these ladies had getting fresh-from-thegarden vegetables gave me such pleasure. And from there, giving away snowballed,” he says. Of course, he always starts with his family: wife Pam, daughters and sons-in-law Ginger and Ricky Proudfoot and Suzette and Buddy Williamson, grandchildre, Richie and Rebecca Proudfoot and Brynzlee Williamson. He and Pam, as well as his children and grandchildren freeze Southern peas, corn and okra. They can Blue Lake snap beans and tomatoes. When it comes to harvesting corn, the whole family is alerted and a date set. They gather and shuck each ear. And for freezing, they cut the corn from the cob. “It’s a family gathering. The grandchildren can cut corn, put it in bags, work the air out and seal the bags. The experience should carry February 27, 2025 5 HIRES From Page 4 Having gone fishing, George Hires snags a 3-to-4-pound black drum. The purple martins have returned. Gourds welcome the insect-eating birds back each spring. ❑ See HIRES, Page 6
through their lifetime; they’ve seen enough of it,” Hires says. And what the family members don’t want to preserve, he begins to give away. “I especially like giving to the elderly who have little access to garden-fresh vegetables,” he says. In recent years, he’s collected scrap lumber that’s still good and built raised beds on about an acre of his available 4-to-5-acre land. At the end of January, he began to watch for the migration of the purple martins. For the past 15 years, they have returned each year to hatch and raise their young in his hanging gourds. “Purple martins eat insects, and I love having them around the garden,” Hires says. “By the first of July, they will migrate back to South America.” He adds, “There’s a lot of work to gardening. My phone measures my steps. It’s not unusual for me to take 15,000 steps a day.” By sea When he’s not gardening, he’s fishing, crabbing or shrimping. Starting in September, he begins saltwater fishing for trout and reds. After November, he fishes the Altamaha River for white perch. He also shrimps and crabs. When he began shrimping, shrimpers could drag a net in the sound. These days, he’s limited to casting a net for no more than 48 quarts per day. He also shares these catches. Some of his most appreciative recipients are Jo and Jack Godfrey, former Jesup residents who now live on the McIntosh coast. As Hires comes in from a trip, he’ll sometimes call the Godfreys. If they are at home, he’ll ask them to meet him at their dock, where he shares the day’s catch. “Jack is one of the very best Sunday school teachers I’ve ever heard. He puts so much time into his preparation; he’s very thorough,” Hires says. He began crabbing with Raymond and My Jean Harris. One year, he and Raymond picked 120 pounds of crab meat. Hires knows the amount because they packed their meat in 1-pound bags. After that project, Raymond gave up crabbing because it had turned into too much of a job. The late Laverne Hall, also of Jesup, asked Hires whether he would go on halves with her. She’d pick the crab and keep half and return half of the picked meat to him. Although he was ready to give her all of the crabs, she insisted. He reluctantly agreed. She was the one who taught him to freeze crab meat in milk. In the beginning Hires grew up one of 10 children on a farm outside the Oglethorpe community. The six sons of Albert Cluese and Pansy Warren Hires worked in the fields and also helped their dad, who was a house builder. The four daughters worked in the house. “We were a close-knit family. Each one of us had our specific jobs every day. That was when the girls made biscuits three times a day. Daddy was an outdoor guy, too. He worked the fields, and he fished at Shellman Bluff. That’s why I go there to fish. Our mother was a worker; she kept us straight, but she looked after us,” Hires says. In his reflections, he recalls the difference in farming then and now. “Back then, farming was laborintensive; we were harvesting most everything by hand. Now, there is a lot of equipment that has replaced so much manual labor,” he says. He adds, “I love being out in nature. And I feel blessed sharing what I can grow and catch.” February 27, 2025 6 HIRES From Page 4 With this throw, George Hires brings in a net full of shrimp.
