Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine Spring 2019 issue by Northern Connection Magazine

FREE

Spring 2019

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Dr. Shawn Richey and some of his many neuropathy success stories

HOPE and Are Getting Their “ING” Back!

Also in this Issue...

Better Gut Health | Elder Law | Rock Steady Boxing Step Back into 1959 | Spring Happenings

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

Welcome to the Spring Issue of Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine!

love springtime, finally longer days and warmer weather! It is always nice to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer. Unfortunately, for some of us, it is harder to get around or even leave the house for many reasons but one of the reasons I hear a lot about is Peripheral Neuropathy. This debilitating disease was once thought incurable but a local doctor has found a pain free way to treat and in some cases cure Peripheral Neuropathy! Read more about Dr. Shawn Richey and Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pittsburgh in this issue’s cover story. We are lucky to live in a city that has so many support groups and programs for our aging population. For this issue, we were fortunate to work with the Oxford Athletic Club to feature their Rock Steady Boxing program that is designed to slow the effects of Parkinson’s disease and meet some of their participants and care givers. This is a wonderful organization and the volunteers and organizers have dedicated their time to help and encourage the participants. “I see possibilities Make sure to read their article on page 13 and if you or someone in everything. you love suffers from this degenFor everything erative disease, please call them that’s taken away, to get involved. This issue is also filled with something of greater great articles on real estate, value is given.” financial planning, health and Michael J. Fox more. Please enjoy all of our featured articles as well as our regular columns. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to retire and live! If you have a story idea or a business you would like to see featured in an upcoming issue, please call or email us. Happy Spring! n

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Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: info@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com President & Publisher Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor Janice Lane Palko 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.

Laura Arnold

Mary Simpson

Laura@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Mary@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Janice Lane Palko

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. 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.

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

Contents 6

Cover Story: Get Your “ING” Back!

Cover Story: Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pittsburgh Has Offered Hope and Relief to Thousands Janice Lane Palko

Cadillacs and Hearing Aids Francis Audiology Associates

10 Better Gut Health: Understanding Prebiotics and Probiotics Dr. Joseph Maroon, MD. FACS 12 What is Elder Law? UPMC Aging Institute 13 Rock Steady Boxing Weigh-Ins on the Bout with Parkinson’s at Oxford Athletic Club Paula Green 14 Why Use a Realtor®? Deb Walton, REALTOR®, SRES 15 Helping People Plan for Retirement for Over 20 Years Brian Catale and Associates, Inc.

17 Aging Gracefully Lorna Gavin, RN 20 When to Take Medicare Part B Crystal A. Manning 21 55+ Profile: Joe Bullick – Man About Town Janice Lane Palko 22 How A Financial Plan Can Help You Achieve Your Bucket List 23 Kurt Shaw & Co. 25 Reclaimed Memories, LLC, Comes to the Rescue Janice Lane Palko

In Every Issue... 2

From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

16 Pondering Pittsburgh: Crossing Over Bridges in the ‘Burgh Paula Green 18 The Good Old Days: Step Back Into 1959 Paula Green 24 Remember When: Spring is in the Air Joe Bullick 26 Spring ’19 Happenings

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

Peripheral Neuropathy

Get Your “

Once thought to be incurable, 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. A specialized treatment protocol utilizing brand new technologies is available at the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH. It includes the combination of very specific, non invasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Marla C. I’m so glad I followed up on the 55+ ad that I had been looking at for a long time. For years I had been addressing this issue with different doctors including neurologists, circulation clinics, and many tests which left me with no real solution, except living with it. I was so frightened by the rapid deterioration of my balance and the extreme numbness, especially in my right leg. Working with Dr. Shawn and his awesome staff has been a pleasure. I always feel cared for and now I’m enjoying so many perks.… easing of the numbness and tingling in my legs, much better balance and overall notice of progress leave me with a positive feeling.

Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 3000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, don’t wait until they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

Pat H. wearING shoes again

Stephen sleepING again

Kim F. functionING again

Laurie P. bikING again

Barb B. balancING again

David S datING again

John B. I tried medication, acupuncture, and several doctors with no relief. I was walking with a cane and had no feeling on the bottom of my feet. I saw Dr. Shawn’s ad in 55+ magazine and decided to give it a try. After one treatment I noticed a difference. I completed the program and I am very happy with the results. I would highly recommend these treatments to anyone.

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Laurie P. sleepING again

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

Sufferers Have HOPE!

“ING” Back Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands Extreme Sensitivity to Touch Loss of Balance or Coordination Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles Weakness in the Arms and Legs Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers Dependency on Medications

Dr. Shawn Richey has restored the lives of thousands of peripheral neuropathy sufferers.

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 marydancedin.com.

