Lifestyles over 50
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Encouraging vibrant and healthy living in the greater Lehigh Valley! FREE - Volume 11 - Issue 4 - July 2016
Things to Do with Grandkids Rightsized Living
Paying It Forward Local Home Care Agencies
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From the Editor This month we celebrate our nation’s birth. We at Lifestyle over 50 join you in commemorating our country’s beginning and in reflecting how far we have come over more than two centuries. This month we continue our three part story on Tracy’s remarkable story of love, perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Her love and willingness to give a home to children who likely would not be candidates for adoption is a lesson for all of us. Along a similar line we have a story about John and Irene Brolsma. They took on the adoption of a child with health issues. What is remarkable about this story is that they were both near retirement when they decided to take on this responsibility. Enter St. Luke’s University Hospital. Using a fairly new procedure called DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) the hospital set out to help with their child’s condition. Their results are summarized in our article. We have a couple of articles on moving from one’s home. Moving from a home is one of the more challenging experiences in our lives. Whether you must move due to illness or you just want to move to a better climate or to be closer to family, there is a lot involved in moving. You should consider using a move manager to help make this transition as easy as possible. Our tips should also help in planning a move that you may need to make. This month we include our home care grid. Should you or a family member need some form of home care, our listing can be used as a guide to find the best match between your needs and a caregiver organization. We hope you are enjoying the summer months and we will see you next month.
Art
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PUBLISHER Jeff Tintle, jtintle@lifestylesover50.com EDITOR Art Villafane, editor@lifestylesover50.com COPY EDITOR Vicki Bezems DISTRIBUTION Miguel Varela, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Cruz, Gustavo Caicedo For All Advertising Inquires call 855-233-7034 x700
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Tracy’s Inspiring Story - Love Conquers All - Part 2 By Vcki Bezems, Lifestyles over 50 Editor’s Note: Last month we told the amazing story of Tracy and how she overcame personal hardships to successful start adopting special needs children. Herein is the second of three installments. A week later Tracy drove to the hospital to pick up Caleb, her new 15-day old son, who had “multiple congenital anomalies.� Caleb was born a cleft lip and without eyes. He had a feeding tube. Tracy stood by his bassinette while the neonatal intensive care unit physician and staff showed her how to take care of him.
The third sign came through a label on baby clothes that she had bought in preparation for her first child. “Whenever I was out and saw baby clothes on sale, I would buy them. I had bought several items that were handmade and had a tag with a picture of a yellow Labrador which closely resembled my service dog. All the outfits were designed by a man who was blind. I said, ‘Ok, God, I got that one loud and clear.’� Tracy decided to change her new son’s name to Caleb John in memory of her father. To Caleb and each of the seven children who followed, she gave a biblical name and the name of a relative or close friend as the middle name. “And for every child there was a sign from God,� she said.
At one point the doctor informed the social worker that he didn’t believe the lady in the wheelchair with the trach could care for the baby. “Little did they know I had a Tracy became known for taking children feeding tube, too, but mine went directly into nobody else wanted. Adoption agencies from Massachusetts to Mississippi sought her out. my stomach and was concealed under my clothes,� Tracy mused. Tracy became known for taking The social worker encouraged her children that nobody else wanted, and to continue her training and “Just go adoption agencies from Massachusetts show them you can change the feeding to Mississippi soon began to seek her tube.� Tracy went back to Caleb’s crib out. side and changed the tube without any instruction! “Caleb� was not the child’s birth name. Tracy had been told his biological parents had not named him, as they intended to give him up for adoption from the beginning, so she was amazed to see a name plate on the bassinette. It read, “John Michael,� her late father’s and friend’s names combined. To her, the name was another sign that she was meant to take Caleb home.
Tracy’s inspiring story will continue in next month’s (August 2016) issue.
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The second child Tracy adopted was Hannah Elizabeth, who had multiple issues stemming from a rare chromosomal disorder. Tracy drove her van to Texas to get her, accompanied by another mom with special needs kids, traveling with Caleb and her friend’s three children.
Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
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Right at Home Celebrates 10 Years Declutter Before Moving By Ben Aydin, President, Right at Home
Right at Home was established in 1995, and is a leader in the in-home senior care industry. Our trained caregivers provide quality in-home care for seniors and disabled adults who need some assistance to maintain their independence. RightCare is Right at Home’s unique approach to home care. It’s our commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience through four distinct areas of emphasis – RightPeople, RightServices, RightApproach, and RightMission. Simply put, it’s our focus on the right people doing the right things the right way for the right reason. In our RightCare model, we focus on delivering a wide range of innovative care services with excellence. We take a consultative approach when meeting with families to ensure a customized care plan can be developed. Another key component of RightCare is making the right match with our caregivers- both from a skill and personality perspective. Right at Home has two locations in the Lehigh Valley servicing Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, Monroe counties and parts of Berks County. Both locations can work with multiple payer sources including the VA, Medicaid waiver, Long Term Care Insurance and private pay. Our team is flexible- we don’t require minimum service levels and will work within your family’s budgetary constraints. Our caregivers can provide support for activities of daily living (bathing, eating, continence, ambulation, transfers) as well as homemaker/companion services, including transportation. Our team has extensive experience supporting clients with cognitive diseases in the Dementia spectrum. We look forward to working with your family.
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By Elissa Clausnitzer, SRS, CMRS
The move from one place to another is an involved process that may take a lot of time and cause a lot of stress. One way I help reduce your stress is to show you how to declutter your home well before you actually move. I have several techniques and tips to help you declutter - a few of them include: Give away one item each day. If you simply plan and give away just one item a day and take a year to do it you will have gotten rid of over 350 items. No small feat and it goes a long way to simplifying your life and your move. Another favorite decluttering technique of mine is to grab a simple large trash bag and see how quickly you can fill it. While much of what you collect will be trash this could also be used to fill a bag for Goodwill. Closet Hanger Technique. To identify wardrobe pieces to clear out, hang all your clothes with the hangers in the reverse direction. After you wear an item, return it to the closet with the hanger facing the correct direction. After six months, you’ll have a clear picture of which clothes you can easily discard. This technique could also be applied to a number of clutter areas in your home. Take the 12-12-12 Challenge. A simple task of locating 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to be returned to their proper home can be a fun and exciting way to quickly organize 36 things in your house. This is just a variance on the one a day technique shown above. With these tips you will be amazed how quickly you can declutter your home. Once this is done your move to another home will be that much easier. I will be happy to assist you with any questions you might have. I can be reached at 610573-0386 or elissasclaus@gmail.com.
Specializing in working with Seniors Elissa Clausnitzer, SRS, CMRS 610-573-0386 elissaclaus@gmail.com
Millbrook HomCare Partners, Inc.
47 West Water Street Hellertown, PA 18055
PA State Licensed - Serving the Lehigh Valley - Fully Insured
Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
Allentown 4124 West Tilghman Street ALLENTOWN, PA 18104 610-395-4500 x5435
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Things To DoWith Grandkids
PA Shakespeare Festival: The Little Mermaid June 6 – August 6 In this exciting and newly relevant adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, the little mermaid Pearl dreams of the world above. 2755 Station Avenue pashakespeare.org
Kutztown Folk Festival This nine-day event draws visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing valuable insight into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. See 200 juried folk artists and traditional American craftsmen demonstrating and selling their unique creations. Folk-life demonstrations, folklore, live music, dancing, and entertainment on six stages throughout each day; Children’s farmyard theater, petting zoo, play area, and entertainment. Kutztown Fairgrounds, 225 North Whiteoak Street, Kutztown kutztownfestival.com Every day from Jul 2 – Jul 10, 2016 (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) 39th Annual Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale July 10, 2016 – Fogelsville 39th Annual Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale, Holiday Inn, 7736 Adrienne Drive, Breinigsville, 610-391-1000 10 AM – 4 PM $5.00 Adults (4.50 with coupon), $1.00 children under 12. Exhibits, free parking, food available. Free children’s class. Show information: Jo Roseberry 570-6200810 ten.nozirev@1neloj or Mary Breidinger 610-762-8370 moc.liamg@7454regnigierbm Jul 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. lehighvalleyminiatures.com for discount coupon.
