MCT 9-5-24

Opinion The Marion Tribune September 5, 2024 5A I’m Back for More Cobbler D uring the past few years, I have written four books. Among the most enjoyable ex- periences to come out of those e ff orts have been multiple visits to churches and clubs to share my stories. I still accept every invita- tion I can. After all, re- porting the news on TV each day can get you down. Unfortunately, much of the news is negative. When I see people face to face, I tell them they are about to hear a TV news anchor speak without mentioning climate change, in fl ation or the election. That line is always greeted with thunderous applause. Most of my presentation is humorous, or at least that’s the goal. I call it the “No Bad News Zone.” I’ve spoken to Rotary Clubs, youth groups, Civitans, retirees, awards banquets, Cham- bers of Commerce, Kiwanis, Lions, Ruritans, historical societies, Christmas banquets, Val- entine parties, book clubs, libraries, and sin- gles groups. I even did a program for a Rose Society (they said they didn’t want to hear about gardening, they talk about that all the time). At fi rst, I did programs only in my Chat- tanooga TV viewing area, but thanks to my newspaper columns I’m able to meet people outside my zip code. Just last week, I met some great folks in Maryville, Tennessee, and I’m headed to Rome, Georgia later this month. Church groups are among the most enjoy- able. I knowwhat you’re thinking: it’s because of the home-cooked covered dish meals. Well, they are quite good. Honestly, I don’t know how I’ve avoided gaining fi fty pounds. Everything is made from scratch, and it’s de- licious. A few years back, sportswriter Tony Kornheiser titled his 4th book, “I’m Back for More Cash.” I may have to name my next book, “I’m Back for More Cobbler.” The best parts of the church seniors meet- ings take place before and after I speak. These folks pray for their community, their neigh- bors, our nation and our world. Hearing them gives me a boost. In every neighborhood there are good people who make our world better. Most of them don’t spend much time online. They stay busy with their families, looking af- ter their gardens, and visiting ailing friends. They tell me about their lives, and I leave knowing much more than when I came. They remember the fi rst time they heard a radio, or the day their family got a TV. They tell me what their communities were like before the big stores moved in, without tra ffi c lights and four-lane highways. They tell me about the wars they fought, the children they raised, and the grandchildren they adore. There have been many special people, but I do have some favorite memories. In Chatsworth, Georgia, a bright-eyed 95-year- old lady bounded up to me and said, “We’ve had a lot of speakers here, but you’re the best.” I replied, “Thank you! What was your favorite part? My jokes?” Without missing a beat she said, “You’re loud! I’m hard of hear- ing, but I could hear you from a mile away.” In Scottsboro, Alabama, a man got up to leave, right in the middle of one of my stories. If you’ve ever spoken in public, you know that can be a bit disruptive. He was hard to ignore, so I said, “Sir, I’m so sorry you have to leave.” He put me in my place. He said, “Oh I don’t HAVE to leave. I want to.” Nothing like hon- esty, right? I have even started doing some book sign- ings in supermarkets. That may seem like an odd setting, but particularly around the holidays people are looking for unusual gifts, and my books apparently fi ll that void. Some people prefer to buy CD’s of my Vinyl Express radio show. In my hometown, my local his- tory books are my top seller, and on the road most folks prefer the humor books. In Maryville last week, a lady bought my book “Volunteer Bama Dawg,” which is a col- lection of some of my favorite columns. She said, “Thanks to this book, I can keep you on the shelf right next to my toilet.” I was fl ushed with pride. I think that’s the nicest thing any- one has ever said to me. (David Carroll is a Chattanooga news anchor, and his new book “I Won’t Be Your Escape Goat” is available on his website, ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. You may contact him at 900 Whitehall Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405, or at RadioTV2020@yahoo.com) By David Carroll Home Sharing: A Growing Trend Among Baby Boomers Dear Savvy Senior, I saw a news segment on television a few months ago about home sharing programs for seniors and would like to learn more. I’m 68, divorced, and am interested in renting out a room in my house to help make ends meet. What can you tell me? Interested Boomer Dear Boomer, Because of in fl ation and rising housing costs a growing number of baby boomers are opting to rent out a spare room in their house as a way to gen- erate some extra income, and for some, increase companion- ship. To fi nd a good fi t, older homeowners often turn to “home sharing programs” that will match an empty nester with someone needing a ff ord- able housing. But be aware that home sharing isn’t for everyone. You need to carefully consider the pros and cons of renting out a spare room in your house and make a list of what you want and don’t want in a house- mate/renter. To help you fi gure all this out, a good resource is Shar- ingHousing.com , a website dedicated to understanding the home sharing concept. They o ff er various articles, online lessons and resource books that can help you determine if this is a good option for you, and if so, how to fi nd and choose a good housemate. Home Sharing Tools If you decide to proceed in fi nding a housemate/renter, a good fi rst step is to seek out a home sharing program in your area. Home sharing programs, usually nonpro fi ts, screen both homeowners and renters. They check references, handle background checks and consider lifestyle criteria when making matches. They can also help you with the leasing agreement that the renter would sign that covers de- tailed issues like smoking, pets, chores, overnight guests, use of common rooms, quiet hours, etc. Most home sharing programs are free to use or request a small donation. Others, however, may charge the home- owner and potential renter a fee for this service. To look for a home sharing program in your area visit the National Shared Housing Resource Center website at NationalSharedHousing.org. If you don’t fi nd a program that serves your area, you can also search for housemates through an online home sharing service like Silvernest.com . Or, if you’d rather have a younger housemate that can help out with some household chores, consider Nesterly.com . This is an online home sharing agency, available in a few select communities, that matches young renters with older adults looking to supplement their incomes and share their space. If you don’t have any luck with any of these home sharing sites, put a call in to your Area Aging Agency (call 800-677- 1116 for contact information) who may be able to o ff er assistance or refer you to local agencies or nonpro fi t organizations that o ff er shared housing help. You can also check with your local senior or community center, or local church you attend to see if you can post an ad on their bulletin board or in their newsletter. Or you can advertise in your local newspaper or online at sites like CraigsList.org or RoomMates.com . If you fi nd someone on your own that you’re interested in renting to, ask the prospective renter to fi ll out a rental application (see RentalLeaseAgreement. org to download and print one for free) and run a tenant screening and back- ground check, and then call their refer- ences. Tenant screening/background checks can be done at sites like E-renter. com or MySmartMove.com . Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Nor- man, OK 73070, or visit SavvySe- nior.org . JimMiller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. How to submit a letter to the editor T he MarionTribune encourages its readers to express their views by submitting letters to the editor. Letters that are published will appear on the opinion page of the weekly edition. To submit a letter for consideration, please email it to llimadasilva@mariontribune. com. While mailed copies are accepted, emailed submissions are strongly encouraged. 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Periodicals postage paid at Jasper and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to Marion Tribune, 100 Betsy Pack Dr Suite 204, Jasper, TN 37347-3523 The Marion Tribune Vol. - o. 6 1 Section - 12 Pages