Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Lifestyles over 50

Encouraging vibrant and healthy living in the greater Lehigh Valley!

FREE - Volume 10 - Issue 9 - December 2015

Local Christmas Traditions The Greatest Gift

Things to do this Holiday Season Spotting Early Stages of Dementia Do Not Stress over the Holidays www.Lifestylesover50.com

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From the Editor Our thoughts are with the families of the victims in Paris, Lebanon, Yemen, and the Russian aircraft that was shot down, along with all the victims of senseless barbarism.

Our issue this month naturally has a lot of information about things to do in the Lehigh Valley during this Christmas season. We list some of them in a couple of articles, but there are many more in our neighborhoods. Please take advantage of these and treat yourself and your family to the Christmas spirit.

We have a special article on Wilmer Schultz,’s book, My Life, The Way I See It. It chronicles his life so that his children and descendants have a record of his life and achievements. We should all consider leaving our life story for those who come after us. Preserving family histories is a time-honored tradition. It ties us with our past and with our future.

This issue also includes an article about the Christmas traditions of the Lehigh Valley. From our Moravian roots to the modern day, Christmas has been a special focal point for our area. Enjoy a little bit of history of this holiday.

As always we include a health oriented article. This month it is about learning the symptoms of dementia and, in particular, Alzheimer’s. As we grow older it is important that we be on the lookout for this disease particularly in our older family members.

All of us here at Lifestyles over 50 want to wish all of our readers a Happy and Healthy Christmas season along with a Happy New Year. My only regret is that I now have to learn how to write 2016 instead of 2015 (and I was just getting the hang of it). Peace.

Art

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Copyright ©2015 Thrive LLC. Reproduction of any and all content is not permitted unless express written permission is granted. Opinions expressed in any commentary published in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of Thrive LLC and are not to be regarded as advice (legal, tax, investment or otherwise). Thrive LLC assumes no liability for the actions by any group or individual based upon such material. Advertising rates are available upon request. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or other information at any time. Subscriptions are available for $25 .00/year.

Things To Do With Grandkids A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Travel back to the 1800s as the Steckel family prepares for Christmas. Enjoy holiday games, carols, baking, stories, and tree decorating. The Belsnickel (St. Nicholas in furs), will give treats. Held at the Historic Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum, 4229 Reliance St., Whitehall Twp. FREE to members, non-member adults $8, non-member children $3. Tours last about one hour. Last tour starts at 4:15 p.m.

Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum, 4229 Reliance St., Whitehall lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org Dec 5, 2015 at 11:30 am – 5:00 pm Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm Guides in period clothing will lead you into the past beginning with a scene where a Victorian family is busy working on Christmas preparations. On to the living Nativity located in the barnyard which includes the farm animals and offers a glimpse at the foundation of this special holiday. Christmas caroling in the one room schoolhouse has musicians and school marm lead the singing of favorite seasonal tunes.

Belsnickel will appear in the cellar kitchen to remind children that it’s not too late to be good! 347 Quiet Valley Road Stroudsburg quietvalley.org/programs/specialevents/christmas/christmas. htm Dec. 5-6 3pm – 7pm and Dec. 12-13 3pm-7pm Christmas City Follies Tickets: $25 / $15 students and seniors (Pay-What-You-Will Thursdays). Join us for the latest romp through merry music, holiday hilarity, and seasonal sweetness in Touchstone’s annual variety show. Celebrate with The Old Guy, Little Red, The Pajama Sisters, and the immortal Shopping Cart Ballet!

Touchstone Theatre, 321 E 4th St, Bethlehem www.touchstone.org Every day from Dec. 3 – Dec. 20 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) It’s a Wonderful Life After a special showing of the classic feature film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Mary Owen, daughter of the film’s star Donna Reed, will speak about the film. FREE to members; non-members $8 adults, $3 children.

Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W Walnut St., Allentown lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org Dec 6, 2015 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

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Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Bring the whole family for the sweetest Christmas celebration of the season!

Experience the exquisite artistry of worldclass Russian dancers, playful puppets and the unmatched splendor of hand crafted sets and costumes. Get your seats now for Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece at 453 Northampton St. Easton moscowballet.com State Theatre Center for the Arts Dec 12 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm 37th Annual Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant The Pageant is a fully costumed re-enactment of the historical events surrounding the birth of Christ. Singers and a narrator tell the beautiful story as the Pageant unfolds.

610-865-0274 Rose Garden Band Shell, 8th Avenue, Bethlehem Every day from Dec. 12 – Dec. 13, 2015 (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm) Rainforest Adventure at Da Vinci Science Center A life-sized maze that encourages kids to leap, jump, hang, climb, and explore a virtual rainforest through more than 40 playful challenges. Kids learn about these valuable environments and how to protect them.

Exhibition highlights include gliding in the air on a butterfly zip line, swinging above the ground on jungle bars, leaping like a frog and other rainforest animals, exploring a simulated gorilla’s nest, creating sounds of the rain forest with a rain stick wheel.

3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass davincisciencecenter.org Every day thru Jan. 18, 2016 (10am – 5pm) Big Dipper New Year’s Eve Daytime Family & Friends Party

FREE Event with purchase of Museum Admission.

Adults $10, Seniors (62+) $7, Students 13-16 $6, Children 12 and under free. Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday Noon to 5:00pm. Last Ticket sale at 4:00pm. 5 North Front Street americaonwheels.org/ Dec 27, 2015 at 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Cover photo credit: Title: Christmas morning / photographed by F.J. Boston.

Summary: Two little girls in bed, playing with Japanese dolls; a little boy with a drum stands at the bedside. Stockings hang from the mantel behind them. Created / Published: [New York] : Kaufmann & Strauss Co., importers & publishers, c1896

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Holidays: Your Focus Will Determine Your Stress Level

By Donna Ondek, Vibrant Life Therapies

t’s the most wonderful time of I the year! Or‌.it should be. Yet, for many of us, the holiday season is

Now that my kids are grown and coming home for the holidays, I choose to focus wrought with stress and distress, choking on the time we have together. the joy out of it.

Yes, I want my house and tree decorated nicely, but they won’t Stress comes for many reasons – high remember that. expectations, busyness, high expenses, spending time with everyone, and‌ They will remember that I spending time with no one. rolled up the living room carpet so we could swing dance on I do think that most of us have lost the hardwood floors! They will sight of the very reason for our joyous remember the warmth and the season. We tend to fill it with material love I have for them. things, activities and people, instead of focusing on WHY we celebrate.

Will they say stuff that I could be hurt and disappointed Many people reading this article by? I’m sure – but, I will have varying religious convictions – all choose to see them as individuals – celebrating SOMETHING around this people searching to find who they are – time – but we do have one thing in people, who like me, are searching to be common: We celebrate something bigger loved and accepted JUST WHERE WE and outside of ourselves. When we lose ARE! sight of that reason, stress builds and we lose our joy.

I am choosing to keep my eye on the reason I celebrate. I am Christian, So in this holiday season, I am so I want to keep Christ in Christmas. challenging you to keep your focus on Jesus is the reason for my joyous season, your reason for celebrating. Stay true and He promises peace beyond all to your values and set boundaries for understanding in all circumstances. yourself. If you know and understand your limits for time spent with family Will you accept my challenge to or money spent on gifts, stick to control your stress by focusing on YOUR them. Write them down, look at them reason for this season? throughout the month and remind yourself of the WHY you celebrate – not BLESSINGS TO ALL, AND TO the HOW. ALL A GOOD NIGHT! When you give in to the expectations of people, you give away your power, and usually your joy. No one can make you do anything or feel anything.

