Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine Fall 2016 Issue by Northern Connection Magazine

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Fall 2016

Creating a Better Life for Seniors Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE with Chiropractic Family Health Center

Also in this Issue...

History of Church Road in Pine Twp Retirees Living the Dream Step Back into 1999

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

FROM THE PUBLISHER

P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: info@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com President & Publisher Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator Laura Arnold Marketing & Account Executive Mary L. Simpson Design & Production Kostilnik & Assoc. Graphics, Inc. Distribution Dominion Distribution

Laura Arnold

Mary Simpson

llpspc@consolidated.net

mlsspc@consolidated.net

Marianne Reid Anderson

Paula Green

info@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

Welcome to the Fall issue of Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazine.

hope you all enjoyed your summer and the beautiful weather we had here in Pittsburgh! Hopefully the weather will continue into the fall. This year’s cover features the 2016 UPMC Celebrating Senior Champions. These unique senior champions are a joy to feature as they encourage and motivate all of us to become better citizens for our senior population. Make sure you purchase your tickets today for this year’s event at the Omni William Penn Hotel on October 26. This issue also features some fun events happening this fall in and around the Pittsburgh area. Be sure to check out the events at The Legacy Lineup on UPMC Passavant campus, The Strand Theatre located in Zelienople and The Palace Theatre in Greensburg. We are also excited to continue our series on Retirees Living the Dream with some exciting individuals that truly know what it means to retire! Please keep sending in your Retirees Living the Dream for consideration in our next issue! You can submit them by email to info@pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com Enjoy reading the Fall issue of Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazine and thank you for your continued support. We all truly appreciate the feedback, encouragement and phone calls! Please continue to send us story ideas and what you would like to see featured in our upcoming issues! n

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” — George Bernard Shaw

The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the people of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest senior publication, Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, health, and recreational needs of seniors in our area. The contents of Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Find us on under Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine!

Contents 6

Celebrating Senior Champion: Creating A Better Life for Seniors UPMC Senior Services

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey, DC

10 Family Involvement in Long-Term Care By Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh 11 Using Technology to Aid Our Most Frail Elaine Malec, PhD 12 Lose up to 30 Lbs. in 30 Days Dr. Michael Vactor, DC 14 Should I Stay or Should I Choose a Medicare Option? Crystal A. Manning 15 Designing Your Own Retirement

16 Using Techniques and Strategies to Help Cover the Cost of Age-Related Expenses Brian Catale 18 Senior Spotlight: Retirees Living the Dream: Pilot Priests, Carol Nover, and Jim Klinger and Greg Veal 21 ‘Big River’ Launches The Strand’s All-New ‘Broadway On Main’ Subscription Season 28 Recreational Activities for Singles Over 50 in the ’Burgh

In Every Issue... 2

From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

22 Fall ’16 Happenings 24 Pondering Pittsburgh: A Historical Look at Church Road in Pine Township Paula Green 26 The Good Old Days: Step Back into 1999 Paula Green 28 Remember When: Following Fall Joe Bullick

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

COVER STORY

Creating a Better Life for Seniors Pittsburgh Steeler Super Bowl champion, Rocky Bleier will serve as master of ceremonies when UPMC Senior Services honors extraordinary individuals and organizations who contribute significant time and energy to serving seniors throughout Western Pennsylvania. To celebrate and support the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund, more than 400 business leaders, physicians and supporters of senior causes will gather on Wednesday October 26, for the Eighth Annual Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner and Auction at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

“C

elebrating healthy aging, healthy living and healthy communities, we are pleased to recognize three awardees who have gone above and beyond to make our region a better place to age,” says Deborah Brodine, President of UPMC Community Provider Services. Neil M. Resnick, MD will be honored as the Grand Champion. Dr. Resnick leads one of the largest and most innovative geriatric programs in the country with more board-certified geriatricians than nearly any program and a wide array of senior services and an extensive research portfolio. Dr. Resnick, Thomas Detre Professor and Chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, also serves as Associate Director of the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services at the University of Pittsburgh and Director of the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatrics. His expertise has been recognized by inclusion in “Best Doctor” lists both locally and nationally as well as by awards from the NIH, International Continence Society, Society for General Internal Medicine, and American Urological Association. More recently, Dr. Resnick and

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

his colleagues have been working to re-engineer geriatric care. Their goal is not only to improve it, but also to make it more feasible for non-geriatricians to provide. Dr. Karen Feinstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, is a longtime colleague and collaborator of Dr. Resnick’s who says, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Resnick on a number of projects aimed at improving geriatric care. Neil is relentless in his pursuit of compassionate, safe, reliable care for seniors. It’s a calling of love, not duty, and he has never wavered in his conviction that geriatric medicine is his life’s work.” James S. Withers, MD and Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net will be honored as the Community Champion. Operation Safety Net, Pittsburgh Mercy’s award-winning, innovative medical and social service outreach program for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness, was founded in 1992 by internal medicine physician Dr. James Withers. As part of Pittsburgh Mercy and Trinity Health, serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, Operation Safety Net delivers integrated healthcare, case management,

Neil M. Resnick, M.D.

James S. Withers, M.D.

housing follow up, and other vital health and human services to individuals living on the streets of Pittsburgh. Approximately 1 in every 22 homeless individuals is a senior citizen, with numbers expected to increase substantially in upcoming years. To date, Operation Safety Net has reached approximately 10,000 individuals with more than 68,000 visits and helped more than 1,200 individuals who were once homeless to find homes of their own. Dr. Withers, whose interest in service-oriented medicine grew in the course of medical missions to Central America and India, continues to serve as the organization’s medical director. Pittsburgh Mercy board member James A. Malanos of Baker Young Corporation attests, “The homeless, addicted, and mentally ill are invisible to most people, but Dr. Withers and his staff see them as individuals, and treat them accordingly, with dignity and respect as they provide healthcare to the neediest among us.” Elaine H. Berkowitz, DMD will be honored as the Caregiver Champion. Dr. Berkowitz practices geriatric and special needs dentistry in private homes, nursing homes, personal care homes, rehabilitation hospitals and general hospitals, bringing essential oral care to the homebound. She has been distinguished as one of Pittsburgh’s top dentists. Dr. Berkowitz retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with 38 years of service in the United States Army Reserves. She completed four deployments and received numerous medals and distinctions. A member of several military and dental organizations, she is active in the Reserve Officers Association, the Military Order of World Wars,

Elaine H. Berkowitz, M.D.