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February 27, 2025 8 More than 70 million Americans receive payments from Social Security. The program provides retirement, disability, survivor and family benefits for almost every American worker. Unfortunately, experts say the monthly benefit sometimes isn’t enough to pay all of a senior’s bills. • Estimate payments: It’s important to understand ideally before you retire how much you’ll be getting each month for Social Security. The average Social Security payment for all retired workers was $1,657 per month in 2022. The Social Security Administration offers a variety of tools to estimate payment, or you can contact a representative at (800) 772-1213. • You have options: There are some considerations when it comes to Social Security benefits for married couples, widows, widowers and former spouses. Know what you’re entitled to and how it may affect the benefits you’re eligible to receive. If you worked abroad or had a government job, it may also change your benefits. • When you can apply:: The Social Security Administration says you can apply for the monthly retirement benefit any time between 62 and 70. The amount you get will be higher the longer you wait to apply, the agency says. • Medicare and social security: At age 65, you’re eligible for health care benefits through Medicare. You can sign up for Part A or Part B benefits, both of which run through Social Security. However, the agency warns that the cost of Part B will be taken out of the monthly benefit amount. • Taxes: You may have to pay federal income taxes on Social Security benefits if your combined income (50 percent of your benefit, plus any other income) exceeds $25,000 per year filing individually or $32,000 per year filing jointly. The taxes can be withheld from your payment. • Work and social security: Your Social Security benefit may be reduced if you earn more than your earnings limit in a year before full retirement age. After full retirement age, you can earn as much as you like without reducing your benefit. You may also be eligible for Social Security benefits because of a spouse’s work. The amount of that benefit is highest at full retirement age, and it doesn’t increase if you wait to apply. If your spouse is deceased, you may be eligible for survivor benefits at age 60, or 50 if you are disabled. About Social Security O ce: 912-720-2941 • Cell: 912-309-9295 520 N. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533 www.wardmonument.com dougward115@gmail.com In your family’s time of need, owner Doug Ward will personally provide professional and heartfelt services to assist you with your needs every step of the way!
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February 27, 2025 10 @l Gge^ R^fagj Kanafˣ g_ I^kmh Assisted Living and Memory Care 150 Hinson Mosley Road | Jesup, GA 31545 912-372-9518 | Hello@AtHomeSL.com | AtHomeSL.com Discover the At Home Way of Life Welcome to At Home Senior Living ofJesup, where a nurturing and vibrant community awaits you. From the warm smiles that greet you each day to the exceptional services we offer, we strive to make every moment special. Our luxurious home offers ma^ perfect blend of comfort and elegance, with thoughtfullydesigned spaces that reflect the warmth and beauty of a true home. At Home Senior Living is more than just a place to live; it's a community where every resident is valued and where kindness, connection, and joy are at the heart of everything we do. Where you’re always at home. Call today to schedule your visit and experience the di erence: 912-372-9518
BY DREW DAVIS STAFF WRITER Wayne County homeowners can save money on property taxes with one or more homestead exemptions. Several options are available in Wayne County, though some— including the biggest exemption— are limited to senior citizens. A person’s property tax is the product of the property’s assessed value (40 percent of the calculated fair market value) and the millage (a rate set by the taxing body for that year)—minus any applicable exemptions. In the case of most homestead exemptions, a portion of the assessed value is deducted from the total before the millage is applied. Standard exemption The standard state exemption of $2,000 and the standard Wayne County exemption of $3,000 allows a homeowner of any age to exempt $5,000 of the homestead’s assessed value from countygovernment and school-system ad valorem taxes. Like most of the other exemptions, the standard exemption does not apply to city taxes. And also like most of the other exemptions, a homeowner receives the exemption only by applying for it. To apply for a homestead exemption for a given year, fill out an application form (available from the Wayne County Tax Assessors’ Office) by April 1. The homeowner must have owned the home—and the underlying land on which it is located—by Jan. 1 of the year. Once the exemption is granted, it continues from year to year as long as the homeowner occupies the residence as a homestead. Last year a $100,000 home in Jesup would have had total property taxes of $1,364.44 with county, school and city taxes and no exemption (according to figures provided by Wayne County deputy chief appraiser Kim Harrington Wilson). With the standard homestead exemption, the taxes would have been only $1,217.63. School-tax exemption Wayne County allows homeowners 65 and older to exempt all school taxes. Again, though, the exemption is not automatic; the owner must apply. There is no acreage limitation or income cap. School taxes can account for the bulk of the countywide tax bill (county and school taxes combined). For the $100,000 Jesup home with the standard exemption and the school-tax exemption, the total tax last year would have been only $659.77. Other exemptions for senior citizens Two other state exemptions are available exclusively to local senior citizens—though they apply only to very small segments of the population and, in light of other exemptions, might not be beneficial to use. $10,000 net-income limit: The state offers an additional exemption of $4,000 to those 65 and older who can show a net household income of $10,000 or less. The owner of the $100,000 Jesup home would have had total taxes of $542.47 with this extra exemption on county taxes and the full exemption on school taxes. $30,000 gross-income limit: The state also offers a de facto assessment freeze—an exemption equal to the difference between the previous year’s assessment and the current year’s assessment—to those 62 and older who can show a gross household income of $30,000 or less. By state law, though, this exemption cannot be used in conjunction with any other exemption. So unless the property’s fair market value shows a big jump, this exemption would be less in any given year than the standard February 27, 2025 11 Homestead exemptions can help seniors with taxes ❑ See TAXES, Page 12
