CREEKSIDE FOODS
On the road again: Tips to help seniors travel safely
Travel was once a key component of the picture that working professionals created of their ideal retirements. While the COVID-19 pandemic put many retirement travel plans on hold in recent years, jetting off to distant locales is once again on retirees’ radars.
Eagerness to get back on the road, in the air or on the high seas could make it easy to overlook some principles of safe travel. Such an oversight could lead to complications that could make it hard to enjoy time away from home. The following tips may reduce the likelihood that seniors encounter trouble while traveling.
- Determine if any health issues are affecting the planned destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an online resource that provides the latest travel health notices for a multitude of travel destinations, along with recommendations of vaccinations that travelers should have. To access the resource, visit www.cdc.gov/ travel/page/travel-vaccines.
any issues that might arise during a trip. Health conditions may be easily managed for domestic travelers who are not planning to visit any especially remote locations, but some issues may not necessarily be as easily navigated when traveling overseas. Physicians can also recommend vaccinations or other measures to protect one’s health while traveling. In addition, a pre-trip doctor visit is a great time to refill prescriptions that will be needed during a vacation.
- Take financial precautions as well. Of course, not all travel-related concerns are medical. Finances also require attention prior to a trip. Inflation has caused a sharp spike in the price of various commodities since the start of 2022, so travelers should study up on the cost of food and attractions at their destination to ensure they take enough money. Baggage costs have risen significantly in recent years, so seniors traveling on a budget
- Speak to a physician. A pre-trip consultation with a physician can uncover
may want to pack less and do laundry while traveling in an effort to save money. In addition, the unpredictable nature of travel since the onset of the pandemic has underscored the utility of travel insurance. Seniors can look into travel insurance that could reimburse them in the case of delays or cancellations.
- Privately share the trip itinerary. Prior to departing, travelers should share their itinerary with friends and family members. They should avoid sharing the itinerary on social media platforms, which can make them a target for criminals at home and at their destination. The itinerary should include where travelers are staying, the dates they will visit certain locations and the dates of activities they will be engaging in on the trip.
Seniors rediscovering the joy of traveling can take various measures to make their trips more safe.
Morgantown/Honey Brook
State Rep. Mark M. Gillen presented Berks County resident Bernadine “Bernie” Smith with a state citation on her 100th birthday. Smith served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.
Open House Savor the Season
January 21
11am-12pm Cooking Demonstration Commons Great Room 12pm-1pm Tours of apartments and cottages
RSVP by Jan. 17 to Jennifer at 888-786-7331 or waltersj@quarryville.com
625 Robert Fulton Highway Quarryville, PA 17566 quarryville.com
Giant announces hunger relief efforts
To help families in need enjoy a holiday meal, the Giant Company is focusing its giving efforts this season on hunger relief efforts, recently announcing donations of $160,000 and 3,000 hams to organizations addressing food insecurity in their local communities.
The Giant Company donated $100,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, in support of its hunger relief efforts. The gift will help the food bank provide 400,000 fresh, healthy, nutritious meals to neighbors experiencing hunger in its 27-county service region in Pennsylvania. The food bank is now providing food assistance to more than 250,000 individuals each month. This includes individuals; families; active-duty service members and veterans via its MilitaryShare program; seniors via its ElderShare program; and youths via its in-school, after-school and summer programs.
Additionally, the Giant Company is supporting the
Salvation Army’s holiday hunger relief programs by donating $5,000 to 12 Salvation Army locations for a total donation of $60,000.
Recipient Salvation Army locations in Pennsylvania include Boyertown, Carlisle, Chambersburg, East Stroudsburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Levittown, Norristown, Philadelphia and Sunbury, as well as the Winchester, Va., location.
Lastly, to ensure families have a holiday staple at their table, the Giant Company is contributing 3,000 hams to 15 food banks and pantries across its operating area this
month. Local recipients are Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Harrisburg; Chester County Food Bank, Exton; Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, Reading; and Lancaster County Food Hub, Lancaster.
Customers can also join the Giant Company to make a difference this holiday season. Through Tuesday, Dec. 24, customers at any Giant, Martin’s or Giant Heirloom Market store can donate free ham certificates at the register in-store to a local food bank. In addition, customers can purchase reusable bags to benefit regional food banks.