Master of Ceremonies Rocky Bleier

the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Dental Association and Special Advocates in Dentistry. She recently received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Prizren in Kosova, an award previously bestowed upon Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. Major General Rodney D. Ruddock, now an Indiana County Commissioner, served in the military with Dr. Berkowitz and has this to say, “Here’s all you need to know about Elaine --she extended her military service beyond retirement four times. She has a willingness to do what is required to get the job done, especially when difficult, and does so with the same loyalty and respect she extends to her own family.” All proceeds from the Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner and Auction will benefit UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund, which provides financial assistance and support services to eligible seniors. For more information about the event, contact Debra Panei, Director of Development for UPMC Senior Services, at 412-864-3524 or PaneiD@upmc.edu. n

Tickets on Sale NOW! Wednesday, October 26, 2016 • Omni William Penn Hotel 5:30 P.M. Reception, Silent Auction and Diamond Give-Away 7:00 P.M. Dinner and Program For reservations, congratulatory advertisement placement or to donate silent auction items phone 412-864-3524 Proceeds benefit the Benevolent Care Fund of UPMC Senior Communities Proudly sponsored by Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

Y O U R H E A LT H

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t Give Up!

Are you being told, “There’s nothing to be done?” or that, ”You need to learn to live with the pain?” Are you being over-medicated with pain medicines that don’t cure? Have you been through test after test with no result, explanation or treatment? Are you becoming discouraged?

specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. It includes nine specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. This therapy has long been well-recognized internationally, and recent advancements offer hope for many more to live a more pain-free and enjoyable life. Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Unlike laser therapy that does not address the involved damaged small nerve fibers or home light therapies that do not offer all the frequencies needed to heal them, our program utilizes state of the art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. It is commonly associated with diabetes, however, neuropathy symptoms can also occur in patients

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

with restless leg syndrome, sciatic neuropathy, and has been recently linked to statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Although, there are also patients who just have neuropathy without a particular cause. Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: n Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs n Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands n Extreme Sensitivity to Touch n Loss of Balance or Coordination n Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles n Weakness in the Arms and Legs n Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers n Dependency on Medications Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen

Here’s What Dr. Shawn’s Patients Have to Say... “I suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 17 years. It felt as if someone was constantly torturing my feet with electric shocks. Not only did it hurt to sit or take a drive anywhere, but night time was even worse. I could never get a good night’s sleep. No position eased the pain and I couldn’t stand the sheet or blanket to I am 90% touch my feet. When I would take without a shower, it felt as if I was being pain and electrically shocked with each some days, drop of water that hit my feet. I am 100% Test after test, doctor after doctor, pain free! there was no result or help. I was even told, “There’s nothing to be done; you’re just going to have to live with it.” I do not have diabetes. But, it was getting progressively worse over time. I had seen Dr. Shawn’s ad and realized I had nothing to lose. After only one treatment, I was able to get a good night’s sleep and was able to take a shower without pain! Now, having completed several sessions, I am 90% without pain and some days, I am 100% pain free! I have a new lease on life and am doing things I thought I could never do again. I am thankful for Dr. Shawn every day.” – Paul, Wexford

A dear friend of mine from Pittsburgh saw Dr. Richey’s ad in Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazine, the sister magazine to Northern Connection magazine. She sent it because one of the stories was just like I was experiencing. I had a reaction to my cholesterol medication where my feet were constantly burning and it was getting worse. They switched up my meds. They took me off the meds. I endured horrible, painful testing. Nothing I came up to helped. Finally, the doctors all just gave up. All Pittsburgh to the doctors said there was nothing they could be assessed do and that I was just going to have to live by Dr. Richey with it. I didn’t know what I was going to do. and felt relief The pin was getting worse and worse. So, the after the first instant I saw the ad, I had hope. I had directreatment. tion and a mission. I came up to Pittsburgh to be assessed by Dr. Richey and felt relief after the first treatment. I stayed in Pittsburgh for six treatments and then Dr. Richey helped me get a home kit for the rest of the treatments. I have continued on and I continue to get better. Now, my brother in Sacramento, who is also experiencing peripheral neuropathy, is going to get help too. Thank you Dr. Richey for helping us all and many thanks to my dear friend for sending Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazine to me in North Carolina. – Ron, North Carolina

Two Years Later... “I was in pain from peripheral neuropathy for 12 years before I found Dr. Shawn. I noticed a difference after the first treatment. I even danced my way into his office for my second appointment. I so believe in the treatment that I have become a neuropathy specialist and assist Dr. Shawn. I am so pleased to see wonderful results in patients that relieve them of the pain that I once endured myself.” – Lynn, Jeannette

hundreds patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wondering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair. This ground-breaking treatment has achieved a 90% overall satisfaction rate. The treatment identifies the cause and enables nerve endings to regenerate and heal rather than remain damaged. As the treatments repair the nerve endings, pain is reduced, and patients regain balance and coordination. Dr. Richey has helped hundreds of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, he has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland as well as Allegheny Counties.

I so believe in the treatment that I have become a neuropathy specialist and assist Dr. Shawn

Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier Street. “Our second location in Latrobe will be much more convenient for all our patients in Westmoreland County to receive their treatments and enable us to help additional sufferers of peripheral neuropathy, in both regions,” explains Dr. Shawn. n

For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com. www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

LONG-TERM CARE

Family Involvement in Long-Term-Care Facilities

BY AGING INSTITUTE OF UPMC SENIOR SERVICES AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

o you have a loved one who is a resident in a long term care facility? If you do, then more than likely you have interacted with the facility’s staff. To have a loved one in this new or different setting can put a lot of strain on you and your family. However, there are techniques and resources available that can assist in creating an easier road to travel. These resources can also assist in developing positive interactions between your family and staff from which your loved one will surely benefit.

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Remember that you are the one who knows your loved one the best. Share your thoughts on whether your loved one is happier doing this activity or that activity. Clarify that your loved one likes to sleep in or has always been an early bird. You have had decades with your loved one, whereas the staff is still getting to know their new resident. This is an invaluable contribution to a successful adjustment. Ask for updates on your loved one’s health status and what the staff member(s) has noticed during a specific period of time. You might only see your loved one at a certain time of the day, maybe when he or she is feeling their best or worst. When you see this change, it can be deeply concerning. When you do feel this concern, check with the staff and ask what they have noticed in the last couple days, weeks or months. Check in with yourself. How have you felt since your loved one’s transition to their new setting? Sometimes, family caregivers feel guilt or stress over this change. And sometimes this is completely new territory for you and your family. Remember and recognize these emotions. The facility’s administration and staff are there for the family too. Most likely they can offer guidance because you will not be the first family of one of their residents to feel various emotions about the move or transition. You do not have to stop caring for your loved one and can still be involved in their welfare. You are one advocate for him or her, and it is important that your loved one has a team of advocates. Ask the facility if and when there are care plan conferences that discuss your loved one’s overall well-being. This could be the perfect time to vocalize your opinions and share what your care goals are for your loved one (and what the resident’s care goals are for him-or herself). And lastly, know your resources. If you have felt strain between you, your family and staff, remember that there are mediators available, also known as Ombudsman. On a side note: it might be helpful to learn what roles each staff plays in your loved one’s care and request one designated contact at the facility. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Concern can grow into anger, frustration, etc., so it is important to be upfront with questions. The Aging Institute is committed to supporting the specialized needs of our community’s aging population. If you have any questions, reach out to us at 866-430-8742, or visit our website at aging.upmc.com. n

