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Spotlight on
“SeniorS”
www.theconnectionsnj.com For my readers old enough to remember the THE GRADUATE starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, you will recognize that line as a pivotal one in the film. Dustin is the graduate attending a graduation party where older guests are offering advice to any young guest who will listen. With all of the bravado in the world, one tells him the word of the future is PLASTICS, and who amongst us would argue that plastic is a way of life for all of us? The PLASTICS to which I am referring, however, is in the form of big black plastic bags, and as a senior, you will learn there is nothing as valuable! And that is because of two other important words: downsizing and moving. Downsizing requires large trash bags, and more large trash bags. Not only are they sturdy and quite safe for hauling the trash out of your home, they are opaque, so once an item is thrown into the bags, they are “out of sight” so we don’t feel morose about their disposal. We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed by items we have collected over the years, and if they have special meaning to us, they feel too valuable to discard. But in reality, since most of us will be living in smaller space, we need to “right size” with fewer possessions. We talk with our families hoping they will want these possessions, but the younger generation doesn’t seem so inclined. Their desire, most often, is to have more electronics and less of what we truly valued. So we are faced with the need to discard...thank goodness for those big black or green trash bags! The bags are invaluable for packing, as well! Fill them with towels, bedding, clothing not on hangers and you have made impact on your moveable items. Throw them into your car and you will be able to get a head start on unpacking in your new home. If things need pressing after remov- ing from the bags, throw them into your dryer with a few ice cubes and put on low. Take them out after you no longer hear the ice cubes bouncing around and let them hang for a few minutes. The wrinkles should disappear. By the way, that is my tried and true method to refresh my clothing when necessary. For other tips and assistance, call me at SENIOR ASSISTANTS at 908-883-0469, or write me at ellynmantell@aol.com. C arol and I would love to help! I HAVE ONE WORD FOR YOU...PLASTICS! By: Ellyn Mantell