Carla S. walkING again

Donna S. livING again

Ed N. movING again

Michael Nancy Y. walkING again

Jan O walkING & sleepING again

Sue S. shoppING again

Two Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

Latrobe 1901 Ligonier Street

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

Stephen walkING & livING again

At the end of April 2018 I was using a walker throughout the morning and night. I have completed the program and now I am able to walk the mall 2 - 2 1/2 miles EVERYDAY!

Visit us on Facebook under Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH and join our private support group

Gretchen B. My PCP prescribed all the meds for neuropathy that are on the market. That made me feel drunk and I had bad dreams. My feet felt like they were on fire, painful and pins and needles. It kept me awake at night. After many sleepless nights I heard Dr. Richey on KDKA with Rob Pratte. I thought I would give this a try since I have tried so many other things and nothing had worked. I am 90 percent improved since I completed the program. Kelly, Karen and Dr. Shawn added to the positive experience. I am very grateful for all their care and concern. I certainly will recommend Dr. Shawn’s Program. It’s all good.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

COVER STORY

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pittsburgh Has Offered Hope and Relief to Thousands By Janice Lane Palko Sometimes fate intervenes and takes you down another life path. That is the case with Dr. Shawn Richey, founder of Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pittsburgh. In 2013, he had a thriving chiropractic practice when someone brought to his attention how debilitating the medical condition Peripheral Neuropathy can be and how many people suffer with it. “It seemed that everywhere I turned I was hearing about Peripheral Neuropathy, and I began to investigate this condition. I was astounded to learn that 30 million people suffer from this devastating disease—many of whom have been told that there is no hope or treatment,” said Dr. Shawn.

eripheral Neuropathy is a condition where the small sensory nerves that transmit signals to and from the brain become damaged. It is a relentless disease that steals lives. Many things can cause the condition from diabetes, chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, arthritic backs to medications. Dr. Shawn began to treat patients with Peripheral Neuropathy with Low Level Light Therapy. “I sort of did my own clinical trial with six existing patients, and after they completed their treatments, everyone was resoundingly better and some were even 100 percent improved,” said Dr. Shawn. One who experienced great relief was a woman who now works for him. “She was told that there was nothing that could be done for her, and her physician said she would soon need a walker and then expect to be confined to a wheelchair. She was only in her mid-50s! After completing the program, she is 100 percent better and now works for me. She always tells me she is paying it forward. Our website MaryDancedIn.com is named after her story.” As more and more patients experienced relief, Dr. Shawn’s practice grew. “We went from one chair to four chairs at our Wexford location, and then I was encouraged to expand and open a practice in Latrobe that currently has two chairs,” said Dr. Shawn, who now estimates that he treats on average 45 patients a day. He recently added a new treatment, Magnetic

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Therapy, which improves microcirculation. “Our circulatory system pumps blood from the heart into our arteries, then into your capillaries, then back to your heart via your veins. Arteries comprise 14 percent of the circulatory system, capillaries comprise 75 percent and veins 11 percent. If all strung together, it would total an average of 92,000 miles—that is three times the around the world,” said Dr. Shawn. “This new therapy improves the blood flow through the capillaries up to 50 percent. The relaxing and painless eight-minute treatment increases your capillary blood flow for 12-15 hours afterward that provides more oxygen and nutrients to the tissue to help regrow the small nerve fibers.” Both the Light Therapy and Magnetic Therapy are FDA-approved, painless, noninvasive and have offered relief, but more importantly hope for Peripheral Neuropathy suffers. “Since 2013, we’ve treated close to 4,000 patients with amazing results. People are walking, dancing and, as one patient told me, even dating again,” said Dr. Shawn. “My days treating patients are pretty cool and truly rewarding.” n For more information on Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pittsburgh, visit the website at: www.marydancedin.com or call (724) 940-9000.

Cadillacs and Hearing Aids Francis Audiology Associates

“I don’t NEED a Cadillac... I just want to HEAR!”

t is important to know when you become “penny wise and pound foolish” when it comes to purchasing hearing aids. In order to select those options important to you, you must determine your hearing needs and listening situations before you purchase hearing aids. Below are some hearing aid options that you may want to consider. T-Coil: This coil is valuable for most people wearing hearing aids because it allows the hearing aid to capture “sound” through magnetic fluctuations. The ability opens the doors to many hearing aid options. It can be applied to TV, stereo and some sound systems in churches and theaters. Noise Management: This feature addresses the most common of all hearing aid complaints, background noise. When activated, the hearing aids manipulate environmental sounds so that conversation can continue comfortably. For example, when in a noisy restaurant, you want to hear the person or people at your table without being overcome with the din of the room. This feature is extremely valuable to most hearing aid users. Cell Phone Compatibility: Many hearing aids work seamlessly with your smart phone and allow many functions. The connection allows for easy listening in phone conversations even in noise;

acts as a remote control allowing you to adjust your hearing aids in multiple ways; helps you locate lost hearing aids. TV and Remote Microphone Capabilities: Hearing aids have the ability to act as wireless headsets. The television can be beamed directly to your hearing aids and the remote microphone allows one-on-one conversations in extremely difficult listening situations.