Using Technology to Aid Our Most Frail BY ELAINE A. MALEC, PHD

t has been estimated that 47% of our aging adults are considered frail. This means they have medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes, and they also have limitations in their ability to care for themselves. However, most older adults would prefer to live in their own homes and, with assistance, many of them do. Services such as home health care, modifications such as chair lifts, and safety bars and emergency response systems such as wearable devices (ie., LifeAlert®) give the older adult the help and aid they need. One the issues which is more challenging and requires more of a creative solution is the health risks facing older adults due to loneliness. Loneliness in the elderly is a serious problem. Loneliness increases mortality by 2 1/2 times, and it equivalent to smoking a half of a pack of cigarettes a day. The stress caused by loneliness in our most frail is hard to manage because of two main reasons. First is as people age the significant people in their lives die. This means they lose parents, siblings, friends, and spouses over the last 3rd of their lives and these losses build upon each other. Second is as a person sees their life getting shorter, they are more comforted by the company of those they know well. Loneliness isn’t just a lack of people; it is a lack of close, intimate people. Medicine has been finding ways to connect patients with medical providers via telehealth, why can’t we use technology to connect our frail seniors with their loved ones? Unfortunately, independent use of technology for those who need it the most may not be possible. The frail elderly often have vision, dexterity or cognitive disabilities which make navigating technology difficult. Does this mean technology is not able to help keep our most precious seniors connected to their loves ones? No. The answer is “assisted technology.” Assisted technology is similar to the home care aid, this aid assists in setting up face-time which gives the older adult the emotional comfort of visiting with those they love. The aid brings the portable technology with them allowing the senior to enjoy visiting with family and friends. This makes it possible for everyone no matter how far away they live to be a part of the aging family member’s life. It may be the best gift a family can give. For more information, contact Connecting Hearts at http://www.connectingheartsvirtualvisits.com or call (412) 215-0622. n

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

Lose 30 lbs. in 30 Days up to

as your weight loss plateaued? Do you eat right and exercise but the scale doesn’t move? Is your metabolism slowing due to middle age or over-eating? Are you having health-related issues due to your weight? Feeling aggravated, frustrated and helpless every time you get on the scale? With Dr. Michael Vactor’s innovative weight loss program, you can lose up to 30 lbs. in 30 days and learn to keep it off, permanently.

Jen S., Pittsburgh PA Lost 47 lbs.

Tammy T., Cranberry Twp. PA Lost 48 lbs.

How it Works: Unlike other weight loss programs, Dr. Vactor’s plan focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALLNATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. The system is, quite simply, designed to increase your metabolism. The system increases your metabolism by naturally invigorating your hypothalamus (responsible for your metabolism), without stimulants, while decreasing your hunger response. This way, your own fat-burning engine works at its optimum performance while re-acclimating your metabolism to first lose the weight and then adjust to your new body to keep off the weight. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses on first weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you. In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time. According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! But I must be straight-forward about our system. You must be dedicated, committed and want results.”

oday marks our 14th day into our maintenance phase. We waited until now because we were interested in if we would continue to hold our weights. We are happy to report that this phase is keeping its promise just like the rest of the program. We started on December 6, my weight was 360 and Sue started at 219. I should mention that we were off the program from December 23 to January 2. We did not pig out over the holidays but did put a couple of pounds back on. We picked up the program on the same day number that we left and continued until day 40 plus the three day transition. At that time I weighed 310 (-50) and Sue weighed 195.6 (-23.4). After two weeks on maintenance, my weight is 212.2 and my wife’s is 195.4. Needless to say we are both very pleased and will go back on the program next week, my goal is 270 and Sue’s is 170. Everything with the weight loss was exactly as promised. People could not believe that we only ate such a limited number of calories but I can definitely state that I was never hungry. We have been on almost all conceivable diets over the last 25 years and although we lost some weight it was a struggle doing so and most called for and exercise program also. Let’s face it, when you are 50 to 100 lbs. over weight, exercise is not a good alternative. We really did not have good before pictures because who wants there pictures taken when that much overweight. I don’t have good pictures showing pants size because for the past two or more years I was constantly in stretchy sweats, it was a struggle to put on socks and all my shoes were slip-ons. 3XLT shirts were tight and I had trouble sleeping and did not enjoy going to movies or sporting events because I could not fit in the seats. All of that has changed. We cannot wait until our next 40 day program is over. Bob & Sue F., Washington PA

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

and Keep it Off with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program! Several different products come with the plan, as well as, a simple, easy-to-follow meal plan that is based on normal food that you can get anywhere and prepare easily for yourself. In addition, they supply pH-balanced, ionized drinking water which is another important part of the system. Also, exercise is NOT required. Alternatively, the focus, is getting the weight off first, so that exercise programs will help tone and strengthen rather than contribute to the risk of over-exertion from carrying too much weight. Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over fifteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, CornerstoneTV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor also cares for the players, coaches and families of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ and Pirates’ organizations. To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS! Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals. Over fifteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true. How to Get Started: If you are serious about losing up to 30 lbs. of extraneous weight, inches off your waist and, most importantly, improving your health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of our revolutionary weight loss system. Our office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive Ext., Suite 106, Seven Fields, PA 16046. http://www.drvactor.com Improve your health today! Call now, at 724-742-2700. If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor in the Fall 2016 Pittsburgh FiftyFive Plus, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. n

Here is my weight loss journey…

tried every fad diet out there and never got the results that I have with this plan!! I was at my heaviest weight and needed to do something, my clothes weren’t fitting anymore, and I was getting depressed and mad at myself! A good friend of mine told me about Dr. Vactor and what he had did for him in his own weight loss journey. So I called and made an appointment. The staff was very polite and very informative and answered all my questions and concerns. Dr Vactor was wonderful and made this plan sound so easy and explained how quickly I would see results if I followed through with it. Well let me tell you how RIGHT he was!! My starting weight was 365 lbs and I lost 50 lbs in 42 days!!! I did 2 courses of the plan and am now down 72 lbs!! I feel so much better health wise! No more back or knee pain anymore!! Would highly recommend this Plan to everyone!! Thanks Dr. Vactor and Theresa!! Bob J., McCandless PA

Guarantee can be reviewed in office prior to starting the program. Results may vary based on an individual’s health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

www.DrVactor.com 724-742-2700 Dr. Michael Vactor, DC

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

H E A LT H B E N E F I T S

Should I Stay or Should I Choose a

Medicare Option? BY CRYSTAL A. MANNING

If you are already 65 or approaching that age, and remain employed and eligible for your employer’s health insurance coverage, you should not ignore the potential opportunities of Medicare coverage. The following are four potentially serious mistakes that many boomers should be cautious of when they become Medicare eligible. Missed Opportunity. You have a seven-month window to sign up - three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday and three months after - so it is critical to get the timing right. Signing up in hopes of getting coverage early does not work, and signing

CONFUSED ABOUT MEDICARE? Medicare is confusing – call for a one-to-one, no charge consultation with a Medicare expert! Remove the FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND COSTLY MISTAKES from the Medicare enrollment process.

