SAN DIEGO — December 8th is National Crossword Solvers Day.
In this Zevely Zone, I visited Alzheimer's San Diego to meet the man who wants you to circle a new date on your calendar.
"Today is National Crossword Solvers Day," said Myles Mellor with a huge smile on his face.
The most prolific crossword puzzle writer on the planet created this day to help people fighting Alzheimer's Disease. "I've always wanted to help people with crossword puzzles," said Myles.
When it comes to writing crossword puzzles, Myles is a big deal in the business.
"600 hundred magazines in all and 45 books," said Myles. Born in England, when Myle's mother passed away, he sent crossword puzzles to his father to cheer him up. "He was so happy to get them it really made his day," said Myles.
Puzzling over a crossword, not only passes the time but exercises the brain which is why Myles provides puzzles to Alzheimer's San Diego for free.
"It's a serious problem and I think puzzles can at least halt the decline for people," said Myles. Eugenia Welch CEO of Alzheimer's San Diego says the puzzles in their newsletter and website are a treat. "Something like that where someone is contributing their talent to us is just great," said Eugenia. "Things like crosswords and different sorts of puzzles really do help with taxing our brain a little."
I asked her if she ever tried to tackle one of Myle's crossword puzzles. "I think when the first one came out and was shared with us, I gave it a shot and I think I need the Easy Peasy version to start with," said Eugenio.
As for the new date on the calendar, Myles was unaware he had company. He didn't know that December 8 is also National Brownie Day, National Salesperson Day and National Lard Day. "No way," laughed Myles. When Myles applied to create Crossword Solvers Day it came with a challenge. "It's not easy," said Myles and neither are his puzzles.
Thankfully, he offers the answers in the back of every book. "If you want, you can cheat," said Myles. "The message is crosswords are very good for you." Alzheimer's San Diego served twenty-seven thousand people last year. If you'd like to learn more about the non-profit organization or make a donation, click here.