In many cases, these options are standard inclusions. The biggest thing to remember is, these options are not fluff. They significantly increase the flexibility and usefulness of your hearing aids. Not all options are listed in this article. Rely on your audiologist to help you determine what options are most appropriate, and enjoy the world of sound around you.

Happy Hearing!

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

YOUR HEALTH

Better Gut Health: Understanding Prebiotics and Probiotics By Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS

We tend to worry after a spicy or too rich meal whether we’ll “pay for it later.” The reason is simple; we have paid for it before. But, after time, most can determine what foods to avoid getting a stomachache or at least learn to take an antacid sooner.

ut this same learning is more difficult for the colon. For digested food to reach the colon or gut, it may take up to a full day. That can mean three to even four meals to investigate the cause. Popping pills doesn’t generally work well once the symptoms start—it is often too late. Having a healthy gut prepared to resist food indiscretions is helpful, and even more important a healthy gut can also produce a healthier body and brain. Prebiotics and probiotics may sound similar but are very different in their functions. Most people have heard of or even use probiotics. Probiotics are simply various strains of bacteria known to boost healthy bacteria in the gut. There are 10 times as many bacteria cells in our gut as there are cells that make up our entire body. And billions are made and lost each day. Healthy bacteria

in our gut results in numerous health benefits (see list). The most commonly available probiotics as dietary supplements are the bacterial strains bifidobacterial and lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is also found in yogurt and produces lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose found in milk products. Once consumed, a percentage of probiotic bacteria will survive until they reach the gut and there displace unhealthy bacteria that have taken up residence. Probiotics survive best if aided by prebiotics. Prebiotics are not a type of bacteria but rather the food on which the bacteria in our gut thrive. Dietary fiber is a commonly known and used prebiotic. Prebiotics are in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes. They are generally indigestible in the stomach and small

List of Major Benefits Provided by Gut Bacteria: • Aids in digestion, especially protein and reabsorption of water • Helps to absorb and synthesize vitamins • Functions to boost immune response for our entire body • Fights toxic bacteria known to cause unwanted symptoms and disease • Aids with the strengthening and action of the cells that line the colon

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intestine, so they can survive until they reach the gut bacteria in the colon. These fibers undergo fermentation in the large intestine as the gut bacteria digest them and are partly broken down into gases and acids. Eventually, what remains is discarded as waste. Prebiotics are therefore critical for enhancing a thriving bacteria population in our gut and also providing fiber in our colon to promote “good” bacteria with greater health benefits. In addition, a healthy gut benefits our entire body and even our brain. This relationship is sometimes called the Gut-Brain or Gut-Body connection. Research has found that an irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to our brain that trigger mood changes. These mood changes have been linked to both anxiety and depression. A healthy gut helps to modulate mood and our immune system. The immune system helps our entire body control excessive inflammation—the common cause of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. A healthy diet, with pre- and probiotics, can go a long way to improve gut health. If you have persistent symptoms of colon pain or bleeding, seek out medical attention. n

YOUR HEALTH

What is Elder Law? UPMC Aging Institute

o you have a question about Powers of Attorney, wills and trusts? Unsure where to find more information or an expert specializing in this field? A great place to start is with an attorney, specifically an elder law attorney that focuses on many of the legal questions and issues that can arise in the later years of life. What exactly is elder law? Elder law is a legal specialty that is devoted to the needs and rights of older adults. This field looks at legal issues that older adults and their families might encounter surrounding health care, government benefits, elder abuse, fraud, various disorders and disabilities, guardianship, financial planning, and much more. Why might you need an elder law attorney? Many of the concerns that elder law attorneys address involve both legal and financial considerations. These attorneys have the training to assist with preparing a will, discussing a financial and/or medical Power of Attorney, and estate planning. You may also have questions about long-term care which is an area that may involve medical, legal, and financial issues all at the same time. Individuals and families may need to consider the spend-down process and gov-

ernment benefit requirements. When thinking about longterm care, there is a lot to process and an abundance to understand; it is also important to be sure to address the legal elements as well. Elder law attorneys can serve as a knowledgeable third party who can help walk individuals through these processes. There is not one standard answer to how to handle this process, so it can be a good idea to seek out an expert. How do you find out if an attorney specializes in elder law? Your county’s Bar Association could refer you to one who has this specialty. Some Bar Associations even offer a discounted initial consultation if you use their lawyer referral service. In addition, there may be local non-profit organizations in your area that can offer legal advice or guidance. It is important to explore these resources to see what might fit your needs. You may want to consider asking in-depth questions about the attorney’s background to make sure he or she is a good fit. Here are some examples: • Is there a specific area of elder law in which you specialize? Such as: estate planning, conservatorship (when someone is unable to take care of him/herself, a conservator or guardian may be appointed to manage finances and care), or discrimination. • How much of your time is spent on elder law and related cases? • Will you be the one working on my case or another person in your office? Whoever is assigned my case, have they worked on this type of case before? • It is important to take the time at the beginning of the process to ensure that all your needs will be properly addressed. Want to learn more? The Aging Institute is sponsoring a Free Legal and Financial Workshop for Seniors designed for older adults and caregivers in the community. This is an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the expert. Discussion includes but is not limited to: • Estate Planning • Powers of Attorney • Veteran Benefits n Conference Details:

Free Legal and Financial Workshop for Seniors Wednesday, March 27, from 10 AM to 3 PM Lauri Ann West Community Center 1220 Powers Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Register at 1-866-430-8742 The Aging Institute is committed to supporting the needs of our community’s aging population. Contact us with questions at 1-866-4308742 or aging@upmc.edu. And visit our website at Aging.UPMC.com for helpful guides and resources, videos, and information about our educational programs.

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Rock Steady Boxing Weigh-Ins on the Bout with Parkinson’s at the Oxford Athletic Club By Paula Green

arkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative movement disorder that can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with this debilitating disease each year. One national program that gained popularity in the battle with PD is Rock Steady Boxing. This successful form of therapy was founded in 2006 by Scott Newman of Indianapolis, Ind. At the young age of 40, Newman was diagnosed with the onset of PD. He began an intense boxing regimen and noticed that it drastically improved his physical health, agility and daily functioning. We are fortunate that Rock Steady Boxing is thriving locally at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford. The program began in November 2017. The program is held from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is run by Maria Berexa, an ACE-certified personal trainer, and fellow coaches Kathy Gonano and Jaime Young. “The Rock Steady Boxing has taken off; we have about 27 regular members. We also have many wonderful volunteers that come faithfully every week to help. It is important for people to enroll at the early onset of PD. Rock Steady Boxing does not cure Parkinson’s, but it helps with the symptoms. These people need to be active and moving, and we do some Tai Chi moves too. The Oxford also offers a yoga program that helps with PD as well. It is really affordable for people with PD to join, and that they can enjoy all the amenities that Oxford has to offer,” said Maria. “It is great to see the wonderful friendships they have formed in these classes. They are all in the same boat and look to each other for moral support. Their caregivers have formed awesome bonds as well,” Maria added. For more information on Rock Steady Boxing at the Oxford, visit http://www.oxfordathleticclub.com/ rock-steady-boxing/. There is an upcoming Rock Steady Boxing Class & Yoga event to be held 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Mar. 28 at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford. It is sponsored by Encompass Health & the Parkinson Foundation. RSVP by Mar. 21, at (724) 933-1911 x0 or email nsilva@pcgcapital.com. n

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

REAL ESTATE

Why Use a Realtor ? ®

By Deb Walton, REALTOR®, SRES

There are many out there who enter the home buying or selling process and wonder why they may need a Realtor®. What exactly do Realtors® do for their clients? More than 80 percent of buyers purchase their home through a real estate agent. If you don’t use an agent to sell your home, you risk losing exposure to 80 percent of the buying population. On the home buying side, a Realtor® can help you navigate through an extensive process full of important decisions and legally binding paperwork.

nother question that comes to mind often is what is the difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor®? Although both must be licensed to sell real estate, the main difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is the latter is a member of the National Association

of REALTORS®. A REALTOR® must subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which includes 17 articles. Pat Vredevoogd-Combs, past president of the National Association of REALTORS®, testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Housing to address government complaints about industry pricing. As part of her testimony, she submitted a list of 184 things that listing agents do in every real estate transaction. “By all accounts,” she said, “the general public is not aware of all the services that agents provide to sellers and buyers during the course of the transaction, probably because most of the important services are performed behind the scenes.” A Realtor® is responsible for a myriad of activities during the pre-list process, the listing appointment presentation, after the listing agreement is signed, while entering the property in the Multi-List database, while marketing the listing throughout the selling process, while navigating the home inspection process, while following up on appraisal, during closing preparation and duties, during follow-up after the closing. These activities can range from reviewing comparable listings on a regular basis to ensure the property remains competitively priced to receiving and carefully reviewing closing figures for accuracy. Please use this link for the complete list of 184 tasks Pat Vredevoogd-Combs: https://lightersideofrealestate.com/real-estate-life/ agent-life/184-things-realtors-do-to-earn-their-commission. n