Crystal A. Manning

Medicare Advisor

Health Benefit Services LLC

Call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com 10008 Pine Ridge Drive Wexford, Pa. 15090

up late - even though you are still working - may result in financial penalties, which do not disappear. Medicare guidelines are clear. Electing COBRA coverage. Another mistake is taking COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) and not signing up for Medicare Part B. If you are 65 or older when you leave your employer and your employer offers you the opportunity to keep your health insurance through COBRA, chances are you should say “no thanks.” This applies even if your employer offers to pay your health coverage once you retire. Choosing Medicare Advantage because it seems easier. Medicare Advantage plans offer all-in-one options that are very similar to the health care coverage many people maintained while employed. However, traditional Medicare coverage with a Medigap supplemental plan and Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance while seemingly more complex, is likely the better choice for someone with a chronic medical condition or a serious illness, or even someone who prefers the freedom to go with whatever provider they choose.

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Failure to shop for coverage. For most people, their first Medigap choice is their lasting choice because their options diminish once the initial selection is made. Aside from the initial Medicare eligibility age of 65, every year thereafter during the Medicare open enrollment period beginning October 15th through December 7th, you will have the opportunity to change Medicare Advantage plans. It’s the enrollee’s decision and you may decide to make that an annual exercise. But, before you enroll in any Medicare plan, carefully review your options. Whether you are approaching age 65 or have already arrived, if you are unsure about the available options, I encourage you to seek advice from a licensed advisor that is unbiased and desires to help you with the best options for you, today and in the future. For more information on avoiding the above mistakes, read the entire article at www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com or contact me, Crystal Manning, directly at (412) 716-4942. n

ADVERTORIAL

Designing YOUR OWN RETIREMENT DAVE AND SUE HICKEY – FOUNDERS OF YOUR OWN RETIREMENT

et’s face it; pensions are a thing of the past. Nowadays, employers that even offer a pension plan are extremely rare. Those that are lucky enough to have an existing pension may not even realize they have several options at retirement. Many worry about their future benefits since there’s no way to be absolutely sure that an employer will be able to honor their commitment in the long-term. For the average baby boomer, that means designing YOUR OWN RETIREMENT plan is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. While few things could be scarier than having no plan at all, it doesn’t necessarily make getting started less intimidating either. If you’re not a financial expert yourself, how do you even know where to begin? Can you be sure that you’re working with the right advisor to manage your retirement income? What are your options for planning without a pension? The idea of managing your future income stream alone is intimidating, and combined with finding an advisor you can trust; it’s easy for anyone to feel overwhelmed at the task of assembling their own retirement plan. In the ever-changing world of finance, one thing remains the same; you have to PLAN WELL to RETIRE WELL. To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a few important factors to keep in mind when approaching the retirement planning process:

Optimize Social Security. Believe it or not, there are actually 567 different ways to collect social security. With hundreds of scenarios to choose from, even the most financiallysavvy individual could unknowingly take an unfavorable option. It’s important to consider taking a second look at whether or not you’re maximizing your benefits, since even a small mistake can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Find the right advisor for Your Own Retirement. How many times has a “one-sizefits-all” solution, fit YOU perfectly? It takes nearly a lifetime to get to retirement, so we think that finding the right person to help you manage your retirement deserves more than a few seconds on Google, too. Traditional wealth managers are primarily fixated on rates of return or the “yield” on the portfolio, but there are more pieces to the puzzle. A professional retirement advisor creates a 360-degree plan incorporating all of your available assets. That’s why we pride ourselves on being retirement specialists; because it’s not just about dollars. Your life’s goals, needs and dreams are what really create your own, one-of-a-kind plan. Our focus is to bring all of those pieces together to help our clients build the retirement they want. n

Take a PROACTIVE approach. Successful retirement starts with a plan, and the sooner, the better. Having a target in mind for when you’ll start collecting retirement benefits will allow you to anticipate changes that can occur in tax brackets, income or health. You must have market downturn protection. If you’re proactive about planning for retirement, you can be prepared for unexpected changes instead of being reactive to them.

Your Own Retirement is a Financial Services Firm located in Cranberry Township, PA. Founded by Dave and Sue Hickey; YOR’s mission is to assist and prepare clients for the uncertainty of retirement by identifying financial needs and eliminating financial risks. To schedule a consultation, call 866-677-PLAN, or visit their website at http://www.yourownretirement.com to learn more about how you can start creating your own retirement plan today.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Using Techniques and Strategies to Help Cover the Costs of Age-Related Expenses BY BRIAN J. CATALE

uring our educational workshops, we discuss age-related expenses. I mention that in retirement, from the first social security check you receive until the last breath you and your spouse take on this earth, you will pay taxes and medical insurance premiums that will equal the amount you paid for your home plus what it would have cost to put your two children through college. After they laugh and think that I am joking with them, I explain the logic. If a couple receives $3,000 a month from social security, a $1,500 per month pension, and $2,000 per month from their 401(k)s, over 30 years, they will pay $15,000 per year in taxes for a total of $450,000. Over the same span, the couple will spend $2,520 per year for Medicare and $3,000 per year for supplemental insurance for a total of $165,600 in medical insurance costs. The grand total for taxes and medical insurance

(without inflation) is $615,600. This amount does not include co-pays, rehabilitation costs, prescriptions, assisted living costs, or nursing home costs. We have met with over 20,000 people in independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes over the last 11 years. We have seen it all. Fortune lost. Fortune spent. In a lot of cases even before assisted living or nursing home care is needed. Let’s assume a couple with $400,000 of retirement assets. Every year, they withdraw 5% for income ($20,000 per year). Their investment loses 25% of value (new value $300,000). Now, in order to generate an income of $20,000 per year, 7% needs to be withdrawn from their investment to keep the same income. 10 years later, a second decline of 25% occurs. 2% of the principle is used for income over the last 10 years. $250,000 now remains. After another