START THE NEW YEAR
JANUARY 2ND-8TH
Hours during the sale: Wed., 1/01 - CLOSED, Thurs., 1/02 - 9am - 5pm, Fri., 1/03 - 9am - 5pm, Sat., 1/04 - 9am - 3pm, Sun., 1/05 - CLOSED, Mon., 1/06 - 9am - 5pm, Tues., 1/07 - 9am - 5pm, Wed., 1/08 - 9am - 5pm
On Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, the Giant Company presented a donation to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
BY JEFF FALK
Dyslexia is something that we might not fully understand. Dyslexia may be something we don’t talk enough about. Dyslexia might be more prevalent than we realize.
It’s a learning disorder that Children’s Dyslexia Center (CDC) of Lancaster can help manage and, in some instances, even overcome.
“What everyone needs to understand is that (dyslexia is) neurological, it runs in families and it affects language processing,” said Heather Brown, who’s been CDC of Lancaster’s director for 10 years. “What it’s not is reading backwards. It’s about how kids process language, how the brain processes language. Words and sentences look the same, but it’s daunting to read. Students work so hard to get through paragraphs that by the end of them they don’t remember the meaning. You have to break the reading code. We teach kids how to break that code, so it frees the brain up.”
Located at 213 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, CDC of Lancaster teaches schoolage children with dyslexia from Lancaster, Dauphin, York, Chester and Lebanon counties how to read, write and spell. Much of the work is performed in one-on-one settings after school.
CDC of Lancaster also trains adults how to tutor kids with dyslexia. All of its services are provided free of charge.
“(The number of people affected by dyslexia is) a hard number to quantify,” said Brown. “It’s estimated that between 10% and 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia. I’d say that half of our parents are undiagnosed dyslexics. But only 8% of the population is getting tested.”
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the literacy rate among adults in the United States is 79%.
CDC of Lancaster, which employs about a dozen instructors, works with about 20 kids with some
form of dyslexia each semester, or about 40 per year.
“They come here after a day of school and push through an hour of hard tutoring,” said Brown. “For a lot of our kids, it takes them two or three times longer to read than their peers. When they see how easy it is for their peers, it becomes frustrating. They’re on the same level, but they’re putting forth so much more effort. But you need to read to succeed. We accomplish our goals by putting one step in front of the other every day. We teach kids how to be confident readers and writers.”
“Most of our students are born with dyslexia, so it can be hereditary,” Brown continued. “It’s neurological. It’s how we’re born. Somebody can be really good at math and others not as good. It’s the same with reading. For some kids, it takes longer to read. There are even different kinds of dyslexia. We teach kids the steps to overcome the challenges with dyslexia.”
A regional organization associated with the Scottish Rite of Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, CDC operates more than 40 centers in 13 states in New England, Pennsylvania, Ohio and parts of the Midwest. Since being established in 2002, CDC of Lancaster has helped more than 260 kids with dyslexia, 150 of whom have graduated from its program.
“The science behind this isn’t fancy,” said Brown. “It’s
breaking down the reading code, and a lot of it hasn’t changed. We want to build confidence in our students so they can succeed. We teach the why behind language to make meaning of it.”
CDC of Lancaster performs its work independently and is not associated with any public or private schools.
“It costs money to treat (dyslexia), and it’s expensive,” said Brown. “The good news is that Pennsylvania is starting to recognize it and they’re starting to teach the science of reading. They are requiring reading teachers to take classes in the science of reading.”
“I wish we didn’t exist,” Brown added. “I wish we didn’t have to have a Children’s Dyslexia Center because schools were teaching their students with dyslexia.”
For additional information, go to www.childrens dyslexiacenteroflanca ster.org.
VITA program seeking volunteers
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is seeking volunteers. VITA provides free tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income households.
Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters, interpreters and tax preparers at various locations. The hours are flexible, and shifts are available during days, evenings and weekends. No prior experience is neces -
Community Calendar
Dec. 27. Community Dinner
St. Peter United Church of Christ
sary. Free online training is available.
To sign up or for more information, call 610380-9099, email dlaird@ quietrevolution.org or visit www.ChesterCountyFree Taxes.org.
VITA is offered locally through a partnership of Life Transforming Ministries (LTM), based in Coatesville, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Winter safety tips for drivers
The Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) has posted winter safety tips for drivers.
People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.
State law requires windows and mirrors to be completely clear to improve visibility. People should also clear their car’s hood, roof, and trunk.
When driving in inclement winter weather, avoid sudden stops and starts, slow down, and increase following distance. Cruise control should never be used when driving on snow, and drivers should never crowd or pass a plow truck.
When driving in winter, it is
important to have an emergency kit handy. For suggestions of what to include in an emergency kit, visit https://tinyurl.com/ WinterEmergencyKit.
In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police has offered advice for anyone involved in a crash.