exemption. Granted, the value of the exemption would rise with time. But it wouldn’t be as great as the savings from the school-tax exemption, so this exemption would definitely not make financial sense after three years. Also, the homeowner would have to apply for the exemption before knowing the assessed values and millages for the year and thus would not know exactly how it would compare to taxes without the exemption. Floating exemption The newest homestead exemption is different from all of the others in several key ways. First, a homeowner who already has a standard exemption doesn’t have to apply for this exemption; it is granted automatically. Also, as Wilson notes, “That’ll be the first exemption that applies to cities.” House Bill 581 put this exemption on the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment last year, and voters approved the amendment. It limits the increase in assessed value of a residential property to the rate of inflation (the CPI-U rate) for the past year. That difference can be significant because, as noted by Wayne County Chief Appraiser Byron Johns, real estate values tend to increase faster than other costs affected by inflation. “It’s not a big exemption the first few years,” Johns says. The longer a homeowner owns his or her home, though, the larger the exemption that the homeowner is likely to see, according to Wilson. “This means the more tax savings the homeowner will see— theoretically,” she says. Of course, at some point a taxing body may raise the millage to ensure enough revenue is collected. Even then, though, the millage increase would apply to everyone, not just homeowners reaping savings from the exemption. (According to Johns, Wayne County comprises some 18,000 parcels of property, only about 5,500 of which are homesteads.) Also, under HB 581, counties and cities—if all of the governing bodies in a county are in agreement—can pass an extra sales tax to make up for lost revenue under the exemption. (School systems aren’t allowed that option.) HB 581 also provides a process by which a governing body can “opt out” of the exemption. In Wayne County, though, no one—not the county, Jesup, Screven, Odum or the school system—has voted to do so. And it is already too late to meet the “opt-out” requirements by the current deadline of March 1. Wilson points out that, even for homeowners, HB 581 doesn’t eliminate the need for the county’s upcoming mass reappraisal. “The resulting corrections and updates to the county digest will fix many issues that have long plagued the assessment information and update value data,” she says, She also notes, “The Tax Assessors’ Office is still mandated by the Georgia Constitution, Georgia statues, and [Department of Revenue] rules and regulations to maintain current fair market values for real property in the county. This fair market value is still used in calculating the ratio analyses used by the DOR to ‘grade’ the county’s compliance.” As noted by State Rep. Buddy DeLoach at this year’s Wayne County Eggs & Issues, though, capping assessment increases at the rate of inflation will make homeowners’ property taxes more predictable than they have been. February 27, 2025 12 CAMPERS • FIFTH WHEELS • TOY HAULERS • MOTOR HOMES • HITCHES • PARTS ACCESSORIES • COMPLETE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE AVAILABLE 2849 Savannah Highway • Jesup, GA • 912-427-8880 www.rrautosalesinc.com • www.rrcampersales.com GO WHERE HOTELS CAN’T AUTO & CAMPER SALES “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16 TAXES Continued from page 11A
Pasta is enjoyed across the globe. Whether it's the main course of a meal or served up as a side dish, pasta will seemingly always have a place on the dinner table. Pasta may not be the first thing people think of when pondering comfort food, but certain dishes, including ravioli, certainly meet the comfort food criteria. Such is the case with this recipe for "Herb Ravioli," courtesy of Lines+Angles. Herb Ravioli Makes 4 servings For the dough: 14 ounces flour; for pasta 2 egg yolks 2 eggs 1 pinch salt 1 tablespoon olive oil For the filling: 7 ounces baking potatoes 1 slice stale white bread 3 1/2 tablespoons soft butter 1 bunch finely chopped chives 1 bunch finely chopped parsley Sprig chervil 4 ounces crème fraîche 1 finely chopped shallot Salt Pepper In addition: Flour for the work surface 1 egg white 4 1/2 ounces bacon 1 bunch chives Chervil or parsley, to garnish 1. Combine the flour, egg yolks, eggs, oil, salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water, and quickly knead to a pliable dough. Form into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 1 hour. 2. For the filling, peel and quarter the potatoes, and cook in boiling, salted water for 20 minutes. 3. Finely dice the bread. Heat 1 tablespoon butter, and fry the diced bread until golden brown to make croutons. Let cool; then reserve 1 tablespoon of the croutons for serving. 4. Drain and mash the potatoes. Let cool slightly, and then mix with the rest of the butter, salt, pepper, herbs, croutons and crème fraîche. 5. Divide the pasta dough in half, and roll out thinly into 2 sheets. Put teaspoonfuls of the filling on one of the sheets of pasta, leaving about 2 inches between them. 6. Brush the dough around the filling with egg white. Lay the second sheet of pasta dough on top and press together between the heaps of filling. 7. Cut out the ravioli with a pastry wheel. 8. Drop the ravioli into boiling, salted water, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes; then take out and keep warm. 9. Dice the bacon, and fry until crisp and brown. Wash the chives, shake dry and snip. Serve the ravioli onto warmed plates. Scatter with bacon, chives and croutons, and serve garnished with chervil or parsley. Homemade pasta makes for flavorful comfort food February 27, 2025 13