L to R, Tim Wheeler, Billie Jo Richman, Lanell Kimmel, Brian Catale, Kimberly Catale and Jody Catale

Retirement Planning and Wealth Preservation 910 Sheraton Drive Suite 240 Mars, PA 16046 Telephone: 724-591-8475 Toll Free: 800-794-0929 Website: Bcatale.com Brian@Bcatale.com

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

25% loss in value, the couple is left with $187,500. Now, the client is 80-85 years old and medical expenses such as assisted living or nursing home costs start whittling away at the remaining assets. The husband passes away and his spouse loses all or part of his pension. She also loses her social security income, but keeps her husband’s social security. In a lot of the cases, we see that the spouse would have around $70,000 to $100,000 of the assets remaining. She will be broke after 10 to 14 months in assisted living or nursing home care or two to three years in her own home. This is a typical case, in almost every case, the kids would say “I wish we were introduced to you before my mom or dad was starting to get sick.” We would have been able to help this family preserve 70% of their assets. Traditional planning does not work anymore. The focus needs to be on the end of life costs or budgeting for agerelated expenses. The way we look at it at Brian Catale and Associates, just like when you planned for college for your children, you don’t start planning when they are 15 or 16, you start when they are one or two years old. The same thing applies with age-related expenses, you put a plan in place before or at the beginning of retirement to have funds that are designated to pay for these age-related expenses. If the funds are not or partially used, these funds can be distributed to the next generation with little or no cost. This can be the difference between living in poverty or living in dignity and possibly passing a legacy to your loved ones. n Brian Catale is known for Wealth Preservation and Retirement Strategies. At Operation Veteran Benefits and Brian Catale and Associates, We have been able to help hundreds of healthcare professionals with strategies and techniques that no other advisors have been able to accomplish before. You may have seen Brian and his team in your place of work. They are helping your patients, parents, family members, and friends. You may have also heard Brian on Pittsburgh Talk Radio on his show, Wisdom Keys for Retirement. Brian and his team have been able to compile an effective system to assist in the complete retirement planning stages, from when to start your first social security check, to disinheriting the government at your death.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

F E AT U R E

Retirees Living the Dream Senior Spotlight:

the Just Ducky Tour of Pittsburgh, had dinner at the LeMont restaurant, and of course, held meetings at Saints John and Paul’s Cardinal DiNardo Center. According to Father McCaffrey, “We’ve received very positive feedback about how much the members enjoyed their time in Pittsburgh.” Hopefully, they flew away with great memories! Next year, the convention is scheduled to take place in Charleston, South Carolina. n

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It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane... It’s a Priest! BY ROSEMARY GARRITY

ctually…about 40 priests from all over the country, flew into Pittsburgh for the National Association of Priest Pilots 2016 Annual Convention that was held in July. And yes, they all fly their own planes! It seems that there are many more priests who have flying as a hobby in the mid-west, when looking at the list of the group’s members. Presently, there are about 100 members from California to Florida! The organization was founded in 1964 with the purpose of using private aircraft as a way to serve the needs of the church, in various ways. Father John Schmitz, president of the association, traveled from Jefferson City, Mo. According to him, members range in age from those in their thirties, to seniors in their eighties! That’s quite an age span! “I enjoy the fraternity and support of the priests and it is nice to share a hobby with a fellow priest.” That aspect is very evident when you witness the camaraderie they experience when they are together. Father Schmitz also enjoys the opportunity to see different regions of the country. This year, Father Joseph McCaffrey, pastor of Saints John and Paul Parish in Franklin Park, and the association’s vice-president, hosted the event. Father Mac, as he is known in the area, was very excited to have his fellow priest pilots see the sites in Pittsburgh. Ed Adams, a resident of Bradford Woods, was very instrumental in helping to organize this year’s convention. “Our parish’s call to share our ‘Time, Talent and Treasure” combined with Father Mac’s requests, led to many hours of helping to flesh out his vision of a great PITTSBURGH convention.” Of course, any event requires a lot of planning and it also helped to have nice weather so everyone could enjoy the sites. Priests stayed at the Doubletree by Hilton in Cranberry, as their home base. While on land…they were also ‘flying” around the area for three days! They visited the Aviary, the 911 Airlift Wing site, experienced

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Carol Nover: Retiree – Dancing the Dream BY PAULA GREEN

fter 56 years of teaching dance, Carol Nover, 71 of McCandless Township has taken her final bow from teaching. This retiree who has been “dancing her dream” recently retired from Hampton Parks and Recreation. For 38 years, Nover taught ballet, jazz and tap in Hampton Township. As she noted, “The most rewarding part of my job was the children, seeing those smiling faces really made it worthwhile.” Dance has been her lifelong passion. As a native of Grosse Point Woods, Mich., Nover studied dance at the Elaine Arndt School of Dance. Arndt was a famous choreographer with the

Carol Nover with Victor Son, Hampton Township Council President

Detroit Ballet Company, so she learned from a pro. At the young age of 14, Nover began teaching dance in the basement of her home to help defray the cost of her lessons. She attended Michigan State University where she majored in theatre and minored in advertising. Nover’s success rose quickly and she found herself performing with some prominent artists. She was a backup dancer for Motown, and worked with musical greats - Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Three Dog Night, The Spinners, The Temptations, and The Miracles. Nover was also a substitute dancer on the NBC musical variety show Hullabaloo. She married former WPXI-TV sportscaster Sam Nover. The couple moved to Pittsburgh in 1970 when Sam was hired at the station, which at the time was called WIIC-TV. They have two

daughters Dana Nover Seabolt of Treesdale and Molly Nover Baker of New York. The couple has since divorced and Sam now resides West Palm Beach, Fla. Nover admits that she is going to miss dance instruction. “I am a great ballet teacher, a better jazz dancer, but my favorite dance is tap. Here it is September, and I am not going back to work to teach dance which I love so much. It’s really going to be a different for me this year,” she remarked. Although Nover, has no definitive plans, she would like to spend more time with her family, two daughters and four grandchildren – Jackson Seabolt, Hudson Seabolt, Hunter Baker and Lilliana Baker. She would also like to spend some time with Sam in Florida. “I am really going to play it by ear with my retirement. I want to redo things in my house that I never had time to do before,” Nover remarked. Nover’s students will miss her positive influence and expert advice. Even though she is officially retired, Nover will always be a top-notch dancer who has fulfilled her dreams. n

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Jim Klinger and Greg Veal: Retirees Biking and Camping the Great Outdoors! BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

ast year, retiree Jim Klinger biked with friend, Greg Veal, all the way to Washington, D.C. This year, Jim and Greg biked around Buffalo, along the Erie Canal and around Cayuga Lake of the Finger Lakes. “Greg mapped out the trip so we could visit several microbreweries and try their craft ales,” Jim comments. The journey lasted eight days and they covered almost 400 miles, camping along the way. They carried everything they needed, including tents, sleeping bags, clothes and energy bars.