People should move their vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if the vehicle can be driven; remaining in the lanes of travel is extremely dangerous.
If a vehicle cannot be driven due to damage or if one of the involved parties is injured, Pennsylvania law requires that the crash be reported to the police. To report an accident, dial 911 right away.
If a person’s vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, the person should remain inside the vehicle with his or her seatbelt on and the hazard lights activated. If it is not safe to remain inside the vehicle, people should assess the situation and get the driver and any passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting a vehicle, move as quickly as possible and do not remain in the travel lanes or near the vehicle.
When encountering a crash scene, drivers are required by law to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles across the commonwealth, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
To report an incident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone.
1920 Ridge Road (Route 23), Pottstown, 5:30 to 7 p.m. There is no cost for the meal, but a freewill offering will be received.
Dec. 27. Helping Hands Bingo
129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, 10:15 a.m. Bingo is open to seniors and children age 3 and over along with their caregivers. There is no charge to participate, and no registration is required.
www.berkslibraries.org/branch/boone
Dec. 30. Happy New Year Story Time
Boone Area Library, Birdsboro, 10:15 a.m. The program is geared for children ages 2 to 6, but youngsters of all ages are welcome. No registration is required.
Jan. 5, 2025. All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet
Geigertown Fire Company
3433 Hay Creek Road, Robeson Township, 7 to 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.geigertownfire co.com or search for the fire company’s Facebook page.
Jan. 7, 2025. Neighbors
Conestoga Mennonite Church
2779 Main St., Morgantown, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A New Year’s Brunch will be featured. All local women are invited; child care will be provided. For more information, email tina.m.essick@gmail.com or join the “Neighbors” Facebook group.
The Community Calendar is a weekly feature of the Community Courier. Submit a meeting or event for consideration in writing at least two weeks prior to the event. Email submissions to ffulton@engleonline.com.
County VA director named
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe have announced the appointment of Susanne Fink as director of the Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Fink has been serving as acting director of the department since August.
Prior to being acting director, Fink served as a mental health diversion specialist for the county’s Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for five years. She participated in the planning and implementation of the county’s Crisis Intervention Team.
Fink’s family includes several veterans, and Fink is a member of the Chester County Veterans Advisory Council. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in biblical studies from Cairn University, along with a Master of Human Services from Lincoln University.
Susanne Fink
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BUYING TOYS & COLLECTIBLES
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PA’s Largest Buyer of Toys & Collectibles 27 E Lancaster Street, Red Lion, PA Hours: M-W 8am-4pm, Th.-F by appt. 717-329-8167 • rhoward1771@gmail.com
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Lawn & Garden
FREE REMOVAL of Riding Mowers. Call/text Jim 717-940-9029
Pets
AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Nice markings, Vet checked, shots, wormed. Ready 12/25. $600. 717-548-4277
AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS. UTD on shots, dewormed, vet checked. Both parents OFA certified w/good hips. German bloodline. $895. 717-926-3637
AKC LAB PUPPIES. Charcoal, silver from our family dog $800. Ready for Christmas! 717-305-0183.
CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES, very colorful 3F, 1M, Must see! 2 merle, 1 gray stripes, 1 tan. Come to choose yours! Ready 1/9/25. $750. 717-354-8550
GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES 7M, 2F, Ready now! $400. 717-284-5104
MINI POODLES PUPPIES
Very cute, cuddling, mature at 10 lbs., ready 12/19, $695. 717-529-3824
ONE SHIH-POO PUPPY, Female, 10 wks. old, red, very friendly, good w/children, $350. 484-645-2354
LOCUST HILL FARM Christmas Cookies & Candies, raw milk & cheese, butter, eggs, pasture home raised meat, canned goods, sweet onions, ice cream, beef tallow, cream corn, broth. 862 Valley Rd., Quarryville, 717-617-9081
Sporting Goods
GUNS WANTED INSTANT PAYMENT 1 gun or collection - will travel Kinsey’s Outdoors,
Miscellaneous
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET - Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo. for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos. (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086.
DISCOUNT BUILDING MATERIAL: Lumber, Plywood, Composite Decking, Flooring, Metal Roofing & Siding, Construction Lag Screws, etc. Ephrata, PA. Email sales@7174455222.com 717-445-5222
DON’T LET THE stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall, or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-317-5246.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1855-465-7624 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
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COAL/WOOD/PELLET STOVES & Inserts, New & Refurbished. Over 300 models in stock. $100-$800 & up. Buy/Sell/Trade. Call 717-577-6640
FIREWOOD: Seasoned & Split, $175/cord, Honey Brook, 610-944-2097
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OAK FIREWOOD, $160/cord, small scale logging, 717-925-9032.