verdant forests as the train follows the Ontelaunee Creek on its journey. Ride all day on one ticket at no additional cost! Free Parking 42 Community Center Drive, Kempton KemptonTrain.com Jul 17 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Country Junction Weekend Festival
Country Junction is the best place for family fun this summer. Kids will have a cool time this summer with our “Freezin” Funland, 3-D Movie Magic, Water wars, Bounce house, Boot Camp Trail, Mine for Gems, Treasure Dig, Pirate Playground, Hayrides and more. Meet and Greet Elsa and Anna. Visit our website, www.countryjunction.com, for special weekends including Star Wars, Princesses, and Superheros. Come Celebrate with your favorite characters. During your stay make sure to see our Ballistic Battle Zone Nerf Arena, Bumperball, New Escape It rooms, Free Petting zoo, The Worlds Largest General Store and pet store. There is plenty of festival food, The Barn Door restaurant, and our Ice Cream Shoppe to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pets are always Jun 4 – Aug 21 11 am – 5:00 pm Bath Community Days To commemorate ten years since inception, this year’s celebration will be a 4-day event beginning on Thursday July 21st and ending on Sunday July 24th, 2016. The festival will take place at Fireman’s Field and Keystone Park, and will feature everything from vendors, 5k run/walk, live bands, amusement rides, food, demonstrations and so much more. Firefighters Park, 300 N Chestnut Street, Bath, www.facebook.com/Bath-CommunityDay-136627746369627/?fref=nf
Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art This exhibition presents the rich and varied contributions of Latino artists in the U.S. since the mid20th century, when the concept of a collective Latino identity began to emerge. It presents works in Holy Family Manor is a Division of Catholic Senior all media by 72 leading modern and Housing and Health Care Services, Inc. contemporary artists. 31 N. Fifth St. · Quality Short-Term Rehabilitation · Occupational Therapy AllentownArtMuseum.org
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Vintage Passenger Train Rides Enjoy a beautiful 40-minute round trip aboard our vintage train through lush farmland and
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Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
From Creation to Cross By Alan Alegra
I have a pretty neat job. I am the Peer-less Reviewer, or General Editor, for an online homeschool resource center. That means I review hundreds of lessons in every subject at every grade level. I get paid to do two of my favorite things: learn, and correct others’ mistakes. My penchant for critiquing prompted one pastor to jokingly say I had the “gift of discernment” (1 Corinthians 12:10). Next to theology, my favorite subject is astronomy. In reality, they are linked, as are all fields of study, because one’s understanding and application of any subject is governed by one’s view of God. I love that indescribable feeling of awe you get when you look at the moon and stars at night (unless that means you are an insomniac!). At work, I get to watch videos and read descriptions of the stars that were unimaginable decades ago. The unutterable vastness of the universe and the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of the precise laws that govern it speak of a mind beyond the combined genius of the greatest scientists of all time (Psalm 19:1-6). Observing Creation shows God’s care over, and control of, what He made. Psalm 104 extols the Creator’s power in heaven, provision for happiness, and purging of the heathen for His glory. As Paul says in Romans 1:19-20, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” But gazing into the heavens is not enough to fully reveal what God is like. We can see what He has performed,
but we can’t see His personality, just like we can admire a skyscraper but not know the heart of the architect or builder. We can enjoy a work of art or piece of music and not truly understand the artist or composer. However, our admiration of the craft might ignite in us a desire to know its creator. In order to more fully understand and appreciate God, there is one more place we need to look. It’s a country the size of New Jersey, outside a small city, on a little hill, on a piece of wood, 2000 years ago. It was on the cross of Calvary that God fully revealed His personality. Jesus Christ was the full revelation of the person of God, being God Himself (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:1-3). His death on the cross was the ultimate revelation of God’s character. He died in a state of absolute sinlessness that pleased God (John 8:29). His death showed God’s holy hatred of sin (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 1:18). Jesus’s death as our substitute displayed God’s love (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Christ’s
death while bearing our sin showed God’s righteousness (Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The crucifixion sealed God’s ability to fulfil His promises (Isaiah 53; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Matthew 26:24). However, the cross is not the end of the story. Jesus walked out of the stone-cold tomb under his own power, clothed in his glorified body, “able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). This shows the grace of God that provides a way for God to allow sinners to share in His glory (Romans 8:17; Hebrews 2:9). You don’t need a telescope or video to understand God’s greatness; you only need to open the pages of the Bible and read about the love of God in that immeasurable little cross so long ago!
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Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
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Senior Volunteers “Paying it Forward”
You Can “Pay It Forward” Also
What happens when a dozen ladies and gentlemen get together to “Sit N Sew?” About five dozen Fidget Quilts, two large trash bags of neck rolls and two plastic sleeping bag mats – that’s what!!
Help Keep Our Seniors Safe And Independent Many lonely and isolated people are looking for a friendly face, an extra ear or a steady food supply. Family is gone, neighbors are busy and the quiet is hard to bear. Your extra hour or two can make a real difference. Consider helping in one of the following ways:
By Diane Schrameyer, Director of Senior Corps RSVP
also received donations from other organizations.