Material things, activities and people will always disappoint you when you seek satisfaction in them.

Think back on your childhood.

What good memories do you have surrounding this season? Do you remember the gifts you got or the perfectly set dinner table, the perfect presentation of food, the perfectly decorated tree and house?

Perfection is a lie – don’t fall for it -- or like me, do you remember the TIME spent with people you love, laughing and being lighthearted?

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Christmastime in the Lehigh Valley - Things To Do Christkindlmarkt 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, This is a classic Lehigh Valley tradition. Outdoor market features vendors, craftsmen and artisans from all over the country. Find unique gifts, enjoy a hot cocoa and visit with Santa!

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 12/3/15 through 12/20/15 christmascity.org/christkindlmarkt/event-info/ Christmas City Village Main St. Bethlehem, downtownbethlehemassociation. com/events/christmas-city-village The Christmas City Village, located in downtown Bethlehem on Main St., offers unique holiday gifts, vendors and artisans.

Christmas gift ideas are aplenty enjoy bratwurst with sauerkraut; and warm up with a hot beverage including the popular hot mulled wine from Germany called Gluhwein!

Christmas in Nazareth Main Street, Nazareth moravianhistoricalsociety.org ChristmasinNazareth.htm Christmas in Nazareth, a unique community-wide celebration of the holiday season in beautiful, historic Nazareth returns on December 12th 2015 from 11am to 6pm. Romantic carriage rides through historic downtown Nazareth. Sponsored by Merchants Bank. Live holiday music and entertainment provided by Riverbend Church on the grounds of MHS. Storytime and pictures with Santa at the Nazareth Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity.

Tour a traditional Christmas Putz at Nazareth Moravian Church. Stay for refreshments. Ice carving demonstration

by Sculpted Ice Works. Glass blowing demonstrations by Shape Shifter Glass Winter Light Spectacular - Lehigh Valley Zoo 5150 Game Preserve Rd Schnecksville, www.lvzoo.org Cost: $14 for adults, $9 for kids 2-11.

For Members: $5 for adults and $4 for kids 2-11.

Join the Lehigh Valley Zoo for some winter fun! The zoo will be lit up with a fantastic display of holiday lights as your family strolls through the zoo’s paths. Open through January 5th 2016.

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Civic Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol 527 N 19th St. Allentown (610) 432-8943 civictheatre.com Cost: Under 12: $12, Student/Senior: $20, Adult: $22 Civic Theater presents its classic performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Performance are Dec 4 -Dec 19, most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tens of thousands of people from the Lehigh Valley and beyond have come to catch the spirit of the season as Charles Dickens’ legendary characters come to life on Civic’s stage.

Pip the Mouse at The Liberty Bell Museum 622 W. Hamilton St. Allentown, (610) 435-4232 libertybellmuseum.org/pip-the-mouse.

Liberty Bell Museum hosts special events for children to see the “Mouse Before Christmas” puppet show made famous

by Hess’ department store in the 1960’s.

Breakfast with Pip - Special event is one day only on December 5. Seating is available at 8am, 8:45, 9:30 and 10:15.

Daily performances of the show are available throughout the month. Register early as reservations fill quickly for this nostalgic Christmas tradition. Shows are scheduled from through January 4, Monday - Saturday.

Z Arch Barn Farm, Santa’s Pit Stop 10 Klein Road Easton, PA 18042 (610) 253-4405 www.santaspitstop.com/ Santa’s Pit Stop at Z Arch Barn Farm is located in beautiful Forks Township, Pennsylvania. A fun Christmas Season destination site where you can visit Santa’s Reindeer, pick out your Christmas Tree and Wreath, and have your picture taken with Santa and his sleigh, all in one visit. Live Reindeer at the farm. Pre-cut Christmas Trees of various heights. Wreaths and grave blankets are made fresh at the farm. Photos with Santa and his Sleigh through Christmas Eve. Koziar’s Christmas Village 782 Christmas Village Rd. Bernville 610-488-1110 koziarschristmasvillage. com/home/

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Visit the various buildings filled with trim the tree ideas, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays and souvenirs.

Enjoy freshly baked cookies and other treats in the country kitchen and browse in Santa’s Toy Shoppe for unique gifts, ornaments, toys and souvenirs. See the unique handmade train platform and follow the many trains through the tunnels, across the trestles, and around the miniature town located in the large Refreshment Barn. Through Jan 2nd: Mon. - Fri. 6 - 9 pm, Sat. 5 - 9:30 pm, Sun. 5 - 9 pm 3 & Under - FREE, 4-10 - $8, 11-64 - $10, 65+ - $9.00 Free Parking!

Christmas at the Pines It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the Pines Dinner Theatre celebrates Christmas in grand style.

With an all new review that will get even the most determined Scrooge in the holiday spirit, Christmas at the Pines features all your favorite holiday classics, the Nativity, and even Santa Claus! pinesdinnertheatre.com 610-433-2333 448 N 17th St Allentown Every day Through Dec. 27 (All Day) South Bethlehem Historical Society Ethnic Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the South Bethlehem Historical Society for its annual Ethnic Tree Lighting Ceremony. For over 20 years, the South Bethlehem Historical Society has celebrated this event as a way to preserve and showcase the area’s history and cultural diversity. 19 decorated trees will represent cultures from African-American to Hungarian that make up the historically eclectic South Side. The event will feature live musical performances and delicious refreshments to get you in the holiday spirit. The trees will be displayed in the lobby of Comfort Suites through January 9th, 2016. Free admission.

Donations accepted. All proceeds benefit the South Bethlehem Historical Society.

Comfort Suites - Lobby, 120 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem southbethhistsoc.org/ Through January 9.

Visitors to the Christmas Putz will enjoy a visual and audio presentation that tells the story of Christ’s birth. Nestled in live moss, figurines and props illuminate and narrate the bible’s story. Visitors may also shop in our Christmas room to buy

handmade items, attic treasures, and traditional Moravian gifts. Groups can also take a tour of the church sanctuary and enjoy Moravian sugar cake and coffee at the end of their visit. Church is handicapped accessible and can accommodate large and small groups.

Call 610-866-8793 or email church office to schedule your visit! Group tours Monday-Friday (9 am-2 pm). Open to public Thursday-Saturday 6-8 pm and Sunday 3-6 pm.

645 Hamilton Ave.,Bethlehem edgeboromoravian.org Lehigh University Choral Arts: Christmas Vespers Packer Memorial Church. Free Event No Tickets Req’d; Early arrival suggested. Lehigh University Choral Arts presents its annual Christmas gift to the community. Zoellner Arts Center, 420 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem zoellnerartscenter.org Dec 6, 2015 at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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What Do I Do With Christmas Leftovers?

Christmas Burrito

1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 red or white onion, or 4 spring onions, chopped • 400g mixed vegetables of your choice (we used carrots, red pepper and sweetcorn) • 200g leftover chicken, ham, beef or pork, chopped into small chunks • 2 x 250g packs ready-cooked lime & coriander rice, 400g can red kidney beans in chili sauce, 1 avocado, chopped, 6 large wraps, 100g grated cheddar, 1 egg, beaten • sour cream, to serve (optional) Directions • Heat the oil in a large pan.

