LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear editor, In the Year of Celebration, we have so many reasons to be grateful. We will soon be celebrating our city’s 150th birthday. We thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect on what makes Rockdale special to you. I’ll start. • The Budget Inn is closed and under new ownership.

Keeping older drivers safe on the road

Dear Savvy Senior, What safety tips can you recommend for older drivers? My 86- year- old mother, who still drives herself, had a fender bender last month and I worry about her safety.

Ask the Motor Medics

The Under the Hood Show Dear Motor Medics, I have a 1994 Stealth RT without the turbocharged engine. I have gone through two new batteries in a short period of time. Is it possible that a failing alternator can ruin a battery?

Ask the Motor Medics

The Under the Hood Show Dear Motor Medics, My car runs pretty well and I am not one to bring it in just to have it checked over once in a while. I am more of the kind of person who visits the shop once the car has broken down.

Fighting age discrimination

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the steps to take to fi ght against age discrimination in the workplace and where can I turn to for help if I think I’ve got a case?

Medicare spouse coverage

Dear Savvy Senior, Are spouses who have not worked outside the home eligible for Medicare benefits? I have worked most of my adult life, but my wife has been a mother and homemaker since we got married and hasn’t held an income- producing job since she was in college.

Ask the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, I’m about ready to start hauling my trailer for the season and will be using more than one vehicle. What kind of things should I be thinking about before heading out with a trailer? Mike in Decorah, Iowa Dear Mike, I’m glad that you’re thinking ahead.

Topics to discuss with aging parents

Dear Savvy Senior, My siblings and I don’t know much about our elderly parent’s fi nancial situation or their wishes if and when something happens to them. They are both in their mid- eighties. What’s the best way to handle this and what all should we know?

Ask the Motor Medics

The Under the Hood Show Dear Motor Medics, The wipers on all of my vehicles never seem to do the job and I’m looking for some answers. How long do wiper blades last? What are the best kinds to buy? How do you change them?

How to close social media accounts of lost loved ones

Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about canceling a person’s social media accounts when they die? My wife passed away a few months ago and her social media accounts are still active.