Participants at the Easton Area Lifestyle Campus (EALC) in Forks Township, part of the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging’s network of Senior Centers, have been hand-crafting items for their community members since November 2015. It all started with an idea from Deb Mertz, Director of EALC. “I wanted to find a fun and meaningful activity for the participants and came across a pattern for Fidget Quilts and it just grew from there”, said Deb. A Fidget Quilt is a small quilt made with squares of different textured cloths. Some of the squares are often adorned with buttons, zippers, or other objects to help busy the nervous hands of an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient. To date, members of “Sit N Sew” at EALC have donated over 60 Fidget Quilts which RSVP was able to distribute to local nursing homes, an adult day center and early childhood intervention programs.
According to Deb, she’s observed more liveliness at the center since these projects started. “For the participants, life still has meaning, they’re not too old to give back and doing so just makes their hearts soar!!” One participant feels like she’s “paying forward for all the good I’ve gotten in my life.” While another said, “It lightens your heart to know that you’ve brought something into someone’s life that brings a smile to their face.” Almost all seniors have some skill or experience to contribute and Senior Corps RSVP is all about making the connection between those who want to help and those who need help.
Driver/Escort Provide rides to and from appointments for senior citizens, based on your availability. Meal Delivery Deliver nutritious meals along with a friendly smile to homebound neighbors. Grocery Shopper Shop for someone who can’t get to the grocery store for healthy foods or accompany someone to and through the grocery store once or twice per month. Help Young Students Improve Reading Skills In the early grades students learn to read. By fourth grade they need to be able to read to learn. Join the Literacy Corps. Work with the same small group of young students each week. Teachers will provide activities, detailed directions and all materials
Everyone has something to offer. Sometimes it’s a skill or talent. Sometimes it’s a word of wisdom or an extra hand. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference. Everything matters!
After one of the nursing homes received the quilts, they asked if the “Sit N Sew” members could make neck rolls for residents. “Of course we can!” they replied. In March, they delivered about 30 neck rolls to nursing-home residents.
You have the life experiences and know-how to make a difference! Senior Corps RSVP can help match your skills, interests and available time to what needs to get done.
Most of the material used to make the quilts and neck rolls comes from the EALC participants, but they’ve
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The “Sit N Sew” members don’t only work with fabric. They’ve crocheted sleeping-bag mats out of plastic grocery bags turned into strips of plarn (plastic bag yarn). The mats were donated to the homeless. The mats are used to keep sleeping bags protected from ground moisture and dirt. It takes 500 plastic bags to make one mat! Bag donations came from participants and their friends as well as local supermarkets.
Call: 610-625-2290
Email: RSVPLNC@hotmail.com • Visit: www.RSVPofLNC.org
Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
Neurological Therapy Eliminates Symptoms of Essential Tremor for Father By Mary DeHaven, St. Luke’s University Hospital and Health Network John Brolsma of Hellertown, 74, Enjoys Raising Teenaged Son John Brolsma and his wife, Irene, were just a few years from retirement when they were presented with an unusual opportunity for a couple in their early sixties: the adoption of a preschooler. “We were getting ready to travel and do all the things you do when you’re near retirement when it became apparent that this beautiful little boy needed us,” John says. In 2004, John, at age 62, suddenly was the father of four-yearold Nathaniel, (Nate). Full of energy, the couple rose to the challenge and as the boy grew everything was going smoothly until John’s health condition, essential tremor, took a turn for the worse. A nervous system (neurological) disorder, essential tremor causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. Although it can affect almost any part of your body, the trembling occurs most often in your hands, especially while doing simple tasks. “I couldn’t even write my own name or brush my teeth,” he says. “When I ate, food went everywhere, including on the person I was eating with.” At the advice of his family doctor, John saw neurologist Nancy Diaz, MD, Medical Director of the St. Luke’s Movement Disorder Center. Dr. Diaz suggested DBS, explaining that it had a 99 percent success rate in reducing movement-related symptoms of patients with essential tremor. “I thought that was a pretty good percentage; I’ll go for that,” he says.
have experienced considerable reduction of their motor symptoms and have been able to reduce their medications. The Medtronic DBS Therapy, which Dr. Falowski used to treat John, uses a surgically implanted device, similar to a heart pacemaker, to deliver mild electrical pulses to precisely targeted areas of the brain. The stimulation can be programmed and adjusted to maximize symptom control and minimize side effects. Patients also have a small hand-held controller that allows them to adjust their own stimulation settings within a range set by their doctor. “As soon as the monitor was turned on it was immediate; the tremors stopped,” John says. “It was quite a miracle.”. Dr. Falowski adds, “It’s extremely rewarding to see the impact DBS has on our patients lives.” And as for John, he’s dreading the time when his “darn near perfect” son goes away for college. To fill the void, he might spend more time playing golf. “Before DBS it took me about five minutes to place the ball on the tee,” he jokes. “Now, the ball lands perfectly on the tee the first time.”