• Add the onion and cook for 5 mins until soft, then add your chosen veggies and continue cooking for another 5-10 mins or until tender.

• Add the leftover meat, the rice and beans, along with the sauce from the can. Stir everything together and cook for 5 mins until piping hot.

• Heat another frying pan, or a griddle pan, until hot, and heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas • Now assemble the burritos. Warm a wrap for 10 secs on the hot pan (keep the pan hot, you’ll need to use it again).

• Pile roughly a sixth of the rice mixture onto the center of the wrap.

• Top with a little avocado and some cheese, then brush beaten egg around the edge.

• Fold the ends over the filling, then fold in the sides, like an envelope then place, seam-side down, in the hot pan.

• Cook for 2 mins until the underside has sealed shut and is toasted a golden brown, flip over and cook for a few mins more.

• Keep the burrito warm in the oven while you continue assembling and cooking the remaining burritos.

• Serve with soured cream, if you like.

• •

3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup medium-dice yellow onion 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 1 lb. medium cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed and quartered • 12 large eggs, 2 1/2 cups whole milk • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 12 ounces cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch dice • 8 ounces French or Italian bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 6 cups) • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 3 1/2 ozs.)

Directions • Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat, add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the mushrooms and thyme and cook, stirring rarely, until the mushrooms are lightly browned in spots and all of the moisture has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

• Place the eggs in large bowl and whisk until broken up.

Add the milk, mustard, and measured salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Add the ham, bread, cheese, and sautéed mushroom mixture and stir to combine.

Pour into 13-by-9-inch baking dish and arrange in an even layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.

• Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Meanwhile, remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature.

• Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil from the strata and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove the dish to a wire rack and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, so each horizontal row contains each digit once, and each column contains each digit exactly once.

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48 49 51 53 56 57 58 61 65 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

Boxer Muhammad Be afraid Verse meter Boyfriend Murky Rainy mo.

Skirt Invitation abbreviaton Beehive State Vocalist Whoop Musical symbol Paradise Layer rock Fresh Ecological communities Sego lilies’ bulbs

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National capital Moved through the water Feel concern Adds to Free of Herb

Crossword puzzle answer on page 10

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

9

Easy Christmas Trivia 1. What Christmas Ballet is the most famous of all?

• Rudolph’s Surprise • The Nutcracker • Mr. and Mrs. Claus • Frosty Goes to New York 2. Where was Mommy kissing Santa Claus?

• On the Corner • In the Bedroom • Under the Mistletoe • In a Dark Alley 3. Who wrote the song “Here Comes Santa Claus”?

• Michael Jackson • Gene Autry • Persy Douglas • Leroy Jones 4. What does Alvin want for Christmas?

• An iPod • A Bottle of Rum • A Hula Hoop • A New Car 5. What should little children leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve? • Cookies and Milk • A Bottle of Wine • Chewing Gum • Chedder Cheese 6. What is Frosty the Snowman’s nose made of ?

• A Carrot • A Potato • A Button • A Rock

7. Who is Ebenezer?

• The Milk Man • The 23rd President • The Scrooge • Mrs. Claus’s Secret Friend 8. What color is the Grinch?

• Green • Blue • White • Black 9. Which reindeer’s name starts with a “B”?

• Bart • Burt • Bodog • Blitzen 10. Which reindeer does not belong below?

• Dancer • Comet • Roger • Dasher Answers to Trivia 1. The Nutcracker 2. Under the Mistletoe 3. Gene Autry 4. A Hula Hoop 5. Cookies and Milk 6. A Button 7. The Scrooge 8. Green 9. Blitzen 10. Roger

Trivia to Amuse and Entertain

Solution to puzzle on page 9

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating Art Villafane, Lifestyles over 50

One of the most difficult things to do over the holidays is to avoid overindulging in food and drink. From office parties, to dinners with friends and traditional family gatherings we find ourselves in a cauldron of calories, sweets and temptations.

Some studies show that on Christmas Day alone, consumers could eat about 6,000 calories – about three times more than you daily average. Add to that the extra food we consume from Thanksgiving to New Years and no wonder many of us have resolutions for losing weight after January 1.

But there are some actions you can take to minimize the damage while still enjoying the holiday cheer at your Christmas meal.

Don’t skip breakfast Starting the day off with a healthy meal and sticking to three balanced meals per day are key – have a bowl of oatmeal, or an English muffin with eggs, fruit and vegetables. Do not try to save the calories for the big meal.

Plan your dinner plate Half of your plate should be filled with vegetables, a portion of turkey (or ham or both) should cover about a quarter of the plate, and the last quarter can be used for half of a cup of potatoes and half of a cup of stuffing.

To make your plate healthier, reach for the colorful vegetables — broccoli, red peppers and beets for example.

Make a few changes If you’re eating turkey, go for the

white meat and skip the skin that adds extra fat and calories. Instead of mashing potatoes with butter and cream, roast them in olive oil. Make your own cranberry sauce to control the amount of sugar in the side dish and when it comes to gravy, let the turkey juices rise and skim the fat off the top.

Other dangers The most dangerous dishes on the table are the vegetables cooked in creamy sauces. The candied sweet potatoes and the broccoli topped with cheese sauce aren’t good for you. No, you can’t coat your peas and carrots in melted butter either. Reach for steamed vegetables or flavor them with olive oil, lemon and herbs.

The sneaky stuff A cup of eggnog has 350 calories and 19 grams of fat without the rum.

That’s almost a meal in itself. A single slice of pecan pie has 500 calories and 37 grams of fat between all of the nuts, sugar and butter. If you’re going to have some goodies, limit yourself to a taste of either to shave off some calories.

Don’t socialize near the food Portion control is important during the holidays when you’re eating and socializing at the same time. After having your meal, stay away from the

buffet table so you avoid mindless grazing.

Stock your home with healthy food When you aren’t out for dinner or at a friend’s house, make sure your own fridge is stocked with fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy snacks. If you’re heading to a potluck, you gain some control by bringing a nutritious dish to eat.

Watch what you drink: At dinner, go for a wine spritzer and make sure you’re using club soda instead of tonic water in your drinks.

There’s about 125 calories in a class of tonic water while soda water is caloriefree.

Keep fit: Fit some exercise into your daily routine. It can be a stop to the gym, a walk outside or taking up skating or skiing. Find what works for you and stick to it. Making just a few changes can make all the difference. Try it this year and then make it a yearly (or better yet – a daily) habit.

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

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Old Fashioned Christmas: Local Christmas Traditions and Their Origins

by Art Villafane and Vicki Bezems, Lifestyles over 50 In Pennsylvania, our Christmas traditions are as numerous and varied as the groups of settlers who wove our heritage, including English, Irish and Germans.

By the time of the Revolutionary War, Germans comprised about one third of the population. Fleeing from war-torn Europe, They settled mostly in the interior counties of Northampton, Berks, Lancaster and Lehigh.

The Germans brought with them abundant religious traditions, and Christmas was the one holiday that they celebrated with the most fervor. When they arrived in North America, they found that many English settlers did not celebrate Christmas. In fact, the Massachusetts Bay Puritans actually banned the celebration of Christmas from 1685 to 1691. Missing the merriment they had known in their homeland, the German settlers not only kept their native customs but added more.