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

AND ASSOCIATES

Specializing in Wealth Preservation and Risk Reduction for over 20 years

oday, we are often advised to “live in the present moment” if we want to have peace of mind. However, to have peace of mind during your retirement years, you need to turn your thoughts from the present moment to the future. For more than 20 years, Brian Catale, founder of Brian Catale and Associates, has specialized in wealth preservation and risk reduction. The best time to start planning for your future is when you land your first job. “The ideal is to open a 401k with through your employer. Our endgame is always retirement,” Catale said. “But when you’re younger, you don’t think of it as much because retirement seems a long way off. But time is the biggest part of retirement. When you have time on your side, your money is going to grow. If you only have 10 years to prepare, it’s a lot harder to save more money in a shorter period of time.” “With the exponential increases in medical expenditures combined with required minimum distributions from their 401k’s or similar vehicles, seniors can easily price themselves out of affordable Medicare tiers,” said Catale. “A lot of people want to retire before their full retirement age. If they retire at 62, for example, they’re paying for insurance because Medicare

doesn’t kick in for another three more years,” he said. “When it does, people find they need supplemental insurance to meet their personal health costs. Then, after age 70½, we start receiving required minimum distributions from our 401k. This is why people need to have other sources of income in place that are tax free.” Even families who think they are prepared for the average retirement scenario—kids through college and having a substantial savings in place— need to prepare for the more common scenario of assisted living expenses. “Assisted living is one of the biggest topics we have been handling for our clients for the past 15 years or so. We are now living so much longer that the question has shifted from being an ‘IF we need assisted living expenses?’ to a WHEN we need assisted living?’” Catale said. “Unfortunately, if Mom or Dad has to spend $120,000 a year for a nursing home, their savings could be exhausted in 4-5 years. Where does that leave the spouse who remains at home? We help many clients who are looking at being out of money in 3-4 years because of age-related expenses. Those costs only go up over time and long-term care insurance companies have gone out of business left and right through the years,” said Catale. n

For more information on Brian Catale and Associates, from retirement planning to estate planning, or veteran benefits, go to bcatale.com or operationveteranbenefits.com online. You can also call them directly to set up a consultation today at 724.591.8479, or toll-free at 800.794.0929. Their offices are located at 910 Sheraton Drive, Suite 240, in Mars, 16046, where they can be found from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

PONDERING PITTSBURGH

Crossing Over Bridges in the ‘Burgh By Paula Green Pittsburgh is located at the point where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River. With three rivers to cross, it’s no wonder that we have numerous bridges. It is estimated that the ‘Burgh has 446 of them, which is why we are known as the “City of Bridges.” Pittsburgh’s first river crossing bridge, the Monongahela Bridge, was built in 1818 by Lewis Wernwag. This wooden bridge was destroyed on April 10, 1845, when the Great Fire of Pittsburgh ravaged through the region and destroyed a third of the city.

n 1846, John Roebling, who created the Brooklyn Bridge, replaced the wooden structure with a new wire rope suspension bridge. Due to heavy traffic flow, the bridge was rebuilt a third time and was reopened on

March 19, 1883. Today, this bridge is called the Smithfield Street Bridge and has the distinction of being Pittsburgh’s oldest bridge. It is a National Historic Civic Engineering Landmark as well as a National Historic Landmark. It is also the second-oldest steel bridge in the United States. The Hot Metal Bridge was originally built in 1887. It connects Pittsburghers from a business complex to the South Side Works. In the early 2000s, this historic bridge underwent a major overhaul to add pedestrian and bike paths. Our fair city is home to three sister bridges that span the Allegheny River between downtown and the North Side. The trio was built between 1924 and 1928. The Sixth Street Bridge called the Roberto Clemente Bridge, is nearest to the Point and PNC Park. The Seventh Street Bridge called the Andy Warhol Bridge crosses near the Andy Warhol Museum. The Ninth Street Bridge called the Rachel Carson Bridge, runs the nearest to her Springdale hometown.

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

The West End Bridge made its debut in late 1932 and crosses over the Ohio River, connecting the West End to the North Side. The 10th Street Bridge, also called the Philip Murray Bridge, was built in 1933. This bridge has the longest span across the Monongahela River and is the only cable suspension bridge across Pittsburgh’s three rivers. The George Westinghouse Bridge was built in 1932. This bridge was the longest concrete arch span in the United States for a time. It carries the Lincoln Highway over the Turtle Creek Valley and connects Pittsburgh to North Versailles. The Homestead Grays Bridge is an ode to Pittsburgh’s professional Negro League baseball team. It opened in 1937 as the Homestead High-Level Bridge. The truss bridge passes over the Monongahela River, connecting Homestead to Squirrel Hill. The true beauty of the city is captured, when folks drive through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and onto the Fort Pitt Bridge, and an amazing view of the Pittsburgh skyline emerges. Dating back to 1959, the Fort Pitt