February 27, 2025 14 Outfit your golf cart with must-have accessories Golf carts are not necessarily reserved for those hitting the links. While it's true that a cart makes it easier for golfers to make their way around a course, golf carts are quite popular in and around many residential neighborhoods as well. Global Market Insights says the golf cart market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2023, with an estimated growth of more than 7.5 percent expected between 2024 and 2032. These carts are regularly utilized in residential communities, retirement village and university campuses and even across campgrounds and small towns. Many homes in suburban communities, such as those being built in Texas, Florida and Georgia, now boast additional, smaller garages designed specifically for golf carts. Designated golf cart parking also has turned up in town centers and other retail locations around the country. As the popularity of golf carts surges and more people rely on them as a second vehicle, outfitting these carts with the right gear can help them stand out. • Cover: For those without the benefit of a special garage for the golf cart, a golf cart cover protects the vehicle against sun and weather damage. Look for a cover that is water-repellent. • Cup holders: Whether it's for a morning cup of coffee or an insulated water tumbler, cup holders are must-haves on the golf cart. Many cup holders attach easily to the rear accessory bar and elsewhere. • Upgraded tires: Tires that come standard on most golf carts are not the most durable, says Matt's Custom Golf Carts. Therefore, replacing the tires with ones designed to traverse the terrain you travel the most can be a wise investment. • New lighting: Improve on visibility and style by customizing lighting accessories on the golf cart. Many golf carts are being used to get around town, so it pays to have brighter headlights to see roadways and increase your visibility to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. • Anti-slip mats: These mats can help ensure passengers stay safe and secure when stepping in and out of the golf cart, particularly on rainy days. Custom floor mats are available so you can put even more style into your ride. • Side mirrors: Improve on safety with the addition of side mirrors. Icon Electric Vehicles says most factory golf carts feature just one small, center-mounted mirror to view the rear. While adequate for the golf course, it is not safe for the open road. Adding side mirrors helps elevate the safety factor. • Tinted windshield: Some golf carts do not come with windshields. The addition of one, particularly a tinted version, can help reduce glare and protect against debris and bugs while driving. • Rear flip seat kit: This kit increases the seating capacity of the golf cart. When not in use, the seat can be flipped down to carry cargo. • Speakers: No ride is complete without music. Adding speakers to the golf cart can make the ride even more enjoyable. Bluetooth speakers may not require any special wiring and can work immediately with your smartphone. Golf carts are turning up well outside of golf courses, making them a go-to second vehicle for people in various communities. Accessorizing a golf cart can improve the driving experience.
February 27, 2025 15 When you or your loved one needs expert cancer or pulmonary care, you can trust the doctors at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates to meet your needs. Our dedicated doctors have been providing personalized, compassionate care in Jesup for years, building relationships and helping their patients live healthier lives. So when the need arises, trust your care to us. Rafael Alba Yunen, MD Stephen A. Chitty IV, MD PULMONARY MEDICINE Abraham Cheong, MD Duane P. Moores, MD HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY Southeast Georgia Physician Associates 125 Peachtree Street • Jesup, GA 31545 sghs.org Hematology & Oncology 912-588-1073 Pulmonary Medicine 912-466-5504 Providing Excellent Care in Your Community.
Bone is living, growing tissue that changes as a person ages. Although healthy bone can naturally diminish as a person gets older, seniors in particular are at elevated risk of osteoporosis, a bone disease marked by rapid bone deterioration. Osteoporosis occurs when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease or when the strength and structure of bone changes, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Bone is constantly being broken down and replaced. When a person has osteoporosis, creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old bone. Osteoporosis can make bones so brittle that even a seemingly innocuous movement, such as coughing, bumping into something or bending over, can cause bones to break, says the Mayo Clinic. These breaks commonly occur in the spine, wrist or hip. Osteoporosis affects people of all genders, ages and races. However, white and Asian women, especially those past menopause, are at the highest risk. The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation says that osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because bone weakening is undetectable. Subtle signs, such as a stooped posture, a curved back or someone’s seeming to be getting shorter, may indicate osteoporosis. Breaking a bone is often the first sign of the disease. There may be ways to prevent osteoporosis or alleviate its symptoms. A nutritious diet and regular exercise are essential for keeping bones healthy throughout life. This includes getting enough calcium through foods and possibly supplementation. Individuals should work with their doctors to get the right amount of calcium, as too much from supplements may cause kidney stones. Vitamin D also works in concert with calcium to produce strong bones, and many people are deficient in vitamin D. Exercise also is needed for strong bones. Strength training with weight-bearing and balance exercises enjoyed regularly throughout life can help maintain healthy bones as one ages. Additional lifestyle issues can increase risk for osteoporosis. These include long-term use of certain medications such as glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropic hormones to treat various conditions. Proton pump inhibitors, cancer medications and antiepileptic medicines also may increase risk for osteoporosis. Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking also can contribute to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is not something to take lightly. A bone-density test can indicate whether bones are weakening and whether intervention is necessary. However, measures should be taken early in life to prevent osteoporosis in the future. February 27, 2025 16 To start your subscription to The Press-Sentinel, please send your payment or call us at: Press-Sentinel Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 607, Jesup, GA 31598 (912) 427-3757 Subscribe Today Wayne and Adjoining Counties $46.00 Elsewhere in Georgia $50.00 College Students $47.00 Seniors (62 or older/Wayne County) $40.00 Outside GA $59.00 The News is Jus the Beginning YOUR GUIDE TO WAYNE COUNTY 252 West Walnut Street, Jesup, GA 31598 • Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Know your osteoporosis risk Make sure to ask for your senior discount!
