Mountain Times - Volume 48, Number 24: June 12-18, 2019

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30 • COLUMNS The Mountain Times • June 12-18, 2019 Social Security: The elephant in the room For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of “FICA” and “OASDI” (Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance). It hinted at a future that seemed both intangible and faraway. Yet, a new generation has begun drawing on the promise that was made with those payments. As the wave of Baby Boomers enters retirement, questions and concerns abound. Is Social Security financially healthy? How much will my income benefit be? How do I maximize benefits for me and my spouse? When should I begin taking Social Security? Questions & elephants Answering these questions may help you derive the most from your Social Security benefit, and potentially enhance your financial security in retirement. Before you can answer these ques- Money Matters tions, you have to acknowledge the elephant in the room. By Kevin Theissen The Social Security system has undergone periodic scares over the years that have inevitably led many people to wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed. Reasonable concern Social Security was created in 1935 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first term. It was designed to provide income to older Americans who had little to no means of support. The country was mired in an economic downturn and the need for such support was acute. Since its creation, there have been three basic developments that have led to the financial challenges Social Security faces today. The number of workers paying into the system (which supports current benefit payments) has fallen from over eight workers for every retiree in 1955, to 2.8 workers in 2016. That ratio is expected to fall to 2.2 by 2035. A program that began as a dedicated retirement benefit later morphed into an income support for disabled workers and surviving family members. These added obligations were not always matched with the necessary payroll deduction levels to financially support them. Retirees are living longer. As might be expected, the march of medical technology and our understanding of healthy behaviors have led to a longer retirement span, potentially placing a greater strain on resources. Beginning in 2010, Social Security tax and other non-interest income no longer fully covered the program’s cost. According to the Social Security Trustees 2017 annual report, this pattern is expected to continue for the next 75 years; the report projects that the trust fund may be exhausted by 2034, absent any changes. Should that happen, it is estimated that current deductions may only be able to pay about 75 percent of promised income benefits. Social Security’s financial crisis is real, but the prospect of its failure seems remote. Money Matters, page 33 Extended bus service supports commuters to Killington and Rutland Community entities to raise over $50,000 for extended The Killington Pico Area Association announced Tuesday, June 11, that extended operations of the Rutland Killington Commuter bus began on Monday, June 10, as the result a collaboration between the Killington business community, the town of Killington, Killington Resort and Marble Valley Regional Transit. The business community, led by Killington Select Board member Jim Haff, took initiative to find a solution to the limited summer transportation. As the summer economy has grown, so has the opportunity for gainful employment. Where once there was very little need for The Bus to run past 6 p.m. in the summer and fall, now employees and visitors will be utilizing this service until as late as 11 p.m. “Businesses took ownership and stepped to the plate with funds to help support the additional and didn’t just look to the town or resort to solve the problem,” said Michael Coppinger, executive director of the Killington Pico Area Association. “This endeavor is an excellent example of what we refer to as out three-legged stool approach. Helping to be the conduit for which these entities can come together to solve challenges is the most important part of our mission.” Extended bus service in Killington has been a growing issue over the last summer and fall bus service five years as summer and fall events became more plentiful and popular. After Ken Putnam, executive director of The Bus secured funding from VTrans and the town of Killington voted to contribute $5,500, Coppinger began reaching to area businesses to raise the remaining funds, speaking to over 40 businesses in the greater Killington “PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VERY COOPERATIVE ABOUT SUPPORTING THIS INITIATIVE. EVEN IF THEY DON’T HAVE EMPLOYEES THEMSELVES THAT USE THE BUS,” STATED COPPINGER. region. “People have been very cooperative