“The only thing was how many times we needed to stop for Gatorade,” reflects Jim. “We were biking in mid-July, temperatures were in the 90’s and humidity was high, so we needed to be sure and stay hydrated.” Jim rode a hybrid road/mountain bike by Trek®. If you are interested in biking, Jim recommends attending some biking seminars, “such as the ones at REI on the south side where you can also get some really great books and learn some great tips on the gear you might need.” n

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

‘Big River’ Launches The Strand’s All-New ‘Broadway On Main’ Subscription Season

ans of lavish Broadway productions, vintage Jazz and Vaudeville shenanigans will want to take part in The Strand Theater’s all-new Broadway On Main subscription season. The 3-Show season features the TonyWinning Big River, Ella & Basie!, an original concert that tells the story of the landmark collaboration between jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and the Count Basie orchestra, and Groucho: A Life in Revue, a musical biography about the legendary Groucho Marx. “We couldn’t be more excited about the line-up of shows that we’ve assembled for our 20162017 Broadway On Main season,” said Ron Carter, president & executive director of the non-profit Strand Theater Initiative, “We pride ourselves in bringing to Main Street an eclectic mix of programming Zachary Malinak (left) and J’Quay Lamonte Gibbs are that can’t be found Huck and Jim in Big River anywhere else; not in at The Strand North Pittsburgh and, really, not even in the southwestern PA.” Big River is the lavish musical based on Mark Twain’s classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The show won seven Tony Awards when it was produced on Broadway, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. Whether it’s one of your favorites or have yet to see it, Big River will be a completely unique experience in the intimate setting of The Strand. The audience will be thrust into the pre-Civil War era of the deep south, and nearly become part of the show. Big River stars Zachary Malinak as Huck, J’Quay Lamonte Gibbs as Jim and Jim Hartley as Tom Sawyer. Broadway’s Michael Marra (Les Miserables & the national tour of Jekyll & Hyde) plays The King and Jill Keating, who was on the first national tour of Big River, plays the roles of The Widow Douglas and Sally Phelps. “Something that sets us apart as a producing venue is the high caliber of talent,” added Carter, “We recruit artists with genuine Broadway or national touring credentials to fill key roles for all of our Broadway On Main shows.”

Big River runs for seven performances only from September 23 – October 2. Ella & Basie! (January 27-29, 2017) tells the story of how these two legendary names in jazz, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, came to work together along with a very young Music Arranger who became a titan in the industry, himself, Quincy Jones. Groucho: A Life in Revue is the final installment in the series (May 12-14, 2017). This show is an energetic romp through the life of one of Vaudeville’s pioneers. Jeremy Czarniak stars as Groucho, who, according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Theater Critic, Chris Rawson, ‘is the complete thing, which means not just the physical imitation – that’s the least of it, really – but the life within’. Jeremy’s

portrayal twice won him mentions in The PG’s ‘Best Actor’ Category. The Chief is not a part of the 3-Season Broadway On Main package, but Subscribers can get this stirring one-man play about Pittsburgh Steelers Owner, Art Rooney at a special discount. The Strand is very accessible, just off of I-79 in the historic borough of Zelienople, less than 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. For more information about The Strand’s Broadway On Main season, or any of its other live performances and cinematic programs, call 724.742.0400 or go online at www. thestrandtheater.org. n

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

FA L L ’ 1 6 H A P Free Services for Seniors through

North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

Home Instead Senior Care® is

offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

McKnight Meals on Wheels pro-

vides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088.

North Country Meal on Wheels

provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled. Services Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Operated out of Cross Roads Presbyterian in Gibsonia. Call (724) 935-1877.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program is seeking volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh and Woodland Hills School Districts in grade K-4. A two-day training class will be 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Nov. 16 & Nov. 18, at 411 Seventh Ave., Suite 525 (Duquesne Light Building) downtown Pittsburgh. For info or to register, contact John Spehar, at (412) 393-7648 or jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10

a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. For details, call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731.

p.m. (dates vary month-to-month), HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, 303 Camp Meeting Rd., Sewickley. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

Bereavement Support Group (for

Widows/Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 3 p.m., the

1st Mon., of every month, and 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 1-2:30

p.m., last Wed of each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710.

Offer Expires 11/30/2016

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

once a month on a Wed., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Valerie, at (412) 826-2784 or valerie. bucek@healthsouth.com.

Health & Wellness Arthritis Expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept.

24, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp. For info, http://arthritisexpo.kintera.org/pittsburgh or (412) 250-3343 or hornowski@arthritis.org.

Amputee Support Group, 4-5:15

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-1:15 p.m., 3rd Weds.,

Offer Expires 11/30/2016

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m.,

Entertainment & Social Cranberry Artists Network Members Show, Oct. 10-Nov. 3,

at Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Opening reception 6-8 p.m., Oct. 12. For info, visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Join St. Barnabas Charities, as they

honor the legendary former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, Thursday, April 27, Pittsburgh Marriott North, Cranberry Township. Seating is limited. Proceeds benefit St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. For info on corporate sponsorship packages, call (724) 6253770 or email St. Barnabas Charities.

St. Barnabas Charities is having a Ladies Day on Oct. 15. The day’s

event offers a chef prepared lunch, fashion and fabulous basket and purse raffles. Enjoy “retail therapy” and a complimentary shopping bag with merchandise from dozens of specialty retailers and artisans with unique finds. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Kean Theatre at The Washington Place. Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. For reservations, call (724) 444-5521 or StBarnabasCharities.com.

Pumpkin Patch Trolley Begins at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

PENINGS PIZZAZZ, Oct. 19-21, Fox Chapel Golf Club. Shopping event, twenty-eight exclusive boutiques from the east coast to as far west as Chicago will participate. Questions? Contact us at gcacpgh@gmail.com.

St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Oct. 14-15, Samson,

Sight & Sound Theatre; Nov. 18, Light-Up-Night on the Gateway Clipper. For info on the ballgame & Cleveland, call Rose, (724) 728-2563 or (412) 9080124. For details on Samson or Light-Up, call Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s

Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. Call (724) 444-0064.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

Unique Boutique, fundraising event for Heritage

Valley Sewickley Hospital, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 12, Edgeworth Club, 511 East Dr., Sewickley. Vendors, artists, clothing, gourmet food, home décor & jewelry. $10 admission or $35 admission & lunch. Benefits Heritage Valley BreastCare Program. For info, visit http://www.heritagevalley.org/

he Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s annual Pumpkin Patch Trolley will be held 10 a.m.5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, Oct. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30. The last trolley of the day will leave for the pumpkin patch at 4:00 p.m. Admission to the Pumpkin Patch Trolley is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 62+) and $8 for kids (ages 1-15). Children under one are free. n

Volunteer Opportunities: Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit

Hospice patients. For details, call (412) 367-3685.

Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary. Call (724) 444-0064.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with

Seminars Legacy Theatre senior seminars; 11 a.m., Sept.

27, Fashion Over 60, Oct. 11, Medicare 101; Oct. 25, Haunted Roads of Western Pennsylvania, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

disabilities with yard tasks. For info, visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program

assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. To register, call (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

Psychic Investigators: Psychic Sisters Suzanne & Jean Vincent, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 25, Cranberry Library. Topics: Caylee Marie Anthony, John Yelenic, Mickey Sheller, Cherrie Mahan, missing persons, murder mysteries, ghost stories & haunted places. Free. Register at (724) 776-4806.

Senior Meetings AARP Chapter 2991 meets at noon, 3rd Thursday of each month, Sept.-May (Oct. 20), no meeting in Dec., Northmont UP Church on Perry Highway. Refreshments served for a nominal charge. A business meeting follows the light lunch and includes a review of upcoming events and trips. Membership applications will be accepted at these meetings.

Allison Park AARP Chapter 3736 meets at 7:30

p.m., 2nd Thursday of each month, Sept. thru May, St. Ursula School, Kirk Ave., Allison Park. For details, call Ruth at (724) 443-0647, or Mary Ellen at (412) 486-3019 or Mike at (724) 444-8772.

Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+

meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (412) 415-1892 or (724) 538-4408 for info and programs.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m.,

every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

PONDERING PITTSBURGH

A Historical Look at

Church Road

in Pine Township BY PAULA GREEN

Pine Township has been around for 220 years, and one of the streets in this tranquil community, Church Road, showcases many pieces from its historic past. According to local historian, Joe Bullick, “This road is packed with history!”

he Wexford Post Office Deli used to be on Church Road until it closed for business two years ago. This building dates back to 1908 when it was the Wexford Station House, a trolley stop on the old Harmony line. It served the residents well until its abandonment in 1931. William P. Brooker, the former station agent, purchased the building and moved it to Wexford, where it served as Wexford’s Post Office until 1964. It then became an antique shop and then the Wexford Post Office Deli. In 2015, the Wexford Post Office Deli was moved to its new home at to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum near Washington, Pa. Currently, the museum is open daily to the public through Dec. 18, and offers scenic trolley rides, tours, and exhibits. Upcoming events include the Wexford Trolley Station Weekend on Oct. 1 and 2, and the Pumpkin Patch Trolley on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. A hidden treasure located at 140 Church Road is Diamond Designs Jewelers, which is owned by Charles (Chuck) and Christyann Duffy. The Duffy’s purchased the property in 1999. According to Chuck, “We bought it from Dr. William Schwerin who ran his medical practice here. Prior to Schwerin’s ownership, it was a family home.” Duffy has a copy of the hand-written deed dating back to April 23, 1890 when the property was owned by the Brookser family. Diamond Designs Jewelers is renowned for designing and creating one of a kind jewelry.

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Saint Alphonsus RomanCatholic Church celebrated its first Mass in 1832. The service was conducted by a horseback-traveling Franciscan missionary, Father Charles Bonaventure Macquire. The Mass was held in the log cabin home of Martin Byrne, who was the area’s first postmaster. Early settlers, Ambrose Schaeffer and his wife Barbara who emigrated from BadenBaden, Germany donated land for the parish grounds in the area called Schaeffer’s Corner. On July 19, 1840 Saint Alphonsus celebrated the dedication of its first church. In 1889, the church expanded to include a school. Schaeffer also owned the land where the Wexford General Store was built. He passed away in 1855 and his son-in-law, Ignatius Brookser, erected the general store in 1876. It was a one-stop shop for all household needs and even housed the local post office. Over the year, ownership and management has changed hands. Today, the store is called the Wexford General Store Antique Center, located at 150 Church Road and is owned by Jim and Marianne Marino. Cole’s Tavern at 161 Church Road has been around for 115 years. The Cole family purchased their property in 1901, which was the Wexford Hotel. The family worked hard and farmed their land which contained a wash house/slaughter house and milkhouse. At one time, it was even a stagecoach stop. The Cole family was renowned for their hayrides and work with the Wexford Volunteer Fire Company. Located at 170 Church Road is Come Ready Nutrition, which is owned by Pat Cavanaugh. This nutrition store used to house the Wexford Food & Grain Store. Across the street from this shop is an old red building. According to Bullick, “That is where North Pittsburgh Telephone Company was located.” So if you’re traveling through the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh stop by Old Wexford and take a nostalgic ride down Church Road to reminisce on this historic street. n Sources: Township of Pine 1796-1996 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, http://saintalphonsuswexford.org/about-us/our-history/

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

T H E G O O D O L D DAY S

1999

Step Back Into...

Y2K - the world braced for chaos with the approach of the new millennium BY PAULA GREEN

o tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999! This refrain is from the song 1999 which was released by Prince on Oct. 27, 1982. What kind of year was 1999? It was an exciting and stormy year. Exciting since it was the end of a century, but it also featured inclement weather. One major player was Hurricane Floyd, a category 4 hurricane that wreaked havoc on the east coast of the United States from Sept. 14 to 18.

Average: The average income was $21,050.00. Cost of a new home $82,600.00. The average cost of a new car was $5,743.00. Gasoline was $1.13 per gallon. A dozen eggs cost 90¢. A gallon of milk cost $1.69. The cost of bread was 54¢. Cost of a first-class stamp 15¢ (18¢ as of 3/22/81; 20¢ as of 11/1/81).

Firsts: The first Wiki is introduced with WikiWikiWeb on March 25. Eileen Collins was the first woman astronaut to command a space shuttle mission. Nancy Ruth Mace became the first female cadet to graduate from the Citadel. The Blackberry 850 phone was released on Jan. 19.

On Apr. 20, two boys, Eric Harris, 18 and Dylan Klebold, 17 went on a rampage at Columbine High School in Colorado killing 13. On July 16, a plane piloted by John F. Kennedy, Jr. crashed off of Martha’s Vineyard, killing him and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette.

World News: A 7.6-magnitude earthquake strikes on Aug. 17, and levels much of northwestern Turkey, killing more than 17,000 and injuring 44,000.

The West Nile Virus first appears in the United States.

Oct. 31, EgyptAir Flight 990, travelling from New York City to Cairo, crashes off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, killing all 217 on board.

U.S. Events:

Entertainment:

Feb. 12, U.S. President Bill Clinton is acquitted in impeachment proceedings in the United States Senate.