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The phrase "bigger is better" has endured for quite some time. Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. But no adage is applicable to every situation, and in some instances people may find that bigger is not better. Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder whether the time is right to downsize from their current homes. Though that's a strategy millions of people have adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine whether downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision. • Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they're currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed-rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance? Homemaintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12 months' expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they're spending to maintain their properties. The number may be eye-opening, as Thumbtack's "Home Care Price Index" released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single family home reached an all-time high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing. • Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners' association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable. In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible. • Emotional attachment: Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it's important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult. Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations. Downsizing is something many homeowners over 50 consider. Any decision regarding downsizing is best made after considering a range of variables. February 27, 2025 19 How to determine if the time is right to downsize
“Cooking or baking has become a common cure for stress or feeling down, but there might actually be some science to why small creative tasks might make people feel better. According to a new study, a little creativity each day can go a long way towards happiness and satisfaction in the bustle of daily life.” —Danny Lewis, writing for Smithsonian ••• According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who frequently turn to small, creative projects, such as baking, feel as though they are flourishing, a term describing personal growth. With a successful endeavor that tastes good today, they feel more enthusiastic about tackling tomorrow’s challenges. “Baking actually requires a lot of full attention. You have to measure, focus physically on rolling out dough. If you’re focusing on smell and taste, on being present with what you’re creating, that act of mindfulness in that present moment can also have a result in stress reduction,” Donna Pincus, associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University, told Huffington Post. Melissa Locker, writing for Southern Living, adds, “Baking also helps convey messages that aren’t always easy to say with words. For instance, when someone passes away and everyone shows up to the wake with platters of comfort food. Sometimes it’s just easier to express sympathy, love, and support in the form of casseroles, cakes, and chicken and dumplings.” Taste of Home field editor Deborah Pennington teaches cooking classes to women at a therapy center. Most of these women have forgotten how to cook or never learned how to. Pennington says, “Each woman has become like a daughter to me. I made them all aprons with their names embroidered on them and bought them Taste of Home cookbooks. We make recipes together, like peach cobbler and a quick and easy ziti recipe. I see them connecting as they help each other learn to cook. They not only bond over a hot meal and see how cooking and food bring people together, they also gain confidence in their abilities and learn that they can be providers.” I appreciate learning that something I and countless others have done over the centuries is actually beneficial to my own wellbeing. As I’ve said many times, my grandmother cooked for our family during my growing-up years. I was taught how to set a table. Bob and my dad were my main teachers during the early years of our marriage. And I taught myself to follow recipes. When I started working for The Wayne County Press, editor Elliott Brack wanted to add a food column. We created the Cookery Corner, featuring a local cook each week. Oh, I enjoyed conducting those interviews and listening to folks share favorite family recipes. Often they would have prepared a dish in advance for me to sample. A few even sent goodies home with me. But more important, I always learned a new trick about cooking or came home with a new recipe, such as Connie Johnson’s Shrimp and Green Noodles. Many—such as Connie’s recipe, which I have included in this column on several occasions—have become family favorites. Because I wrote weekly about people and their recipes, evidently some in the community viewed me as a food expert. During those early years of that feature, I was often called upon to judge a variety of food competitions. I knew I was not an expert. The best I could do was judge how appetizing a dish looked and how it tasted to me. As I now watch some of the TV food judges who, by one bite, can recite all of the ingredients in a dish, I know how amateurish my choices were. These days many Wayne County cooks make tasty pound cakes. And then there are those few who whip up exquisite pound cakes. Over the years, I’ve made my share of good pound cakes, but not anywhere near having people rave about them. These days of cooking for two, I rarely make desserts any more, certainly not a pound cake with its many servings. But on rare occasions, I’ll make my mother’s Six-Egg Cake, which resembles a small pound cake, and then freeze slices. Bob likes it for its crunchy top. Most of all, I love the memories this cake always prompts. Mother’s Six-Egg Cake 1 cup Crisco (not butter) 2 cups sugar 2 cups sifted cake flour 6 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon lemon Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add extract and flour. Beat until light and creamy. Bake in lightly greased and floured bundt pan about one hour at 350 degrees. February 27, 2025 20 Food for body and soul … My Opinion ▼ ▼ ▼ JAMIE DENTY Columnist WAYNE DRUG CO. 192 N. First St., Jesup, GA • 912-427-4288 Fast Accurate Prescription Service w/Drive through window. Most Insurances Accepted • Payment Center (GA Power, Phone bill) Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. • Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Sun. Closed We offer competitive pricing; no long waits; next-day ordering; vaccines for flu, shingles, pneumonia and RSV; and free delivery in city limits. Adherence packaging available! We will be glad to help anyone in need and answer any questions. Thank you to our wonderful community! Max Linder, R.Ph. Ashely Dukes, R.Ph. Will Linder, Pharm. D. Carrie Parker, Pharm. D. Want to save money while still getting all the quality care that you deserve? Then come on down to Wayne Drug for all of your prescription needs!
