THE VILLAGE TIMES
Independence Village of Olde Raleigh Resident Newsletter
Say “Hello” to our new move-ins: Betsey Brown, Vicki and Jesse Hales, and Rose Baker.
Meet Domenica Mossa
by Pat Simpson
My name is Domenica, which translates to “Sunday” or “Sabbath Day” in English. But along with my native Italian, I speak Spanish and fluent English.
Named after my grandmother, I was born in
1950 and grew up in the ancient Italian city of Bari (pop. 300K+), once part of the Roman Republic.
My mother was Antonia Scanera, whose occupation was raising our busy family. My father was Enrico Scaleia, who ran a bar business for many years.
I had a beautiful childhood with my friends and family. We would eat together, ride bicycles together and play together, sometimes playing hide and seek in the city streets for hours.
Not long after I 
graduated with them from high school, my life took a sudden turn.
My father decided there was greater opportunity for him and his family in the United States. So with the help of his uncle and aunt, who already lived in New York City, he made the leap – and took us all with him. I was only 18 when I left Italy with my family for our new home in New York City – the most memorable event of my life. I had four brothers: one now living in New York City, one in Toronto, Canada and one in Italy. My fourth brother died at his home back in Italy.
I followed a career in bank administration, working for the Bank of New York, eventually for the Bank of Montreal and the bank of Tokyo as well.
I worked by day and learned English at night at New York’s Berlitz Language School. I wish that I had also gotten my college degree back in those days.
Along the way I met Nick Mossa, who gave me my last name and two sons: Enrico (who lives and works in Texas) and Frank (who lives and works right here in Raleigh). Between them I have four grandchildren: 2 boys and 2 girls. Unfortunately Nick and I parted ways and the marriage didn’t last. Sometimes I regret that decision and wish the marriage had lasted. Even so, I consider having my two sons as my most important life accomplishment.
When it became time for me to retire it was my son Frank who introduced me to Independence Village where I have lived a simple life for the last four years. I like to play Bingo with my new friends and believe in being a good person and avoiding bad people. I’m known for being good at Italian cooking but when given the opportunity I like to go bowling and dine out and – dance! More than anything else – and if I could – I’d like to dance – especially the Twist!
When I’m an Old Lady – submitted by Joby Gilbert
When I’m an old lady, I’ll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness..just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they’ve provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they’ll be so excited!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)
I’ll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And I’ll bounce on the furniture…wearing my shoes.
I’ll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I’ll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they’ll shout!
(When I’m and old lady and live with my kids)
When they’re on the phone and just out of reach,
I’ll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they’ll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
And when that is done, I’ll hide under the bed!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I’ll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I’ll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry..I’ll run..if I’m able!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)
I’ll sit close to the TV, through the channels I’ll click,
I’ll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I’ll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud til the end of the day!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)
And later in bed, I’ll lay back and sigh,
I’ll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, “She’s so sweet when she’s sleeping!
God Bless All Mom’s and Grandma’s Everywhere!
An Awesome Anticipation-by Richard Smalto
Are we unique? Are we alone? These were the questions addressed in 1976 in a book entitled the 12th Planet. The book presented ancient evidence regarding the biblical Nephilim and their planet called Nibiru.
Advances in Science since 1976 have gone a long way in corroborating ancient knowledge but what about the ancient answer to the key questions? Has modern science confirmed the existence of one more planet in our Solar System and has it found other intelligent beings outside Earth?
That a search has been going on is a matter of record. That it has intensified in recent years is self-evident. But what is not known from the public record is world leaders have known for some 
time there is another planet in our Solar System and that we are not alone.
Until recently these reflections have been seen as imaginative exercise in futility. But what have our world leaders said about these reflections. At a Geneva meeting in 1987 Gorbachev and Reagan agreed that if the earth faced and invasion by extraterrestrials the two powers would “join forces to repel such an invasion.” President Reagan spoke again of the extraterrestrial threat in his address in 1987 to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Speaking of our need to turn swords into plowshares he said:
“In our obsession with antagonisms for the moment we often forget how much unites all the members of humanity. Perhaps we need some outside, universal threat to recognize this common bond. I occasionally think how quickly our differences would vanish if we were facing an alien threat from outside this world.”
Much more is known about this subject but has been withheld from public consumption. This especially true of the planet Mars. Space vehicles have been “lost forever or vanished completely” attempting to explore the surface of Mars which show traces of being inhabited currently and in the past. For example If it was and is now a space station for extraterrestrials then it could provide a cohesive and plausible explanation for UFOs.
Although not generally known there has been a Star Wars incident! In 1989, a Russian space vehicle Phobos 2, when aligning with the Martian moonlet, was disabled halfway through transmission. It was disabled by “something that should not be there” rushing toward it which crashed into it abruptly ending transmission.
Recently it was announced that Scientists had found evidence indicating that there is another planet in our solar system.
The Impact of Female Farmers – by Margie Lewin
A new kind of farm is flourishing in Wake County, under the care of its women farmers. The pastoral pioneers sow more of than just seeds in the soil; they cultivate a community conscious of the richness that comes with shopping locally and embracing the land’s yield. This dedication lies not only in agriculture, but in education and connection as well. From the delicious goods harvested and sold by Stoney Acres, N.C.; and Jean’s Neighborhood Market; to the sun dappled grapevines of Cloe’s Family Vineyards, these women-run farms are rewriting the narrative of North Carolina agriculture. They don’t just harvest crops – they harvest relationships, nurturing a dialogue with their neighbors about the value of local produce and the strength it weaves within the social fabric. “There’s something for everyone!” And the market serves as a physical reminder of the community’s roots in sustainable living and the joys of seasonal festivities
A Love Story (in 2 parts) – by Pat Simpson
(part 1) A Sonnet
When first we met, we were but passing friends
But I could hear, and I could breathe and see.
That, knowing not how love begins or ends,
That something could and, dare I say, would be.
Beside her I did sit, and I did ask,
“Would you consider to a picnic go?
My love for you no longer can I mask.
It came upon me sudden. Yes, ’tis so.”
And thus began our love affair,
It’s in her eyes where love and life begin,
A timeless love that takes us here to there,
Accompanied by bows on sweet violins.
Can anything on earth bring love back down?
No, dear, it’s sailed too far above the ground!
(part 2) For a Little While
We walked side by side hand in hand, my love – for a little while
And we looked into each other’s eyes – for a little while
We had a love that would not end – for a little while
And we shared our love together – for a little while
We loved and laughed amidst great times – for a little while
When you got sick it did not last – just for a little while
Then you were gone and now I’m alone – for a little while.
“Where is she Lord?” I’ll ask in heaven.
I hope to be by her side again
Maybe in a canoe for two
On a lake with a glorious view
At least for a little while.