Two separate groups of German settlers were responsible for many of the Christmas traditions that we know and practice in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area. One group was the Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch), who came from the borderland area where Germany meets France. The other was the Moravians, who originated in Czechoslovakia, and migrated to Germany to escape religious persecution.

Read on to learn the stories behind some of our most familiar Christmas traditions originated.

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A Candle in Every Window This tradition goes back to old Germany and was part of both the Moravian and PA Dutch cultures. Dr. Edwin Heath of Moravian Seminary and College for Women, and his wife, Mabel, began putting candles in the windows of some of the buildings of the Moravian College in the 1920’s. Around that time the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce started to publicize the city as “Christmas City, USA”. From that point on having candles in windows spread throughout the area.

The Moravian Star The tradition of the star started in 1850 as a geometry exercise at a Moravian school in Germany. Today the stars are made of paper, plastic and leaded glass and come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common number of points is 26. The star is reminiscent of the star that lead the wise men to the Christ child.

The Christmas Putz Putz is the name for a nativity scene and came to us from both the Old German and Moravian traditions. The old German word “putz” means to arrange or to decorate. Most common decorations depict the Nativity scene. In the 19th century the days between Christmas and the Epiphany were for socializing. During the evenings families would visit each other (“go putzing”) to enjoy the elaborate decorations. The earliest family putz known was created in 1782 in Bethlehem.

(MCall) Moravian Wax Candles Made first in Germany in 1747, these candles are made of beeswax, which symbolizes the sinless purity of Christ.

Lovefeast Lovefeasts originated in the first gathering of Christians after Pentecost, when the early believers met and broke bread together, thereby signifying their union and equality. What the Moravians call lovefeast is the consuming of a simple food, usually buns (streisslers) and mugs of coffee, as part of their religious service on Christmas Day.

1-800-443-0377 LEHIGHTON, PA 18235

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

The Christmas Tree A fir cut from Pennsylvania’s lush forests and brought inside a few days before Christmas was the center piece of the Pennsylvania Dutch home. Children strung popped corn and cranberries to hang on the tree and made ornaments out of blown eggshells (leftover from baking Christmas treats) and bits of colored paper.

Belsnickel

“Der Belsnickel” would arrive unannounced in Pennsylvania Dutch homes on an evening in December, usually masked and dressed in furs. He made himself known with a rap on the window pane with the wooden switch he used to beat naughty children. Gruffly, Belsnickel would ask each child if they had been naughty over the past year. If the children were honest, Belsnickel would give them a rap on the knuckles, but lying resulted in harsher punishment. Once every child had been judged, he or she was asked to recite a prayer or prove something they had learned in school to earn a small treat from Belsnickel’s bag.

Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods • Homemade fresh sausage, roast maw of pig stuffed with a mix of potatoes, bread, onion, and spare ribs, apples, nuts, and mulled or hard cider.

• Cookies cut in the shapes of birds, animals and fish and displayed on the windowsills of the living room by the children on Christmas morning.

• Molasses candy or “moshey” like today’s taffy The Pennsylvania Dutch of old believed that there was a special magic at midnight on Christmas Eve when the people could actually understand the animals talking among themselves.

A Bit of Christmas Lore

by Vicki Bezems, Lifestyles over 50

Christmas cards have been around for quite some time.

William Egley Jr. of Great Britain has received credit for creating the oldest card in 1843, though many early versions appear to stem from Valentine cards, whose origins can be traced as far back as the 15th century. Poems or verses, along with graphic illustrations, have been a major part of Christmas cards, as demonstrated by the one below, printed in 1855.

Early Christmas Card St. Nicholas of 1841 What is considered to be the first illustration of Santa Claus descending a chimney with a bag or sack full of toys was printed in the January 1841 issue of the New York City weekly newspaper, the New York Mirror (1823-1842). The picture below, drawn by Dublin-born portrait-painter Charles Cromwell Ingham, was then made available in print through the efforts of a wood engraver, Robert Roberts, an immigrant from Wales.

It is important to keep our traditions and the history of those traditions alive. Spend time with your children and grandchildren learning about those traditions. To learn more check out the information on page 4 - “Things To Do With Grandkids” Sources:

Christmas in Bethlehem - A Moravian Heritage by Vangie Roby Sweitzer.

The Moravian Bookshop: shop.moravianbookshop.com or 610-866-5481. articles.mcall.com/2000-12-01/topic/3330215_1_count-zinzendorf-countnicholas-ludwig-christmas-eve freepages.nostalgia.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~padutchlife/Content/ ChristmasCustoms.html www.byerschoice.com/christmas-traditions/pennsylvania-dutch explorepahistory.com/story.php?storyId=1-9-5&chapter=1 www.moravian.org/faith-a-congregations/the-lovefeast/

First Known Depiction of Santa Claus Descending a Chimney With Toys

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

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Lehigh Valley Active Life is the hub for activities for mature adults. We list here a small sampling of what they offer.

Be sure to join the center and take advantage of its many benefits, classes and activities. Please check their website for the most current times, dates, fees and information. Membership is just $25 per year LVActiveLife.org CURRENT EVENTS Join this open discussion group to express your opinions. A flexible agenda will include world, national, state and local events that have occurred. All are welcome in a friendly atmosphere.

MOVIES Wed., Dec 9. Iinspired the life of John Forbes Nash Jr. A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. Butthe handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery.

CERAMICS Come join our fun ceramics ongoing classes! These classes feature new techniques and new pieces. Formed pieces give everyone a starting point. Stencils, handpainting and imagination give everyone a chance to express themselves. The first class is FREE! Please pay per class. Instructor: Bonny Batman Elm Street (Room 107), Tuesdays, Price includes paints 9:00 -11:30 a.m. or 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Half Day: $4.00 Members; $4.75 Nonmembers All Day: $8.00 Members; $9.50 Nonmembers.

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GENEALOGY— FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE and FROM WHERE YOU CAME Research your roots through Ancestry. com at the Center. Learn how to trace your family tree. Bring your laptop if you have one. We will provide a laptop if you do not have one. This research will be done on the computer. Led by Albert P. Heydt Fridays (Room 104); Elm St. Free Members/$5.00 Nonmembers 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Law Office of Gail Weiner Shearer

When you can’t be there,

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BINGO Every Wednesday Evening Open To The Public 5:30 P.M. DOORS OPEN 6:30 P.M. START TIME Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 W. Elm Street — Trexler Room Admission: $15.00 each Includes: one Bingo packet of (4) double cards and one packet of specials $1.00 for the coverall Payout is $15.00 per board game 45 or more players-payout is $20.00 per board game Free coffee and light refreshments!

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

610-867-2538 gws-legal.com

paper chains on A 1930’s Christmas in Allentown construction the tree because, remember,

by Roy Bellesfield

Editor’s Note: Roy Bellesfield was a beloved, regular writer in our magazine until his death a few years ago. His was our most popular feature and in his memory we reprint some of his articles from time to time. Herein is his Christmas article.

In the 30’s and 40’s the spirit of Christmas could be seen everywhere around us. You could especially see and feel it in downtown Allentown. How we kids used to love to walk along the street and look at the pretty decorations in all of the story windows. Hess Brothers was probably the store who really went all out to attract shoppers.