February 27, 2025 21 The beginning of spring is cause for celebration. In many areas of the world, the start of spring marks the end of cold temperatures and hours spent indoors, a shift in conditions that is welcomed by millions each year. Spring is a time of rebirth, when flowers and trees bloom anew and animals bear new young. Spring is an exciting and busy time and one that people can commemorate in many unique ways. Here are seven ideas to usher in spring this March. • Fill a home or business with flowers. Collect some early tulip or daffodil blooms, and place them around the house. Offer bouquets of dandelions to children, or weave them into flower crowns. •Spend time in nature. It's time to get outside, and there is no better time to do so than the beginning of spring. Soak up the sun and temperate climate, which can be good for your physical and mental well-being. •Visit a loved one. Bring some sunshine to an elderly relative by visiting with him or her. Take a stroll outside, or sit on a bench and enjoy a picnic. • Prepare the garden by cleaning out weeds and tilling the soil. Some early spring preparation ensures everything will be ready when planting time arrives. • Prepare an outdoor feast. Whether it's a picnic or a barbecue, serve up a warm-weather feast with salads, sandwiches and other dishes that are normally served outdoors. • Sow some seeds. Encourage each member of your household to pick a favorite plant or flower, and sow it in celebration of the first day of spring. It's possible to make a special spring garden with perennials that will bloom each year. • Make spring-related crafts. Colorful wreaths, centerpieces and garlands can bring some of the natural wonders of spring indoors. The first day of spring is an opportunity to enjoy what makes the season so special. Celebrate the new season with plenty of creative ideas. 7 activities to commemorate the spring equinox
February 27, 2025 22 Action Pact 660 N. Fourth St. Jesup, GA 31545 912.427.7797 Advanced Hearing & Balance Center 3228 Shrine Road Brunswick, GA 31523 912.267.1569 Aging & Disability Resource Center 311 W. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 912.367.3648 Alzheimer’s Association Regional Office 201 Television Circle Savannah, GA 31406 912.920.2231 American Cancer Society 3011 Hampton Ave., Suite 361 Brunswick, GA 31520 866.227.0797 Beltone Hearing Care Resources 155 E. Orange St. Jesup, GA 31546 912.427.9392 CenterWell Home Health 160 Juniper Court Brunswick, GA 31520 912.400.5150 Community Care Services Program 331 W. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 912.367.3648 Diversified Resources Inc. P.O. Box 1099 Waycross, GA 31501 9800.283.0041 Elder Abuse Program 331 W. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 888.367.9913 Report: 866.552.4464 Elderly Legal Assistance 331 W. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 912.367.3648 Experience Works Inc. 10140 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, GA 31524 912.756.7708 Georgia Department of Family and Children Services 1220 S. First St. Jesup, GA 31545 912.427.5866 Georgia Telecom. Equipment Distribution 4151 Memorial Drive, Suite 103-A Decatur, GA 30032 800.541.0710 Heartland Hospice 664 Scranton Rd. Suite 103 Brunswick. GA 31560 912.261.8760 HOGARC Agency on Aging 331 W. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 912.367.3648 Hospice of South Georgia 1625 Sunset Blvd. Jesup, GA 31545 912.588.0080 Speech, Hearing, & Rehabilitation Enterprises 2228 Starling St. Brunswick, GA 31520 912.264.3141 UGA Cooperative Extension Service (Family and consumer science) 1900 Sunset Blvd. Jesup, GA 31545 912.427.5965 Wynn Care LLC 426 E. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 912.367.0055 Community Resource Directory Wayne County Living 50Plus
February 27, 2025 23 •CyberKnife treats prostate, lung, breast, brain, pancreatic and liver cancers. •Precise targeting delivers high radiation doses to the tumor and spares surrounding tissue. •Treatments take as little as 15 minutes and can be completed in one to five sessions. •This outpatient, non-invasive procedure means no anesthesia, no pain, and little to no recovery time. Southeast Georgia Health System is the first cancer center in Georgia to use the next-generation CyberKnife® M6 with MLC technology, a fast, effective radiation treatment option for cancer. For more information, call 800-537-5142 ext. 5149 or visit sghs.org/CyberKnife. 2500 Starling Street Brunswick, GA 31520 Having cancer is tough. Now, treating it is easier.