about supporting this initiative. Even if they don’t have employees themselves that use The Bus, they recognize the value for continued growth to the area,” stated Coppinger. The business community has not completely met its goal yet, and Coppinger continues to connect with people to complete the last portion of funding. He said, however, “I am extremely confident that the business community will meet its funding goal.” The new schedule for evening bus hours between Killington and Rutland is yet to be released but will be coming soon. CROSSWORD PUZZLE CLUES ACROSS 65. A way to change color 1. Mathematical term (abbr.) 4. Seaport (abbr.) CLUES DOWN 7. “Unforgettable” singer 1. Belongs to the daughter of Chaos 10. The GOAT 2. Wardrobe 11. Used to harvest agave cactus 3. Derek and Jeff are two 12. Luke’s mentor __-Wan 4. Disfigured 13. Muses 5. Hawaiian dish 15. IBM operating system 6. What a hack drives 16. Hungarian village 7. Horse gear 19. Popular conversation topic 8. Do away with 21. N. Atlantic island 9. Narrow straits between Sinai and 23. Fail to discern correctly Arabian peninsulas 24. The President has one 13. Corrie 25. Irish Gaelic language 14. Hawaiian flower necklace 26. Gasteyer and Ivanovic are two 17. Midway between northeast and 27. Garnished east 30. National capital 18. Insecticide 34. Basics 20. Comfort 35. Initial public offering 22. Town in Galilee 36. Winged horse 27. Informal greeting 41. English synthpop duo 28. Relative biological effectiveness 45. Mars crater (abbr.) 46. A lot 29. Used to check the heart 47. Small organelles 31. Western India island 50. By reason of 32. Credit card term 54. “Growing Pains” actor Kirk 33. Female deer 55. Free from contamination 37. British football team 56. Genus in the mahogany family 38. Persian jurisdiction 57. Body part 39. Freshwater mussel genus 59. A belief in a supreme being 40. Opposite of happiness 47. Part of (abbr.) 53. Electronic countermeasures 60. Talk a lot 41. Ban on trade 48. Indigenous people of Thailand 58. Swiss river 61. Actors’ group 42. Bitterly regrets 49. A man of your stature (abbr.) 62. Unit of measurement 43. Assented 51. Advantageous 63. Slick 44. Well-proportioned 52. Female sibling 64. No seats available Solutions on page 36 SUDOKU Each block is divided by its own matrix of nine cells. The rule for solving Sudoku puzzles are very simple. Each row, column and block, must contain one of the numbers from “1” to “9”. No number may appear more than once in any row, column, or block. When you’ve filled the entire grid the puzzle is solved. Solutions on page 36
The Mountain Times • June 12-18, 2019 COLUMNS • 31 By Dom Cioffi My wife sent me to the store this weekend to grab a few ingredients for something she was baking. I never mind these errands because what I get to eat later is always worth the effort. When I arrived at the plaza where the grocery store is located, I noticed a young man sitting next to a fountain nearby. I didn’t think much of him until I got a little closer, at which point I noticed several face tattoos adorning his visage. Personally, I’m not a fan of tattoos. I can appreciate the The Movie Diary By Dom Cioffi artistry and the commemorative nature of them, but for me, it’s never been something I’ve seriously considered. However, when you put one on your face, I have to consider your intellect. To me, nothing screams “bad decision” more than a face tattoo. I see kids with face tattoos and always think, “And what happens when you’re 30 years old and decide you want a career in something other than rap music?” Anyway, this 20-something kid was chilling in this little sitting area, looking a bit out of place and a tad menacing. Dressed in all black, he was spread across the park bench like he owned the place. As I approached and walked past, he nodded at me with one of those “I’m a badass” nods. I nodded as well and went into the store. I remember thinking to myself, “Way to go, idiot. You’ll be sitting on park benches for the rest of your life with the teardrop tattoo and tough guy demeanor.” Once in the store, I gathered up the few items I needed and headed to the register. After I purchased everything, I headed back to my truck to go home. However, as I was walking out the store doors, I saw the aforementioned young man jump up and dart across the parking lot. He didn’t go far before he stopped and crouched down, obviously attending to something. The commotion was occurring right near my truck so as I got closer, I couldn’t help but notice that he was helping an elderly woman. At that point, I redirected myself in their direction. It didn’t take long to figure out that the woman had fallen and hurt herself. She was scraped up and bleeding and in obvious pain. When I arrived, the young man looked up at me with a concerned look and said, “She went down hard. She may