When you entered, you were greeted by the pleasant sprays of perfume. Also during the Christmas season, each and every child who entered the store was given a little gift. One of them was a little wooden spool with a metal bird on top, and it would make chirping sounds. Sometimes the gift was a little noise maker. Each year the gifts were different. It made us happy to show our families these little toys.

Hess’s also had an annex building and on the fifth floor was the toy department and Marionette show daily. The children would sit on the floor and watch Hansel and Gretel, and Punch and Judy, to name a few. After the show, we would see Santa Claus in all his splendor and wish for just one toy, as the Depression years were still upon us. There were many other stores to visit too.

H. Leh store burgeoned with goodies of every kind, as well, and they also gave gifts to the children. Zollinger was always adorned with lights and a big tree that glittered with tinsel. The Spirit of Christmas was happy and permeated all around us. Hamilton Street was another sight to behold, and it was lit up with large star-shaped ornaments on the streetlights that twinkled on and off on a snowy night. It was truly a winter wonderland.

At home, things were equally as joyous. Throughout the Christmas season, we would take car rides and visit our family who lived out in the sticks, as we called it in those days. When we were at home, we had radio music and decorated the tree together. In those days, we used lead tinsel, which I don’t believe is used anymore. We also strung up popcorn and

we didn’t have the money in those days to buy ornaments, and our homemade ones were just as pretty. We had lights on the tree; however they were in series, so if one light bulb was broken or burned out, you had to go through each light on the string until you could find the broken one.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were always joyous celebrations. On Christmas Eve we would have a nice family dinner together and exchange gifts.

Back then, each person received only one gift from our parents, but it was always very special. We also exchanged gifts with our siblings, but because money was scarce, we had to try extra hard to make it one very special present.

One year, I’ll never forget, there was an announcement on the radio station WCBA which stated that if your family or a family you knew didn’t have enough money for presents, to write a letter to the station and perhaps they would be able to get some gifts together. Well, I wrote a letter because I desperately wanted a wagon for myself and a doll for my sister. We kids were all disappointed because we didn’t hear anything in return.

But on Christmas Eve, the doorbell rang. When we opened the door, there stood Santa Claus! He had with him that wagon that I had wanted so badly, filled to the brim with a doll for my sister and a few other toys, as well as oranges and other goodies. I can’t tell you how much that meant to our family, and what a nice gesture it was. I will never forget that event.

Before dinner on Christmas Eve, Dad would read to all of us, The Christmas Story, and that kicked off the festivities. We exchanged our gifts that night, and sometimes we were afraid that we might get coal from Santa Claus, or sticks from Belsnickel, but we never did!

The next day it was off to church for more celebration.

Sometimes we would go with the church to sing carols to the church members who were ill and could not make it to the festivities. It was such a happy time of year.

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

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Home for the Holidays

By Alan Allegra

Christmas is creeping up on us.

By the time you read this, it will either have picked up speed or already descended upon us with a blanket of snow and a pile of fruitcakes, both the kind you regift and the ones you are related to.

One of the sentiments associated with Christmas is a longing for home and loved ones.

Songs like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Please Come Home for Christmas” flood the airwaves and dollar stores, conjuring up memories of times we may only experience through the songwriter’s imagination.

Unless we’ve been in a war or left the pines of North Carolina for the lure of the city, going home for Christmas may not have been a big deal.

When I first went to college, hopping the train or Greyhound from Boston to my home in New Jersey was a great joy. However, once I germinated a new life in Boston, I felt the trip up north was now my flight home. That was where my heart now was.

A long time ago, someone left his home to spend Christmas with friends, strangers, and even enemies. Jesus the Son of God left heaven to be born on what we sometimes call the first Christmas. He was barely noticed at first but with growing fame came growing hatred, despite his innocent love for sinners (Romans 5).

At Christmas time, those who observe the season give gifts to those they love. The impetus for this comes from God the Father, who gave his Son to purchase the free gift of salvation for the world he loved. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This gift is freely offered to friend and foe alike.

Those who accept this gift become, believe it or not, sons and daughters of the Living God, with all the rights and privileges of heirs.

One of the benefits of this adoption is a new home that doesn’t wear out. Jesus promised, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you

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that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). “[L]ay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).

Not only is it unusual that one would voluntarily leave home at Christmas but we who are Christians now have a longing for a Father and family we’ve never seen. We are strangers and aliens on earth, in a constant battle with enemies, known as the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The Apostle Peter, who lost a few battles himself, warned, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). James, the Lord’s brother, summed up, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1).

Jesus gives us hope of home: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3).

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of this war, and I want to go home for Christmas. Maybe today will be the day we hear, “Please Come Home for Christmas”!

Amish Christmas Cakes

by Vicki Bezems, Lifestyles over 50

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup sugar • ½ cup melted butter • 2 eggs • 1½ cups flour • ½ tsp. baking soda • Pinch of salt DIRECTIONS • Pour melted butter over sugar in a bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.

• Add the eggs, beating one at a time, into the mixture.

• Sift the baking soda through the flour; add the salt and add to the cake mixture.

• Stand the dough in a cold place for an hour.

• Roll out on floured board, quite thin. Cut into small rounds or other shapes. Sprinkle with sugar and bake in hot oven (400-farenheit) for 10 minutes.

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Spotting Early Stages of Dementia

by Art Villafane, Lifestyles over 50

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oliday time can be stressful. The last thing you need is to find out that your loved one can no longer live safely without help. Often we haven’t seen our loved ones since the last holiday season. When we do see them we are shocked at the downward spiral their health has taken. What happened? When did they become so frail?

Some warning signs that help identify when assistance may be needed include trouble with walking, balance and mobility; a decline in personal hygiene; weight loss due to improper nutrition; dirty home and laundry; unpaid bills piling up; forgetfulness; and loss of interest in activities.

These are just some of the warning signs to be aware of. These red flags are when families need to make the decision regarding help for their loved one. Home care is an affordable alternative to moving to a facility and helps your loved one maintain independence.

What is home care? Home care means receiving services from a personal caregiver in your own home. Nine out of ten seniors would prefer to continue living at home rather than moving into any type of facility. But when age related issues such as frailty, chronic illness or forgetfulness makes living alone too difficult, home care enables them to maintain their quality of life and lifestyle in their own home.

With home care, a personal caregiver visits the senior anywhere from 2 hours a day a few days a week to up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on the level of care needed. Home care services can include either nonmedical care or medical care.

Non-medical caregivers provide assistance with a wide range of non-medical related activities of daily living. These services include showering, bathing and dressing, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, recreation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and laundry.

Medical caregivers are generally nurses who provide doctor prescribed medical care such as wound care, IV infusions, and medication disbursement.

How can I tell if mom or dad suffers from Alzheimer’s?

To the untrained eye we might mistake genuine Alzheimer’s for “just typical signs of aging”. There is a significant difference between the two.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s are: • Memory loss that disrupts daily life • Challenges in planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships • New problems with words in speaking or writing • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps • Decreased or poor judgment • Withdrawal from work or social activities • Changes in mood and personality

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

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The Greatest Gift Chronicling A Life For The Benefit Of Future Generations

By Jeff Tintle, Lifestyles over 50

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ilmer Schultz has a story to tell. It is the quintessential American tale that opens with humble beginnings and navigates the reader on a journey of heroics, romance, hard work, perseverance, and adventure.