Aging Gracefully

Bridge boasts two levels and crosses over the Monongahela River. In the 1980s, we saw the construction of the northeastern ramps of Fort Duquesne Bridge (1986) and the Veterans Bridge (1988). Fort Duquesne connects to Route 65 and Interstate 279 and Veterans with seven lanes linking to downtown and the North Side. Hopefully, we’ve spanned the horizon on some of Pittsburgh’s bridges which add beauty and attraction to our hometown. Happy crossings! n Sources: https://www.heinzhistorycenter. org/blog/western-pennsylvania-history/pittsburgh-the-city-of-bridges, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/greatfire-1845-pittsburgh/, http://exhibit.library. pitt.edu/pghbridges/, http://www.pghbridges. com/pittsburghW/0584-4476/smithfield.htm, https://www.tripsavvy.com/all-about-pittsburghs-three-sisters-bridges-2708399,https:// www.visitpittsburgh.com/blog/25-famouspittsburgh-bridges/,https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Navigation/Community/Arcadiaand-THP-Blog/December-2017/Best-HistoricalBridges-in-America

ging Gracefully is an Elder Care Management firm. So what do I do? My passion is working to help make the aging process less complicated. Many decisions need to be made, and we typically do not spend time thinking about how aging will affect us. My purpose is to come alongside you and your loved ones to set up a plan. We do not give it a second thought that one thing can happen to us that changes the course of our lives. Being an elder care manager and recently certified as a Certified Dementia Practioner from NCCDP, I have some suggestions as to how to make your experiences more malleable. Certainly, not every day nor every moment will go well, but we can all try our best. My goal is to try to help people to understand dementia. Dementia comes in many forms and there are over 100 different types. Whatever part of the brain that is affected will show in how the person responds to and tries to connect with their world. People with dementia live in a different world, sometimes a different time, and that is why they cannot recognize loved ones. Why are we so afraid of someone Lorna Gavin, RN with dementia? Often is it because we think that might happen to us. We just do not know how to respond to them, but we should try living in the moment with them. Do not criticize them. Do not point out that they are wrong. It is their reality that they are living. Acknowledge that they are feeling a certain way or that they are seeing things differently at that moment. When I was at an Alzheimer’s event about 10 years ago, a remark was made that stuck with me “They never forget that they are adults.” Do not treat them otherwise; rather reinforce the activity that you need them to do at the time. For example, if you need them to get in the car, get their coat and shoes ready and in front of them. Open the car door, talk in a calm, pleasing voice. If they are resisting doing something, check to see if they need to use the restroom, or if something is pinching them, or if they do not want you to touch them. Then just back off and give them a break; do not rush them. That only makes everyone anxious. You must remember that they cannot think ahead; they are living in the moment, one minute at a time. Even though your loved one might not be able to communicate with you, they do cue into your body language. If you look disgusted, they will react negatively to you. If you are tense or hyper-excited, they will be also. So, check how you are approaching them. Remember time means nothing to them, I suggest that you have a schedule up on the wall. Just list the day’s activities—get out of bed, eat breakfast, get dressed, exercise time, quiet time, etc. Then point to the activity you want them to do. If they worked with numbers all their life, like an accountant, give them some soft thing to sort out or even coins. Read them a book, or give them a picture book, show them pictures of family and friends. Be creative. I know this sounds like a lot of things to do. That is why getting help from someone like me might just give you the time you need. And do not forget about yourself, take time for yourself. There are things that can be done to make you and them safe, content, and thriving. n

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Step Back Into... Alaska becomes the 49th State and Hawaii becomes the 50th State Fidel Castro rises to power in Cuba after revolution becoming the first Communist state in the west By Paula Green

eb. 3, 1959, was called “The Day the Music Died.” A chartered plane transporting musicians Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper (J. P. Richardson Jr.) went down in an Iowa snowstorm. All four occupants on board were killed. The tragedy was later popularized in Don McLean’s hit song American Pie and touched on in the 1987 biopic about Richie Valens, La Bamba.

Average:

U.S. events

The average income was $5,010. Cost of a new home $12,400. The average cost of a new car was $2,200. Gasoline was 25 cents per gallon. Bread was 20 cents per loaf. A gallon of milk was $1.01. Twopound bag of coffee sold for 77 cents. The price of a first-class stamp was 4 cents. Movie ticket was $1. Ladies stockings sold for $1.

The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in New York City, is completed.

Firsts Sony ushers in the first transistorized TV set. Mattel introduces the “Barbie” doll. The United States launches the first weather station into space.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway, a joint US/Canadian venture, is completed linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. On Nov. 15, Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith murder four members of the Clutter family at their farm outside of Holcomb, Kan., (subject of the Truman Capote book In Cold Blood).

World News The Etch A Sketch was invented in France by Arthur Grandjean. The Dalai Lama is forced into exile; he flees Tibet for India.

The microchip was invented.

USSR Luna 2 crashes onto the Moon.

The BIC Crystal ballpoint pen was first sold for 19 cents.