PHOEBE
The Leader in Dementia Care
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurological surgical procedure that has been shown effective in reducing the symptoms of essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Dr. Diaz referred John to functional neurologist and neurosurgeon Steven Falowski, MD, of St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates. Dr. Falowski was the first physician in the region to perform the procedure, and has since treated more than 100 patients. Most of these patients
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Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
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What You Need to Stay Safely at Home By Jeff Tintle, Lifestyles over 50
Chances are that you are not getting any younger. Your energy, desire or ability may be diminishing for certain household tasks that you once enjoyed (or at least tolerated) in your youth. Whether these changes are apparent or subtle, many adults face a time where they need to bring help to them or move in with the help. Specifically, when faced with the decision of moving to assisted living or staying home, most prefer staying home. It’s comfortable, familiar and much more affordable. Lehigh Valley Adult Services (LVAS) helps people who want to stay home, remain safely at home. Serving the Lehigh Valley, LVAS offers non-medical home care services in an individual’s home to help them with everything from household chores, wash and light housekeeping to personal care services like dressing and bathing. They even provide transportation of the client for grocery shopping, errands, and doctor’s appointment. LVAS also offers an adult day services program where clients can come for a full day of activities at their day care center. Activities include exercise, meals, games, crafts, and more all in a safe and secure environment. Between the assistance around the house, the transportation and a day center, LVAS has the full service offering to give seniors the extra help they need to remain safe and healthy at home. The best part is that their services are less than half the price of assisted living. If you are interested in learning more visit LehighValleyAdultServices.com and call 610-438-5827 to schedule a free in-home assessment or tour of their facility at 3421 Nightingale Drive, Suite 2, Easton, Pa 18045.
An Ode to Caring
The Sweetest Kind of Care By Kristin Kotran, Home Sweet Home
5 questions to ask when selecting a home care agency When Allentown resident Marisa Leaser decided to start a home care agency, she wanted to enable seniors to receive care as if they were being cared for by their own family. This means starting from a place of empathy and compassion, and having faith in the kind of care only a family can provide. Home Sweet Home Care caregivers value the one-on-one relationships they have with clients and families because it helps ensure the highest quality care possible. With this in mind, Marisa has the following advice when selecting a home care agency and receiving great care: 1. What is the background of your company? 2. Is your home care agency licensed? 3. What qualifications, certifications, experience and training do you require of your workers? 4. How do you supervise your workers to make sure the proper care is given? 5. Do I have the ability to select my caregiver? Home Sweet Home Care LLC offers personalized, non-medical care to seniors in the comfort of their own home including companionship, bathing and dressing, light housekeeping, laundry, meals planning and preparation, transportation, grocery shopping, doctors appointments and more. Marisa has ten years experience serving seniors and has helped thousands of clients. If you are considering home care for yourself or loved one call Marisa today at mleaser@ homesweethomecarellc.com, or call 610-813-4875. Their office is located at 217 E Broad St. 2nd Floor Bethlehem, PA 18018. www.homesweethomecarellc.com
The Law Office of Gail Weiner Shearer Representing the Senior in Crisis
by Anonymous
Lend a hand to one another In the daily toil of life; When we meet a weaker brother, Let us help him in the strife. There is none so rich but may, In his turn, be forced to borrow; And the poor man’s lot to-day May become our own tomorrow.
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Learn your rights, and make your own decisions before the crisis. Hospitalizations, Nursing Home Care, Medical Assistance Applications, Estate Taxes.
Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
610-867-2538 gws-legal.com
Medication Reminders
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Phoebe At Home 800-931-7061 Phoebe.org 1925 Turner Street, Allentown PA 18104
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Right At Home Lehigh County & East Berks County 484-350-3075 RightAtHomeLV.com 1541 Alta Drive, Suite 304, Whitehall, PA 18052
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Right at Home Northampton County 610-253-9605 RightatHome.net 101 South Third Street, Suite 201, Easton, PA 18042
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Sacred Heart Home Care & Hospice, SpiriTrust Lutheran 800-840-9081 SpiriTrustLutheranHomeCare.org 402 West Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18102
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Senior Solutions Home Care 610-435-5800 Senior-Solutions.com 1611 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102 (Palmer Office) 610-258-0700 4011 William Penn Highway, Suite 301, Easton, PA 18045
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St Luke’s Home Health and Hospice 484-526-1100 sluhn.org 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem 18015, PA
Speech Therapy
Transportation/Shopping
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Meal Preparation
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Light Housekeeping
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Assist w/ Range of Motion
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Ambulation Assistance
Aaron Healthcare, Inc. 610-691-1000 (Allentown) 570-501-8500 (Northeast PA), AaronHealthcare.com 28 N. 15th Street, Allentown, PA 18102
Home Care
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Companionship
Medical
Personal Care
Non-Medical
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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.
Easy
Medium Easy Answer
Do you have old classic records that you want to sell?
Medium Answer
Call Julius Vitali of VINYLALLY HEAR at
Crossword puzzle answer on page 15
12
Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
610-217-1629 (cell) 610-966-6202 (phone)
Buying classical records and collections
Rightsized Living
Trivia to Entertain
By Ingrid Green, Caring Transitions of the Lehigh Valley
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Over the past few years, professional organizers, home stagers and move managers have come to use the term “rightsizing” in place of the word “downsizing.” Typically they are referring to someone who is moving to a smaller home from a larger one. Rightsizing is much more than a euphemism for downsizing. Rightsizing is actually a specific process used to define one’s living space based on a set of established principles. When applied properly, the rightsized approach to living yields specific outcomes. These outcomes include a reduction of personal stress before and during a home transition, as well as improved assimilation to a new environment after transition. The steps for successful rightsizing are: Plan: Create a layout of the new home and determine what will fit comfortably. Make a prioritized list of areas to be addressed in the current house. Designate a staging area and gather needed materials such as boxes, trash bags, markers, and tape. Set specific days and times to work and schedule help as needed. • Prepare: Define the area you will be working on i.e. a bedroom or living room and finish that area before moving on. Create “piles” with signs or boxes to sort things you will: keep, gift, sell, donate or discard. • Sort: Decide what to keep by considering what you need, love or want, keeping in mind space limitations. Work with a partner or a professional to keep you on track. Keep your boxes, bags and other sorting materials close. Use the “OHIO” approach -- Only Handle It Once. • Release: For items you are not keeping, ship or give the items you are gifting to others. Arrange for pick up or drop off of donations. Determine the method to sell items of value such as a yard sale, estate sale, or private sale. For discard items, don’t second guess – take out the trash. • Maintain: Use the “one in = one out” rule and don’t add new clutter. Certain areas need to be revisited from time to time such as medicine cabinets, pantry, home office, and seasonal items.
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No other animal gives us more by-products than the pig. The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes. According to an old English system of time units, a moment is one and a half minutes. In 1855, dentist Robert Arthur was the first to use gold to fill cavities. Mexican jumping beans jump because of a moth larva inside the bean. Several centuries ago, it was believed satanic spirits hovered around nurseries waiting for a chance to enter the bodies of young children. It was also believed these evil spirits could be repelled by the color blue, which was the color of the Heavens. Since it was considered important to protect young males, the custom developed to dress young boys in blue to ward off evil spirits lurking about. The state of Florida is bigger than England. The name of the dog on a box of Cracker Jacks is Bingo.
Regardless of size and scope, each task begins with a “rightsizing” plan; the plan should be tailored to meet each homeowner’s particular timeline, budget and personal situation. With the largest breadth of services available nationwide, Caring Transitions® helps families create and execute a rightsized relocation plan. For professional help contact Ingrid at IGreen@CaringTransitions.net or 610-904-8093 or CaringTransitionsLehighValley.com
Lifestyles over 50 July 2016
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Classified - Please Call First: Summer Schedules Fluctuate Listings free for not-for-profits. Others $15 per listing (under 75 words)
Send to : Thrive Media, Attn: Editor. 4847 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown, Pa 18106 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.
Lutheran Home - Topton invites volunteers to share musical talent, voice or instrument with residents. Flex hours, days, eves, weekends. Lou Wentz at 610-682-1542 or wentzl@diakon.org.