The plot contains the main tenants of great storytelling with a noble and likable character at the center. It personifies the progression of a nation from a depression through the tumult of war and lingers in the post- war prosperity and golden age of a mighty nation. All this is told through the story of one man, Wilmer Schultz.

Wilmer Schultz on the cover of his autobiography My Life, The Way I See It He printed 105 copies and gave them to those around him as well as the Hereford Historical Society and the Emmaus Library in 2007.

Wilmer was born on the Schultz Farm in Hereford, PA in 1926.

“The first and undoubtedly the best thing I In 2001 Wilmer Schultz was For 19 years Wilmer grew up on did was become engaged to Evelyn, but not semi-retired from the business that farm and enjoyed the farm life without my usual blunders.” he had labored for over five with his four siblings. The farm decades to build into a prosperous was the center of their universe enterprise. He was financially successful and had his dream and provided everything they needed – crops, livestock, fulfilled of his sons taking over the business. feed, eggs, and more. The farm was self-sustaining, and the only one in the area with water-powered electricity via a Despite satisfaction in professional accomplishments millrace than ran from the Perkiomen Creek. To the credit of and personal pursuits, he struggled with the recent passing Schultz’s grandfather the mill had a water-powered mill that of his beloved wife, Evelyn, less than a year earlier. Wilmer stored electricity in batteries and distributed it throughout the loved her deeply, and he missed her. He became nostalgic and homestead. held tight to their memories. At the adamant requests of his sons he began writing down his experiences and continued The Schultz family was hard-working, church going and to write for six years. Recording the memories helped him spoke only German at home. Wilmer attended first grade through the grieving process. through eighth grade in a one-room, brick schoolhouse that measured 24‘ x 30’. The facility boasted two outhouses, a My Life, The Way I See It is the autobiography of Wilmer coal bin to fuel a potbelly stove and an outside well with a Schultz’s life, in memory of Evelyn, his family and friends. water bucket and ladle for the thirsty to share.

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Alongside his family, Wilmer worked diligently on the farm, even driving, and crashing, vehicles from the age of 9. Despite the hard work country life was good. He crisply recorded memories of school, chores, and many other boyhood activities during the Depression. His stories are authentic and told in a folksy and nostalgic tone from a tougher yet simpler era.

Wilmer recounts his follies as a child, almost drowning in the millrace at the age of 4 if not for the quick actions of an older sister, and climbing up the silo only to be discovered by his grandfather who disciplined him through the punishing whips of a razor strap. He fondly remembers his family, neighbors and schoolmates but he admired no one more than his mother. “My mother, Mabel M. (Jones) Schultz, was the most proficient, hard-working and likeable person I’ve ever known. My memories of her are fond and warm, and I’m sure I have her to thank for any of my more endearing traits.”

At 19 he was drafted from high school into World War II. “Nothing I had experienced before quite prepared me for serving in the Army at the end of World War II” he reflected.

He and his Army division were sent to the Pacific and Japan, where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. Fortunately for Wilmer, during the 20 months he spent in the Army, his division avoided enemy engagement. Upon the conclusion of the war he was discharged at Fort Meade, Maryland and hitchhiked home to Hereford.

As he resettled into civilian life he bounced around odd jobs seeking direction. He befriended a local car dealer in Emmaus who eventually introduced Wilmer to his niece, who was “a lovely girl who took my breath away walking up the stairs.” That lovely girl was Evelyn and as Wilmer tells it, “The first and undoubtedly the best thing I did was become engaged to Evelyn, but not without my usual blunders. Several days before our wedding, I was shooting rats with Evelyn’s father at the (Emmaus) Borough Dump and lost my wallet containing the $200 for Evelyn’s wedding ring…I kept wondering “Why would this lovely girl want to get hooked up with a guy like me, without any money?” She told me later she had asked her mother the same question and her mother simply said, “If you love this guy, marry him.”

Wilmer and Evelyn did marry but not before Wilmer borrowed $200. The Schultz’s had two boys and he says “Evelyn and I always felt blessed with our sons and I thank God every day for them.”

Wilmer worked feverishly to start a business in construction. Wilmer astutely noticed that farmers needed farm ponds for irrigation and fire protection. He figured if he could get his hands on a bulldozer he could start a business.

With no money and no clients he talked his way into bank financing for a bulldozer for excavation. He did get clients, and as his operation grew he continued to press bankers for more financing for additional equipment. He worked around the clock for almost seven years establishing his business and eventually growing it into a bridge builder for large projects around the state. Wilmer admits, “The thought of the struggles my father and grandfather had faced and overcome in their lives helped me through my most difficult times.” Wilmer meticulous records the ups and downs of his business from personal threats by local unions to being defrauding 1 million dollars by an unscrupulous business associate.

Schultz’s business success allowed him and Evelyn to travel the world. He also was a big game hunter, pursuing everything possible to hunt in the world except for a maneating tiger in Nepal. He also took civic duties seriously contributing to his church, becoming a Mason and a Rotarian with over 60 years of perfect attendance. Wilmer admits that one of his most proud, and surprising moment was when he was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for the construction of the nature lodge at the Trexler Scout Reservation in Monroe County where he also donated his 78 trophy big game animals to outfit the facility.

Wilmer’s accomplishments and escapades are too numerous to recite, but a copy of his book is available for check out at the Emmaus library. The book is invaluable to the Schultz family, and it also serves as inspiration for others to follow his lead. Yes, he led an ambitious and extraordinary life, but everyone has great stories to tell. We are the sum total of our experiences, and it is imperative to pass the stories on to other generations. We may not believe that our lives are exciting, but our children and grandchildren would find them riveting. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the elder generations to pass along the stories of hardship and triumph if we are to restore our great nation.

Write down your stories. Ask a family member to prompt you with questions and video your responses. It will be of the greatest gifts that you can give them.

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

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RSVP - Join US

Home Care Costs Rise Almost 5%

by Jeff Tintle Lifestyles over 50

by Diane Schrameyer, RSVP

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s I grow older (and hopefully wiser) it’s become harder and harder to make a “wish list” when I’m asked what I want for Christmas, or for any special occasion for that matter. Things I need I tend to buy for myself. The things I really want, money cannot buy. I tell those I love the best gift they can give me is for them to plan something we can do together. I want their presence instead of presents.

The happy memories are made in the time we spend together with people that we care about. And when I’m alone and recalling one of those experiences all the good feelings I had in that moment come flooding back. The memory of the experience is enough to trigger a dose of endorphins - the “brain’s feel-good chemicals”. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

When we contemplate what to give someone so often our bank account dictates what we can give. The wonderful thing about time is that we all have the same amount – 24 hours.

We are all equal when it comes to our ability to give this gift to others. It truly isn’t about being able to afford something or not.

The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because when you are giving someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life. There are hundreds of volunteers in our community who give this gift week in and week out – not just during the holidays.

S

everal thousand Lehigh Valley residents receive nonmedical home care services, and they have seen the average cost of home rise almost 5% in the past 12 months.

Non medical home includes companion services like assistance around the house, conversation, light housekeeping, errands, and transportation to doctor appointments to personal care services like assistance with bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.