have really hurt herself.” I’ve been a coach for years so I’ve experienced my fair share of injuries. Most of the time, the kids walk them off. But this was no kid and I could tell within a short time that she wouldn’t be walking this off anytime soon. I was about to suggest an ambulance because the woman seemed dazed, but after a minute or two she began to relax and asked us to help her to the bench. The young man and I gently held her up as she limped to the bench nearby. It was interesting because as all this was happening, the young man who I previously had considered such a tough guy, seemed a bit flustered. He was genuinely upset about her pain and concerned that she was going to be ok. I could sense his nervousness as I helped her call her husband (who thankfully lived just around the Toughing it out AS I APPROACHED AND WALKED PAST, HE NODDED AT ME WITH ONE OF THOSE “I’M A BADASS” NODS. corner). He arrived within minutes. We explained what happened and then helped her into his truck. He thanked us profusely as did she. Just before they left, the woman reached out and grabbed the hand of the young man and thanked him. She was well aware that he was the first one to rush to her aid. After they headed out, I turned to leave and glanced back at the kid. He looked at me and waved and I waved back. This time our greeting was much more brotherly. As I drove out, I noticed him sprawled back out on the park bench looking exactly as he was GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS before. I thought about him for a while afterwards, wondering what would become of his life; wondering if he would grow out of the exterior ego and tap into the inner compassion that I got a quick glimpse or. This week’s film, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” didn’t have much compassion. Quite the contrary, it was all about aggression. The only thing the monsterloving world could hope for more than Godzilla v All the Classic Monsters (which is what this film was), would be Godzilla v King Kong (and that may be what’s coming next). This incarnation was fun to watch during the epic CGI moments, but outside of that, it lacked any cohesive storytelling that would have made it a more viable experience. Check this one out if you’re a fan of the genre, just don’t go in expecting a great film. In fact, it’s been years since there was a really good monster picture. Let’s hold out hope that Godzilla v Kong fixes that. A monstrous “C+” for “Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at moviediary@att.net. TOS: Lanternfly poses a new threat continued from page 29 giving it a kind of glow, hence, lanternfly. There are still a lot of questions about the lanternfly. One big one is how much cold it can stand. While initial projections are that it is “cold intolerant,” there’s no definitive consensus on that. Rosovsky said she compared minimum temperatures in Berks County the year the lanternfly was believed to have arrived in Pennsylvania and found that they were pretty close to the minimum in Bennington, Vermont. There is also unpublished research that “suggests that they could be quite cold tolerant,” she added. If that’s true, southern Vermont counties could be vulnerable. KEEP A SHARP EYE OUT FOR A BUG THAT LOOKS LIKE IT’S HOLDING A RED FLASHLIGHT UNDER A BLANKET. Another question: how dependent is it on tree of heaven, a stinky, suckering tree native to China, to complete its life cycle? If even one of its instars, or life stages, depends on compounds it gets from the tree, then going after the host might be one way to get rid of the pest. Rosovsky said there isn’t much tree of heaven in Vermont, but when New Hampshire officials surveyed for it they found more than they anticipated. Meanwhile, education helps curb its spread. Pesticides do kill the bugs, and sticky traps have been used. Manually removing and disposing of egg masses is recommended. In the end it might come down to finding a predator. A wasp that parasitizes lanternfly eggs in China is one candidate. But research on biological controls takes time. A study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that two native fungi killed lanternflies in Pennsylvania, leading to a localized collapse of populations. Researchers say it’s too early to tell how the fungi will affect the lanternfly long term. Meanwhile, keep a sharp eye out for a bug that looks like it’s holding a red flashlight under a blanket. Joe Rankin writes on forestry, nature and sustainability. He lives in Maine. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine (northernwoodlands.org) and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (wellborn@nhcf.org). Please call or check us out online for this week’s movie offerings. Movie Hotline: 877-789-6684 WWW.FLAGSHIPCINEMAS.COM
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