February 27, 2025 24 Tips to make soup more nutritious Soup is a dish that wears many hats. When the weather becomes chilly, people often turn to soup to warm themselves up from the inside out. Soup, especially when soup is paired with a favorite sandwich, also can be a simple and light meal when one doesn't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Soup has been heralded as a remedy as well, a reputation that dates back thousands of years. In the 12th century, Egyptian Jewish physician Moshe ben Maimonides prescribed chicken soup as a treatment for respiratory tract issues. And Penn Medicine suggests eating soup while ill is a good idea because the meal is nourishing, easy to digest and often full of nutritious components. People may wonder what they can do to tweak their favorite soups to make them even more nutritious, as many modern soups have gained a reputation as being sodium-heavy. These ideas can give soup a powerful boost. • Use a higher ratio of vegetables in the soup when compared to meats and grains. Vegetables are notoriously high in nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy, including antioxidants and vitamins. • Make your own soup stock from fresh ingredients. Doing so helps retain control over what goes into the soup, helping to reduce potential additives or other ingredients such as sugar and sodium. • Vary the color of the vegetables. Aim for vegetables of at least three different colors. The colors of the vegetables often correspond to the nutrients and phytochemicals they contain. For example, carrots are high in betacarotene. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is necessary for eye health, healthy skin and a strong immune system. • Replace the cream in soups with healthier ingredients. Soups that are cream-based tend to be loaded with calories and saturated fat. Instead, use Greek yogurt at the end (to prevent curdling) or even low-fat cottage cheese to amp up the protein content and give the soup a creamy consistency without the fat. Silken tofu or even a vegetable purée made from potato and cauliflower can add creaminess as well. • Swap meat for lean proteins in the soup. Lentils, for example, are a plant protein rich in flavor and nutrition. According to UC Davis Health, lentils have about 18 grams of protein per cup and also are high in fiber. Relatively inexpensive, lentils also can help keep meal budgets in check. Alternative legumes also can work in soups, as can seafood or lean poultry. • Add texture to the soup. Pumpkin seeds or flax seeds have taste and texture and can be a healthier option for topping soups over buttery croutons or crackers. • Keep ingredients "whole" in the soup. Lean on whole grains, fibrous vegetables, fresh herbs and lean meats to build a well-rounded soup that's bursting with nutrition. • Add some turmeric and ginger. If the flavor profile allows, incorporate some fresh turmeric and ginger to the soup. Health magazine says these ingredients are part of the same plant family and have been used in traditional medicine in India and China for centuries. Both are known for reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of digestive disease. Experiment with different ingredients to create soups that are not only delicious but nutritious as well. The popularity of vegan diets is on the rise as people increasingly turn to plant-based eating. According to Soylent, a soy-based meal replacement beverage company, the number of vegans exceeded 9.7 million in the United States in 2019. Projections estimate that by 2040, only 40 percent of the global population will continue to eat meat. The online resource Made in Canada reports that, in 2020, 4.6 percent of Canadians were vegan. Between 2017 and 2021, the compound annual growth rate for plant-based ready-meal sales in Canada was 441.8 percent, advises the site. Did You Know?