Many elderly individuals depend on a caregiver to come to their house to help them with chores they could not manage on their own.

Last year, the average cost of non-medical home care was almost $20 per hour. The same marker for 2015 is now approximately $21 per hour. The increase is the first in several years for many organizations who held prices steady during the great recession.

For the past two years Lifestyles over 50 has surveyed the top 25 home care agencies in the Lehigh Valley to analyze and benchmark industry performance.

If your organization is in the home care industry and If you’re not already involved in giving some of your time would like to receive a copy of the 2015 non-medical home to others maybe now is the time to “get on board”. In the care report, or if you are an individual curious about home next few weeks there are so many events and activities going care services, call the Lifestyles over 50 team at 855-233-7034. on in our community where your time (and a willing spirit) can make all the difference in the world to someone less fortunate.

If you’re not sure Everyone has something to offer. where your presence is needed, contact Senior Corps RSVP. Sometimes it’s a skill or talent. Sometimes it’s a word We’ll help you find a place or of wisdom or an extra hand. Sometimes the smallest person to “gift” with your time. act of kindness can make the biggest difference.

Call 610-625-2290, email RSVPLNC@hotmail.com or visit our website www.

RSVPofLNC.org.

Remember - everyone has the same amount to give!

Everything matters!

You can give some of your time and make a difference!

Senior Corps RSVP can help match your skills, interests and available time to what needs to get done.

Call: 610-625-2290

Email: RSVPLNC@hotmail.com • Visit: ww.RSVPofLNC.org 20

Lifestyles over 50 December 2015

Classified

Listings free for not-for-profits. Others $15 per listing (under 75 words)

Send to : Thrive Media, Attn: Editor. 4847 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown, Pa 18103 or Editor@lifestylesover50.com

Volunteers Needed

Phoebe Allentown seeks individuals to assist with memory support neighborhoods. You train in Montessori principles to create meaningful experiences by practicing person-centered care. For a rewarding experience - 610-794-5362 jwickel@phoebe. org.

watch a movie, enjoy a cup of coffee, etc. Main duty – Have Fun! 610.435.9651.

Heartland Hospice seeks volunteers to offer bedside support and presence to those facing terminal illness. Training, flex hours. Robin Trexler, 610266-0134

Are you a “people person”?

Have skills and talents to use Meals on Wheels Northampton to “give back”? Compassionate Cty and Calvary United Care has a variety of volunteer Methodist partner to provide opportunities with a training and meals to seniors in Easton area. support programs. Call Carolyn Volunteers needed. Contact Janet at 610-770-6500.

Soos janets@mealsonwheelspa. org Center for Vision Loss seeks volunteers to assist blind and Meals on Wheels of Lehigh visually impaired people as County -Discover how easy and companions, transportation rewarding it is to deliver meals drivers and Mall Walk helpers. to our homebound clients.

Office assistants and vision Teams of 2 deliver on 33 routes screeners are needed. Training throughout Lehigh County. provided. Daytime hours only.

Drive a route or ride along 610.433.6018, x.231rita.lang@ as a visitor. 610-398-2563 or centerforvisionloss.org. dstillwagen@mealsonwheelslc. org.

Drivers: ITNLehighValley provides rides for seniors 60 and Lutheran Home - Topton invites over and visually impaired adults. volunteers to share musical Drive riders to appointments in talent, voice or instrument with LV, 90% are medical. Requires residents. Flex hours, days, eves, vehicle, good driving record, weekends. Lou Wentz at 610some free time. Training 682-1542 or wentzl@diakon.org. provided, we work with your schedule. 610-419-1645.

Compeer of LV- volunteer 4 hrs. a month with Compeer Lehigh Valley Hospice provides friend, a person who lives with volunteer opportunities for mental illness. Do what friends individuals who believe that do together: listen, go for a walk, life is a journey. Join us and discover how enriching it is to spend meaningful time with our Do you have patients. Call Janet Barber, 610969-0127. old classic

records that you want to sell?

Call Julius Vitali of VINYLALLY HEAR at

610-217-1629 (cell) 610-966-6202 (phone)

Buying classical records and collections

Social & Support Groups ENCORE (female cancer support / exercise group) Tues.

6:30-8pm & Fri. 9:15-10:30am.

Allentown YMCA & YWCA, 425 S. 15th St. 610-434-9333, x 313.allentownymcaywca.org.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Parkinson’s patients, families and friends - monthly at St. Luke’s Allentown Campus. 3rd

Wed. 6 pm refreshments 6:30 pm To register 1-866-STLUKES. MS First Tuesday support group for patients, families and friends at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. 6:15 register at 1-866-(785-8537) First Tues,1pm Emmaus Garden Club Faith Presbyterian Church, North 2nd and Cherokee Streets, Emmaus. Public welcome.

(610) 966-4181.

First Wed. LV Vegetarians.

Quaker Meeting House Rt. 512 half mile N. of Rt. 22 Twnshp. Pot luck dinner. 6pm. $3.50 610709-8984 First Thurs., 10-11:30 am. 610-433-6018 Vision Loss Support Group for LV residents facing vision loss. Center for Vision Loss, 845 W. Wyoming St., Allentown.

First Thurs. 12PM (except July and August) AARP Chapter (#4150) community room of Lower Macungie Library Bldg (3450 Brookside Rd).

(610) 285-4563 First Thurs. AARP #5415 Allentown Chapter first Friday St. Timothy’s Church, 140 So. Ott St. Allentown. Membership recognition for paid up members 12-l P.M. Open to the public at1, program: LV Pops Orchestra. Bring non-perishable food item for Allentown Food Bank 610-437-4265 Second Sat. 10:30 Like gardening? Jordan United Church of Christ, Rt 309 & Walbert Ave Allentown, peace garden, custom peace sculpture, peace pole, worship areas, biblical plant, children’s

bed, gazebo, swing, trails.

610-395-2218.

Second Sat, Bethlehem Garden Club, share garden tips with local pros and hobbyists 610-838-1482.

Second Mon. 7-8:30 pm. pray & share together for emotional wholeness, women’s support group struggling, or have family struggling with depression, bipolar, etc. 3400 Bath Pike, Suite 110 Bethlehem. Linda 610-395-8756.

Second Mon. 1PM St. John’s Friendly Fifties meets at 1343 Newport Avenue in Northampton. Annual Christmas Dinner Wed. Dec 2d at Northampton Community Center. Doors open and 11:30 Gerry Gessie Duo will entertain.

Prayer and Share Together for Emotional Wholeness, 2nd Mon. Truth for Women, 3400 Bath Pike, Suite 110, Bethlehem We also meet at Asbury Methodist Church Tuesday after the 2nd Monday. Both groups are 7-8:30 pm.

Second Tuesday. Caregiver Support Groups: Live, Love, Learn (special grp. for memory impaired and loved ones), Sacred Heart Hosp, 4:30PM-2nd floor.

Third Friday. 9:30. People Meeting People Club, Senior Social Group. Fellowship Hall, Asbury United Methodist Church.

7-8:30 pm.

Second Tues, 7-8:30 pm. Prayer & Share Together for emotional wholeness, women’s support group struggling, or family struggling with depression, bi-polar, etc.

Asbury Methodist Church, Allentown. Linda 610-3958756.