Popular films – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, The Sixth Sense, Toy Story 2, The Matrix,

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Tarzan, The Mummy, Notting Hill, The World is Not Enough, American Beauty, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, American Pie, and October Sky.

Television: Popular TV shows – Beverly Hills 90210, Frasier, The X-Files, Chicago Hope, ER, Friends, 7th Heaven, Everybody Loves Raymond, Ally McBeal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, King of the Hill, The Practice, Dawson’s Creek, That ‘70s Show, The King of Queens, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Will & Grace. All My Children star Susan Lucci won her first Daytime Emmy Award, after 19 nominations.

Songs: Record of the Year – My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. Hit singles – Believe, No Scrubs, Angel of Mine, Heartbreak Hotel, Baby One More Time, Kiss Me, Genie In a Bottle, Every Morning, Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here, Livin’ la Vida Loca, Where My Girls At?, If You Had My Love, Slide, Have You Ever, and I Want It That Way.

Publishing: Popular books / Good Reads – Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Confessions of A Shopaholic, Girl With A Pearl Earring, Speak, The Bad Beginning and White Oleander.

Sports: Sports: Super Bowl Championship – St. Louis Rams, World Series Champs – New York Yankees, NHL – The Dallas Stars, NBA Champs – San Antonio Spurs. Golfer, Payne Stewart, died in a plane crash on October 25.

Politics: Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States. Vice President was Al Gore.

Quotes: “I see dead people,” – Haley Joel Osmet in The Sixth Sense “Is that your final answer?” – Regis Philbin in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” – Beverly Sills Sources: http://www.letssingit.com/princelyrics-1999, http://pop-culture.us/Annual/1999. htmlhttp://www.infoplease.com/year/1999. html, http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1999. html, http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-326353, http://www.corsinet.com/trivia/1-triv3.html, http://www.computerhope.com/history/1999. htm, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_in_the_ United_States

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2016

REMEMBER WHEN

Following Fall BY JOE BULLICK

ello fall, I hope you had a great summer! As a young boy and I was back in school, things slowed down at my house. Harvest time had passed and mom was done canning. There was no more grass to cut, just leaves to rake. Mom always put her roses to bed. Fall is the best time to plant bulbs. Plant your bulbs at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Be sure to plant big bulbs such as tulips and narcissuses about six inches deep and small bulbs about three inches deep. Mom would put a clove of garlic with each flowering bulb to deter rodents. Also, as a young boy I always loved to see the fall colors. Western Pennsylvania has miles of colorful turf, expect the largest crowds to the regions foliage hotspots in mid-October and on festival weekends. Pennsylvania divides itself into three horizontal foliage zones (roughly from Bradford to Scranton) where colors usually peak the first weeks of October, in the central (from Williamsport to Somerset) and south (Allentown on down). I always think of the American migratory birds that are beginning their long journeys to winter grounds thousands of miles to the south. It’s not only birds that go south, there are a lot of people who do the same they’re called “snow birds.” Fall also brings us the exciting fall classic – baseball’s World Series. The annual championship matches up the two major league teams, the American League and the National League. It began back in 1903 with the Boston team and yes, our Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates also played in the 1909 and 1925 championships. The greatest World Series game ever played in Pittsburgh was in 1960 when Bill Mazeroski hit a home run in the ninth inning to give the Pirates the win. Mazeroski was the hero, but Hal Smith was the forgotten hero. In that game seven, he was the one who hit a three run homer that gave the Pirates the lead. However, the Yankees scored in the ninth to tie the score. In the ninth Maz hit his famous home run to make this series the greatest one of all baseball. Vernon Law was known to comment, “I always felt sorry for Hal, because he was the hero until Maz hit the homer.” Smith turned 80 on Dec. 7. He is recovering from a heart operation. As I am writing this the Pirates are in the thick of the Wild Card hunt. So be sure to enjoy the baseball fall classic. There are so many great things to do on the fall. Look for festivals like the Covered Bridge Festival in Washington and Greene Counties, Seven Spring Mountain Resorts. There is also a lot of Apple Fests too. Whether it’s having a cold glass of homemade cider, or canoeing, or taking a ride on steam train through Amish country, fall is a great time to take a quick get-away. Enjoy the fall with your family. God bless, and I leave you with this – “There is music in the meadow In the air autumn is here Skies are gray, but hearts are mellow.” – William Stanley Braithwaite

Fall 2016 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Recreational Activities for Singles Over 50 in the ‘Burgh

ttention single Pittsburghers over 50, we have some unique ideas of where you can go for some nice camaraderie. Here are a few groups and activities that might interest you – Amazing Singles - Whether you’re a single man or single woman, this is your gateway to singles events and activities in Pittsburgh. Whether you›re looking for dating in Pittsburgh, or some old-fashioned singles dining, dancing or social events... this is the place to go. You may even find organizations for Christian singles, Jewish singles, and mature singles... as well as networking opportunities... and a whole lot more. Look for more information at http:// www.amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html. Association of University People (AUP) – this singles group has general meetings on the second Monday of the month in both a Spring Series (March-June) and a Fall Series (SeptemberNovember) at a central location (Oakland). They have a speaker or some participation activity. AUP schedules monthly “Out and About Dinners” at restaurants in different parts of the city or suburbs. They host a Holiday Dinner Dance. They meet up at social spots. AUP schedules Saturday morning walks and attends ballgames. The group goes to local places such as the Science Center, Phipps Botanical Conservatory, the Aviary, and the Senator Heinz Regional History Center. They also host house parties and other events. For more details, visit http://www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org/ about-us/. Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh – their motto is – “bringing single professional Catholics together, in a Christian environment of friendship, through social, recreational, athletic, cultural, charitable and spiritual activities.” This group has dances, retreats and plays various sports and other great events. Check out their website at http://www.cacpittsburgh.org/. PENNSYLVANIA - Christian Singles GROUPS – PA – if trips, retreats and tours are your thing, then check out this group. On their website you can browse through their list of activities. You can choose Singles Groups by County or PA Singles Groups by City. Visit http://www.rjdwebdesign.com/singles/christian-singles-groupspa.php. Pittsburgh Ski Club (PSC) – winter is around the corner. So why not meet some people through the Pittsburgh Ski Club. This is a group for singles, married people and anyone with an interested in skiing. PSC offers year-round activities on and off the slopes for its members and guests. The emphasis is not only on skiing/snowboarding but on a variety of sporting activities (biking, golfing, volleyball) and travel and social events. Check out this organization, at http://pittsburghskiclub.org/. Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals – it is a website for everyone and anyone. It gives a great list of upcoming events for singles, kids, and married folks. The information enlightens Pittsburghers on where to eat, where to shop, things to do such as festivals and other recreational events. It even has trip planning. Visit http:// www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals. n