LOST & FOUND
Plumbing • Electrical • Carpentry Licensed & Insured, 610-547-7789
AFFORDABLE ELECTRICAL SERVICES
• New/Older House Wiring • Sec. Cameras
• Hookup for Generators • Hookup for EVs • New Elec. Services/Panel Upgrade. Fully Insd. | FREE ESTIMATES | PA01947 Call 717-875-7972
AMISH MOVING COMPANY
AMISH CLEANOUTS
Will move households (will go out of state). Fair prices for Clean Outs of Attics, Basements. 717-442-3301
ANDY’S DRYWALL
Interior Remodeling, Hanging, Finishing, Framing, Painting, Basements, Additions, Insured. PA 022669. 717-587-4102
BOOT ROAD TREE SERVICE
Expert tree removal, stump grinding & Trimming. Fully Insured 610-656-5880
DO YOU KNOW what’s in your water? Leaf
Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little as one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1866-996-1526
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Grandfather, Wall, & Mantel Clocks Cleaned, Oiled, Repaired. We Make House Calls! Free Pick-up & Delivery 717-454-7925
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time, waiving ALL installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 3/20/25.) Call 1-844826-2535
PAINTING By Triple P Int/Ext, Res/Com, 30 yrs. exp. FREE ESTIMATES, Fully insured Eric, 717-615-6442 PA 116089
PAINTING DONE RIGHT Int/Ext. Res/Com Detailed custom painting. 33yrs. exp/Refs. All related services, etc. 717-286-5464
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Clean, Repair, Gutter Guards. Property Maint. by Steve. 717-892-7411
INTERIOR PAINTING Winter Discount Rate for Calls Received before Christmas. SYLVAN PAINTING, LLC • 717-305-0089
BANGOR EPISCOPAL-FOUNDED 1722. 4 mi. W of Morgantown on Rt. 23 in Churchtown. Sunday Holy Eucharist at 10am. All are welcome. Handicap accessible. Parking lot adjacent to the church off Water Street. For additional info., www.bangorepiscopal.org
BETHANY GRACE FELLOWSHIP: 400 Reading Road, East Earl (at the corner of Rt. 625 & Union Grove Rd.) Join us for worship, Sundays at 9 & 10:35AM. Adult, Youth, 56 Club classes at 10:35. Options for nursery-grade 4 during both time slots. Check us out at www.bethanygf.org or call 717-4456644 with questions. To Thrive | To Impact | To Unify.
FAIRVIEW EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH- 800 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA (intersection of Fairview & Little Conestoga Rds.) Rev. Tim Latham. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15am; Worship Service at 10:30am Nursery provided. Christian Education, Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies, Music Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Small groups... and much more! As growing disciples, we continue to Worship, Connect, Know and Serve God. For more info, find us online at www.FairviewEPC.org or call the office at 610-942-2640
LIVING GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH: 3200 Horseshoe Pike, 3 miles east of Honey Brook. Handicap accessible. Please join us for worship each Sunday at 9:30 am and Children’s Sunday School at 9:30 am. Nursery care is provided. If you are unable to attend in-person, join us via livestream on YouTube.
BRICK LANE COMMUNITY CHURCH:52 S. Brick Lane in Elverson, welcomes visitors to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare through age 2 and children’s worship during the sermon for PreK-Grade 3 available. Learn more at www.brick52.org or call the church office 610-286-6790. For those unable to attend in-person, see our livestream on www.youtube.com/bricklanecommunitychurch
CHURCHTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 2170 Main Street, Narvon (Churchtown). Phone: 717-445-5585, umcchurchtown@gmail.com. Pastor Dave Kling, dklingclm@gmail.com 5 mi East of New Holland on PA 23. Sunday worship at 9 am. Handicapped Access.
MT ZION UMC: 753 Mt. Zion Rd., Narvon, PA. Pastor: Ian Solodky, Worship Leader: Joe Liptock, Praise Band “3:16”. Adult Bible Study 9 am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Child Care Provided. We teach the traditional Gospel of Jesus Christ. All are welcome! Enjoy the views of our beautiful rural setting. Facebook.com/mtzionroad/ Instagram: Mt.Zion_narvon
PARKESBURG WORD OF FAITH CHURCH Sunday Service 10 am & Wednesday prayer at 7:30 pm - at 501 Lenover Rd., Parkesburg, PA 19365. Call 610-593-2277 www.parkesburgwordoffaith.org
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