Second Tues. 3PM TRIAD at Lehigh Co. Senior Center (Enjoy Life). Monthly meeting. 3 PM. Second Wed. Parkinson’s Support Group St. Luke’s Hospital Allentown campus 17th and Hamilton St. Refreshments and presentation 6:00 - 7:30 Topics related to PD. Third Wed, LV Military Affairs Council – Saucon Manor in Hellertown. 121:30pm, 484-788-0196, info@ lvmac.org, or www.lvmac.org for info.

Second Thur, 12PM Caregivers & Professionals Network Group. Country Meadows of Allentown, Bldg 3, 610-395-7160 Third Sat. For anyone caring for a family member with memory loss or impairment, group meets (908) 8596700, extension 2276 for information.

Fourth Wed Men of Retirement Age Club 1-2;30pm, Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Rd, Hanover.

Tues 1:30-4:30 Palmer Senior Group, meet seniors, play cards, share good times. Charles Chrin Community Ctr Palmer Township 610-252-2098 palmercommunitycenter.org Wed. noon. Fogelsville Senior Group at Fire Company.

Amelia, 610-395-2224.

Schnecksville Senior Citizens Group Thurs: games and social activities 12 noon.

Schnecksville Fire Company Rt 309. Info: 610-769-7570

Exercise Bethlehem YMCA. For info on Silver Sneakers and all pgms: www.ymcabethlehem. org/ or 610 867-7588.

Allentown YMCA. For info Silver Sneakers and all pgms: www.allentownymcaywca.

org/ 610-434-9333. Pgms include Tai Chi, Yoga I, Zumba Gold and mat Pilates, 3rd St. Alliance. Tai Chi, Clogging, Tae Kwon Do. Schedules and fees vary.

610-258-6271. www.

ThirdStreetAlliance.org.

Easton YMCA. For info Silver Sneakers and all pgms: familyymca.org/ or 610.258.6158, OxyFit Gym offers 1 hour Silver Sneaker classes on Mon, Tues, and Wed at 10:15 and Thurs. at 9:15 and 10:15.

Yoga stretch classes Mon. & Wed. at 11:15. Info: 610-3910040 or www.oxyfitgym.com.

Salvation Army Senior Program 610-867-4681.

Every Tues play bridge 1012; Thursdays varied Social Programs at 10:45 a.m.

Every Thurs 10:45 A.M. Senior Activity Program & Lunch at 12:00 Noon. Salvation Army, 521 Pembroke Road, Bethlehem (seniors 50 & over) 610-867-4681

Dances LV Active Life (Lehigh County Senior Ctr) $7 refreshments. www. lehighseniors.org. Sat. Dance Ctr: 7:30-11pm. 610-437-3700.

“Dancing on the Odds” on odd numbered Fridays at 3rd Third Street Alliance, 41 N. 3rd St. Easton. Lessons 7-8pm, Dancing 8-10pm. $10 at door. Instructor Con Gallagher (610) 433-7804. .

Allentown Area Swing Dance. Fearless Fire Co. 1221 S Front St. 610-390-7550. $9 includes lesson 7pm - 8:30, no partner needed. www. allentownswingdance.org for schedule Social Ballroom/Latin Swing Dance Saturday, 2nd Sat. @ 7pm TC Dance Club 6623 Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 610-881-1000 www. learnballroomlatin.com Refreshments served & BYOB. Lesson at 8:00pm $12, no reservations needed, all welcome – with or without partner

Bingo Wed 5PM game at 6:30PM Volunteer Fire Co Fogelsville Ladies Auxiliary Cash Prizes 484-350-1388 HTCC hosts monthly Bingo1st Thurs of month at 6:30 pm! Prizes range from $40 to $125. 610-317-8701.

Wed 6:30 LV Active Life (Lehigh County Senior Ctr.) Free coffee, snacks. $15 includes 4 double cards & 1 pack of specials.610-437-3700

Alz. Support Groups Alzheimer’s Respite Program Hope Community Church 7974 Clausville Rd. Fogelsville, For those in early stages of Alzheimer’s. Respite time, support for caregivers.

Free, Wed - 1-5 PM Contact Dave Bowers 484-619-0330 bowerdav@gmail.com.

1st Thurs 11:00 am Arden Courts 5151 Hamilton Blvd.

Allentown 3rd Sat 3:15pm 410 Krocks Rd. Country Meadows Allentown 3rd Wed 3pm Phoebe Terrace 1925 Turner St. Allentown, 2nd Wed 5:30 pm Sarah Care Adult Day Care 7010 Snow Drift Rd. Allentown, 1st Thurs 1:00pm St. Andrew’s Church 1900 Pennsylvania Ave. Allentown 3rd Thurs 4:30 Westminster Village 2156 Hanover St. Allentown, 3rd Wed 6:30pm Country Meadows Living 4005 Green Pond Rd., Bldg. 4, Bethlehem, 3rd Tues 5:00 pm Kirkland Village 1 Kirkland Village Circle Bethlehem, 4th Mon 2:30pm Moravian Village 526 Wood St. Bethlehem, Last Monday 6:30 pm Traditions of Hanover 5300 Northgate Dr. Bethlehem, 3rd Wed 1:00 pm Third Street Alliance 41 North Third St Easton, 1st Wed 9:30am Moravian Hall Square 175 W. North St. Nazareth.

Phoebe’s Alzheimer’s Support Grp 3-4:30 PM 3rd Wed. Phoebe Terrace, 1940 Turner St, Allentown. For those with loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. 610-7945273.

Phoebe’s Connecting Hearts Geriatric Care - service with at-home personalized coaching to make dementiarelated caregiving more manageable.

1st Tues 2-3:30PM, for venue call 610-438-9400, e-mail MemoryCafe@ AbingtonManor.com or check website at www. abingtonmanor.com. What is a Memory Café? Memory Café provides a place for friends to gather and enjoy socialization, refreshments and discussion. Designed for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as their care partners and friends.

What you can expect: Social Contact with Others having a Similar Journey, Peer Support, Free Valuable Information and Education Informal, Relaxed & StigmaFree Environment. What not to expect: Formal Care Services, Clinical Assessment, Personal Care. Enjoy a time of friendship with others reducing the isolation felt by people with dementia and their care partners. Memory Café gives you time to enjoy and honor the relationship.

Community Events Community Music School, 23 N. 6th Street, Allentown.

610-435-7725, www.cmslv. org, Open enrollment for private and group instruction in almost all instruments and voice for all ages and abilities, plus coaching sessions, music therapy, numerous ensembles and performance opportunities.

Don’t Let Vision Loss Slow You Down

Lead a fulfilling life despite Vision Loss.

Let us tell you how we can help!

610-433-6018 in the Lehigh Valley

570-992-7787 in Monroe County

www.centerforvisionloss.org 610-794-6010 | phoebe.org/allentown

The Terrace

At Phoebe Allentown

The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown is a popular choice in retirement living. Conveniently located in the west-end of Allentown, we offer roomy apartments, exceptional value, fine dining and a welcoming environment.

Call today for a tour, or to get information! 610-794-6010 Immediate Occupancy Available!

Have Questions about Senior Care Options?

Call us at 855-233-7034 and we will connect you with the solutions. > Visit Lifestylesover50.com and look for our 2016 Senior Resource Directory in the New Year!

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