Compeer of LV- volunteer 4 hrs. a month with Compeer friend, a person who lives with mental illness. Do what friends do together: listen, go for a watch a movie, enjoy a Meals on Wheels Northampton walk, cup of coffee, etc. Main duty – Cty and Calvary United Have Fun! 610.435.9651. Methodist partner to provide meals to seniors in Easton Heartland Hospice seeks area. Volunteers needed. volunteers to offer bedside Contact Janet Soos janets@ support and presence to those mealsonwheelspa.org facing terminal illness. Training, flex hours. Robin Trexler, 610Meals on Wheels of Lehigh 266-0134 County -Discover how easy and rewarding it is to deliver Are you a “people person”? meals to homebound clients. skills and talents to use Teams of 2 deliver on 33 routes Have to “give back”? Compassionate in Lehigh County. Drive a Care has a variety of volunteer route or ride along as a visitor. opportunities with a training 610-398-2563 or dstillwagen@ and support programs. Call mealsonwheelslc.org. Carolyn at 610-770-6500.
Center for Vision Loss seeks volunteers to assist blind and visually impaired people as companions, transportation drivers and Mall Walk helpers. Office assistants and vision screeners are needed. Training provided. Daytime hours only. 610.433.6018, x.231rita. lang@centerforvisionloss. org. Drivers: ITNLehighValley provides rides for seniors 60 and over and visually impaired adults. Drive riders to appointments in LV, 90% are medical. Requires vehicle, good driving record, some free time. Training provided, we work with your schedule. 610-419-1645. Lehigh Valley Hospice provides volunteer opportunities for individuals who believe
that life is a journey. Join us and discover how enriching it is to spend meaningful time with our patients. Call Janet Barber, 610-969-0127. Dances LV Active Life (Lehigh County Senior Ctr) $7 refreshments. lehighseniors. org. Sat. Dance 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. 610390-7550. $10 includes lesson 7pm - 8:30, no partner needed. www. allentownswingdance.org for schedule
Summer Band Schedule Most concerts are free but fees and schedules change.
Please check the website of each band for accuracy in scheduling and pricing. Allentown Band www.allentownband.com Jul 1 7:30PM West Park Jul 3 7:00PM Souderton Jul 4 7:30PM ArtsQuest Center Jul 10 6:00PM Dimmick Park Jul 17 6:300PM Haines Mill Jul 31 7:30PM West Park Jun 26 6:30PM Allentown Band Macungie Band www.macungieband.com Jul 3 6:00PM Emmaus Community Park Jul 4 11:30AM Macungie Memorial Park Marine Band www.allentownmarinebandinc.com Jul 9 6:30pm Roosevelt Mark (movie night) Jul 17 7:30pm West Park Jul 24 7:30pm West Park Jul 30 7:00pm AHEPA (1810 S. Albert St.) Jul 31 7:30pm Bethlehem Rose Gardens
Allentown Municipal Band www.municipalband.org Jul 2 7:15PM Earl Adams Memorial Park (Fireworks) Jul 4 7:00PM J. Birney Crum Stadium (Fireworks) Jul 10 7:30 PM West Park Royalaires www.royalairesbigband.com Jul 21 7:00PM Cedar View apartments Jul 22 8:00PM Cedar Beach Dancing under the Stars Pioneer Band www.pioneerband.com Jul 3 7:30PM West Park Allentown Jul 4 2:00PM Moravian Village Bethlehem Jul 9 7:30PM East Texas Macungie Jul 15 7:30PM West Park Allentown
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 Bingo Village 2156 Hanover St. Allentown, 3rd Tues 5:00 pm Kirkland Wed 5PM game at 6:30PM Volunteer Fire Co Fogelsville Village 1 Kirkland Village Ladies Auxiliary Cash Prizes Circle Bethlehem, 4th Mon 2:30pm Moravian 484-350-1388 Village 526 Wood St. HTCC hosts monthly Bingo- Bethlehem, Last Monday 6:30 pm Traditions of 1st Thurs of month at 6:30 pm! Prizes range from $40 to Hanover 5300 Northgate Dr. Bethlehem, $125. 610-317-8701. 3rd Wed 1:00 pm Third Wed 6:30 LV Active Street Alliance 41 North Life (Lehigh County Third St Easton, Senior Ctr.) Free coffee, 1st Wed 9:30am Moravian snacks. $15 includes 4 Hall Square 175 W. North St. double cards & 1 pack of Nazareth. specials.610-437-3700 1st Thurs (except Dec.) Whitehall Manor 6-7:30pm. Alz. Support Groups 1177 6th Street, Whitehall 3rd Thurs (except Dec.) Alzheimer’s Respite Saucon Valley Manor Program Hope Community 6-7:30pm. 1050 Main St. Church 7974 Clausville Rd. Hellertown Fogelsville, For those in Phoebe’s Alzheimer’s early stages of Alzheimer’s. Support Grp 3-4:30 PM 3rd Respite time, support Wed. Phoebe Terrace, 1940 for caregivers. Free, Wed Turner St, Allentown. For - 1-5 PM 484-619-0330 those with loved ones with bowerdav@gmail.com. Alz. or other dementias. 610794-5273. 1st Thurs 11:00 am Arden Courts 5151 Hamilton Blvd. Phoebe’s Connecting Hearts Geriatric Care, at-home Allentown 3rd Sat 1pm 410 Krocks Rd. personalized coaching to make dementia-related Country Meadows, Bldg 1 caregiving more manageable. Social Ballroom/Latin Swing Dance Saturday, 2nd Sat. @ 7pm TC Dance Club 6623 Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 610-881-1000 learnballroomlatin.com Refreshments & BYOB. Lesson at 8:00pm $12, no reservations, all welcome – with or without partner
When Seconds Count...