February 27, 2025 25 How to plan a memorable, celebratory retirement party Professionals spend years saving for retirement. Many enroll in an employersponsored retirement plan the moment they begin their careers in their early twenties and continue to build their nest egg until the day they officially call it quits. The effort people put into retirement planning makes the moment individuals call it a career worthy of an extraordinary celebration. The following retirement planning party tips can ensure a celebration that suits an occasion as significant as the day professionals call it a career. • Pick a unique venue. Whether the party will be a sizable affair with a guest list that includes longtime colleagues and friends or a smaller gathering with a retiree's close knit inner circle, a unique venue underscores how significant a moment and achievement retirement is. For larger affairs, shop around for venues in much the same way you might when celebrating other milestones, such as a child's graduation from college or a wedding. If the guest list includes just a handful of friends and family members, consider planning a trip to a resort locale or renting an impressive home through a site such as Airbnb or Vrbo. • Take a stroll down Memory Lane. In the months leading up to the celebration, work with the retiree to identify key moments and people in his or her career. A photo montage of those notable moments and individuals can be a great way to commemorate a lengthy career and simultaneously thank and honor the people who helped along the way. Play the montage for guests at a key moment during the party. • Ask colleagues to share well wishes. Brief messages from colleagues, whether they're delivered via handwritten letters or videos each individual films, can be a great way to show the guest of honor how much he or she meant to others throughout their careers. Messages can be incorporated into a montage video or shared privately with the guest of honor. • Kick the curfew to the curb. It might have been a while since a newly minted retiree had a late night, but a retirement party can stretch into the wee hours. After all, the guest of honor won't need to wake up for work the next day (or any other day), so let invitees know that the party will keep going well into the night. If booking a venue for the party, plan an after party at your home for a handful of guests who are particularly close with the guest of honor. • Keep the focus on fun. While reaching retirement is a celebratory moment that merits a good party, many retirees also feel a degree of sorrow because they're leaving behind rewarding careers they worked so hard to build. Such sentiments may not be entirely avoidable, but party planners can emphasize fun and a festive atmosphere to ensure the night is celebratory and not sorrowful. Book a band and submit a play list of the retiree's favorite songs, and encourage guests to dance the night away. The day professionals reach retirement merits a celebration that's worthy of the years of hard work and dedication individuals put in over the course of their careers.
February 27, 2025 26 Experienced Specialists in Kidney Disease & Hypertension Now accepting new patients • www.thekidneydocs.com WILLIAM GRUBB, MD BRYAN KRULL, DO RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ, MD BETH RESPESS, PA-C BRUNSWICK OFFICE 3025 Shrine Road, Suite 450 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-264-6133 Fax: 912-267-1415 JESUP OFFICE 111 Colonial Way, Suite 2 Jesup, GA 31545 912-588-1919 Fax: 912-488-1959 ST. MARYS OFFICE 2040 Dan Proctor Drive, Suite 230 St. Marys, GA 31558 912-264-6133 Fax: 912-267-1415 ANNISA “DAWN” TRIPLETT, NP MACI HOBBY, PA CHRISTOPHER KOLASA, MD NOW INTRODUCING
February 27, 2025 27 ‘Miss Raquel’ stays active, involved in Screven By John Eden STAFF WRITER Raquel Wright may be one of the most well-known women in Screven. “Miss Raquel,” as most folks call her, is likely to be seen at any time walking energetically around the town or talking with friends on someone’s porch. She said that she’s been walking regularly for about 45 years and considers it key to her active life. Though she doesn’t have a set time or distance to walk, she says walking enough to get her heart rate up for at least 20 minutes is what keeps her healthy. “I like to walk where I can hear the birds sing,” she said. Most of the streets in Screven fit that prescription well, but she also has a favorite path through the woods that she walks often. A Screven City Council member for more than a decade, Wright has lived in the same house on Davis Street in Screven for 73 years. “There are good and bad things about living in the same spot your whole life!” she said. “You know everybody, but everybody knows everything about you!” She said a neighbor remembers seeing Wright’s mother taking her into the house as a newborn and then, 26 years later, seeing Wright taking her newborn son, Chris, into the same house. She said her best memory is of being with her mother and father at Screven First Baptist, where she was baptized when she was about 9 years old. “I love my church!” she said. “I always come back!” She was born Lana Raquel Aspinwall in 1952, when her mother worked in the Screven post office. “I was practically raised by Tasha Cobbs’ grandmother, Pearly Cobbs,” Raquel said. “And she taught me how to clean house. She’s like family to me.” Raquel said she was named for a music teacher in the Screven school, Raquel Catares, who was Cuban. Married 57 years Raquel is the wife of another Screven icon, former county commissioner Jerry “Shag” Wright. This July 1, they will have been married 57 years, Raquel related. “He’s the best county commissioner we have ever had!” Raquel said of her husband. She also said he’s one of the best artists she knows of, with the ability to draw and paint many things, including several school mascots. She said that at one time, Jerry was the second-longest-serving commissioner in the state of Georgia, with 26 years as a commissioner. He was also a member of the Screven Council for 10 years before that, she said. Jerry is from the nearby community of Bristol, and he and Raquel were married in 1968, three months after he returned from Army service in Vietnam. Raquel said the house on Davis Street was just a little “shotgun house” at the time, but they have added to it over the years. “The original house is still the heart of that house,” she said. “It’s JOHN EDEN / Staff Lana Raquel Aspinwall Wright was well-known in Screven even before being elected to the City Council. ❑ See WRIGHT, Page 28
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