An international agreement is signed to preserve Antarctica.

Troll dolls were created by Thomas Dam.

Entertainment

The Conair hair dryer changed the way hair was styled in American households. Volvo invented the modern seatbelt in 1959.

Academy Award, Best Picture: Ben Hur -won 11 Academy Awards including Best Actor for Charlton Heston. Other popular films –

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Anatomy of a Murder, Diary of Anne Frank, North by Northwest, Sleeping Beauty and Some Like it Hot. The term Rat Pack is first used to refer to entertainers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.

Television Popular shows – The iconic science fiction television series The Twilight Zone debuted on Oct. 2 on CBS. Bonanza premieres on NBC, the first weekly television series broadcast completely in color. Popular shows – Captain Kangaroo, Clutch Cargo, Dennis the Menace, Hawaiian Eye, Laramie, Leave it to Beaver, Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Perry Mason, Rawhide, Quick Draw McGraw, 77 Sunset Strip and Wagon Train.

Songs The top song was Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin. Other popular songs – Battle of New Orleans, Beyond the Sea, Donna, Misty, I Only Have Eyes for You, Only You, Personality, There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays and Venus.

Publishing Time Magazine’s Man of the Year is Dwight Eisenhower. Popular books – A Separate Peace, Starship Troopers, The Haunting of Hill House, The Sirens of Titans, Naked Lunch, A Canticle for Leibowitz and The Magic of Thinking Boy.

Sports NFL Champions – Baltimore Colts; NBA Champions – Boston Celtics; World Series Winner – Los Angeles Dodgers; Stanley Cup Champs – Montreal Canadiens. On July 7, the 26th MLB All-Star Game is played at Forbes Field. Willie Mays triples to score Hank Aaron as the National League wins 5-4.

Politics President – Dwight D. Eisenhower; Vice President – Richard M. Nixon

Quotes: “Well, nobody’s perfect.” – Osgood Fielding from Some Like it Hot “I still believe in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart.” – Anne Frank from The Diary of Anne Frank “You got yourself into some real trouble this time, Big Brother.” – Joe Cartwright from Bonanza Sources: http://www.thepeoplehistory. com/1959.html, https://fiftiesweb.com/pop/ prices-1959/, http://www.1959bhsmustangs. com/1959historicalevents.htm, https:// pop-culture.us/Annual/1959.html, http:// www.tvhistory.tv/1959%20QF.htm, http:// www.348-409.com/1959flash.html, www. onthisday/events/date/1959.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

55+ FEATURE

When to Take Medicare Part B By Crystal Manning

hroughout the past few years, many of you have relied on the information that I provide and have often contacted me with questions or concerns on Medicare insurance issues. One of the most common questions is when to make the part B election? In most cases, one should enroll in Medicare immediately after losing employment-based insurance to avoid gaps in coverage and to ensure that they do not receive the late enrollment penalty from Medicare. Once enrolled in Part B, the applicant should take steps to ensure that they obtain creditable drug coverage, and also should consider either enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan or purchasing a Medigap policy. Whether prescriptions are used or not, it is important to obtain a plan with prescription coverage to ensure that the part D penalty is not accessed by Medicare.

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

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

• If the applicant does have creditable drug coverage (coverage that is as good as or better than the Medicare prescription drug benefit) through their current insurance coverage, they will have a special enrollment period to choose a Part D plan for 63 days after loss of that coverage. They may also enroll in a drug plan or make changes to current drug coverage every year during Fall Open Enrollment, and there are several Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) they may be eligible for to make changes to your coverage. • An applicant may enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan after they have enrolled in Part B and before their Part B coverage is effective. They will also have opportunities to join a Medicare Advantage Plan or change their coverage during Fall Open Enrollment every year. • When the applicant enrolls in Part B, their Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins, which is one of the protected times available to buy a Medigap supplemental policy. This occurs during the first six months after reaching age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. For help evaluating your options, you may contact me, Crystal A Manning Licensed Medicare Advisor 412-716-4942 or email questions to crystalmanning33@gmail.com. n

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Senior Profile

Joe Bullick – Man About Town By Janice Lane Palko

f you read Northern Connection magazine’s “Town Crier” column, or this magazine’s “Remember When” column, you probably feel as if you know Joe Bullick personally as Joe pours his heart and memories into the words he writes. Joe is passionate about many things—his faith, his family and his hometown—often writing about them. Joe was born in 1931 and spent his entire life in the North Hills. He attended West View High School, where he met Emma, his wife. They were married in 1952 and have two children. A gifted athlete, Joe played semi-pro baseball and is a lifelong Pirates fan, and he coached softball for 18 years and girl’s golf at North Allegheny for 23 years. He also worked as a brick/block layer parttime and as a custodian for the North Allegheny School District, rising to supervisor of custodial services. A resident of Pine Township and a life-long member of St. Alphonsus Parish, Joe’s passion in his retirement years has been to act as a historian and preserve the history of the area. “I started collecting old photos, artifacts, historical maps along the way, and I opened the first museum 22 years ago at McKnight Elementary School,” said Joe, whose favorite piece in the collection is a pedal car. When the collection outgrew the school, ground was broken for a per