Better SAFE than SORRY! Medical Alert HELP for YOU at Home or on the Go. 24/7 Medical Alert Monitoring
Call Frank at 484-515-4683 24/7 Medical Alert Monitoring for Less Than $1 per Day.
www.MaintainYourIndependence.com
LV Active Life LV Active Life Dance Socials Wed. 1-4PM $7pp May 4, 18, 25 Sat. 7:30-10:30 $10 pp, May 7, 21 We have Line Dancing and Tap Dancing for all levels Singles Group 2nd Fri. 1-2:30pm, just drop in. Lehigh Valley Activity Professionals Association www.lvapa.com. Achieving success through professional education and shared knowledge. Provide recreational, enrichment programs, and education to our profession. An organization for those in the activity field from directors to assistants, LTC to adult day services. Meet throughout year Members receive free CEUs at each meeting, network with many in our profession, exchange ideas
and receive support. lvapa@ live.com or Carrie Shafer 610-381-1009 July 14 Meeting: Woodland Terrace at The Oaks 1263 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Allentown, Becky Trollinger 610-674-0781 • Presentation Topic and Speaker: “Forecast: Professional Image. Cloudy or Clear?” presented by Nancy Richards. St. John’s Friendly Fifties will have its annual summer picnic, rain or shine, on Monday, July 11th from noon to 5:00 at the 26th Street Playground in Northampton. Tickets must be purchased. Next meeting is September 12th.
Solution to puzzle on page 12
We add color to your Business World NEWSPAPERS FULL COLOR BROCHURES & MORE
1-800-443-0377 LEHIGHTON, PA 18235
Receive care like it was from your own family - Companionship - Bathing and Dressing - Personal Needs - Light Housekeeping - Laundry - Meal planning, Preparation and Feeding
Light Housekeeping Bathing Assistance Daily Health Reminders Transportation/Errands
Post Surgery/Rehab Care Ambulation Assistance Meal Preparation Laundry
Bonded & Insured Caregivers Available 24 Hours-a-Day Hospital Discharge Assistance/Transportation
Customized Schedules Serving the entire Lehigh Valley
- Medication Reminders - Socialization and Stimulating Activities - Grocery Shopping - Transportation - Respite Care - 24 Hour Care Lehigh Co. & East Berks Co.
610-813-4875 217 E Broad St., 2nd Floor, Bethlehem, PA 18018 HomeSweetHomeCareLLC.com
484.350.3075 rightathomelv.com
Northampton County
610.253.9605
rightathome.net/lehigh-valley
Caring Has a New Name Lutheran Home Care & Hospice is now SpiriTrust LutheranTM Home Care & Hospice. Our mission remains the same: to provide compassionate home health care, hospice and in-home support. It’s just our name that has changed.
Call (800) 840-9081
Caring for Seniors, Wherever, Whenever Adult Day Care Non Medical In-Home Services, available 24/7 Transportation to appointments & errands
www.SpiriTrustLutheranHomeCare.org
Call for a free assessment and to learn more.
610-438-5827
Formerly Lutheran Home Care & Hospice
LehighValleyAdultServices.com 3421 Nightingale Drive, Suite 2 Easton, PA 18045