manent, dedicated museum. Two years ago, the museum, now called the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage Center, opened at 830 Pump House Lane in Wexford, just outside of North Park in a building designed to be a replica of a one-room school house. The collection includes North Allegheny School District photographs, documents, yearbooks and sports memorabilia as well as artifacts from popular culture such as household items, tools, military memorabilia and items from the surround-

ing communities of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Marshall, Pine and Ross Townships. Joe was named a Jefferson Award Honoree for his dedication to preserving the area’s history and for his volunteer work, but he credits others for their help. “A lot of people, too many to mention, helped with preserving the collection including the Town of McCandless, who saved the museum and made all of this possible,” said Joe, who invites anyone with fondness for history or the past to come for a visit by calling (724) 935-1854. n

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

YOUR FINANCES

How A Financial Plan Can Help You Achieve Your Bucket List

e spend a lot of time daydreaming about and planning how to achieve our goals. Charting a new career, creating a bucket list, helping a loved one reach success and other goals all have financial implications that deserve consideration. This is where a financial plan comes in. The goal of a plan is to lay out what success looks like to you, and how you can position your finances to help you get there. A well-crafted financial plan is: Personalized. Your plan should contain the details of your current financial situation and outline your life goals, both near-term and

extending into retirement. Using actual data can ground your plan in reality and help you see what you need to do to stay on track. Generally, there are four areas you should address: • Covering your essentials. Essentials are the monthly expenses that keep your life running, such as mortgage payments, utility bills and insurance premiums. Your financial plan should provide advice and solutions to cover your day-today needs while also providing for your necessary living expenses in retirement.

• Maintaining your lifestyle. Lifestyle refers to the things you want to do and how you want to live, today and in the future. If you dream of purchasing a second home or retiring in a warmer climate, your financial plan should quantify the costs of these goals and outline action steps to help you achieve them. • Preparing for the unexpected. Life is not without its surprises. Your financial roadmap should include contingency plans to help you stay on track financially when something unexpected happens to you or a loved one. This may include establishing an emergency fund and insurance coverage to help offset damaged property or lost wages. • Leaving a legacy. Your legacy is the impact you make on people, charities and causes that are important to you – now, in retirement and after your death. Key components are naming beneficiaries on key accounts, building charitable giving into your financial life and estate planning to determine how you want your assets to be distributed to your heirs. Comprehensive. All the bases of your financial life should be covered within your plan, from insurance to investments, cash flow, retirement, estate planning and everything in between. Include your financial obligations and goals, no matter how big or small they are. Seeing your full financial picture in one place makes it easier to adjust course or test scenarios as your priorities change down the road.

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Dynamic. A financial plan is not a static document you create once and never revisit. Rather, it puts a stake in the ground that can inform future decisions. Your financial plan should be updated as your life goals and circumstances change. Trackable. Without a plan, it is difficult to determine if you will be prepared to meet your anticipated retirement date, whether you have sufficient sums saved to put a child through college, or if you’ve taken proper steps to protect your family. In this way, your financial plan can help you stay accountable to your financial future. Useful, no matter your net worth. Turning your goals into reality without a financial plan is a lot like driving in an unfamiliar place without a GPS. Regardless of how much you make or have saved, a financial plan can help you be strategic with your dollars. If you have not yet had a comprehensive financial plan prepared for you and your family, consider working with an advisor who can help you get started. Together, you can identify doable steps to help you work toward your financial dreams. n Antonio C. Aiello, CFP®, CRPC®, Private Wealth Advisor and Lisa A. Brooks, CFP®, CRPC®, Financial Advisor are with Premier Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They specialize in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and have been in practice for 19 years. To contact them, please visit www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/premierwealth-partners or call 412.837.1050. Their office is located at 8150 Perry Highway, Suite 212, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Kurt Shaw & Co.

urt Shaw & Co., personal property appraisers, works with banks, law firms, trust and estate professionals, heirs, and private clients across the greater Pittsburgh/Tri-State area providing comprehensive appraisal services. Since 2002, our thorough, well-researched, formal appraisals have earned us a solid reputation for professionalism, integrity and accuracy. Kurt Shaw, IFAA, AAM, is a Certified Member of International Fine Art Appraisers (IFAA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). If you are downsizingand need to sell antiques, need to figure out what items are worth, are deciding what items to insure or which family member gets what, we can help. It takes a qualified appraiser to know whether you’ve got a one-in-a-million treasure or a run-of-the-mill trinket. Mr. Shaw is a regular guest appraiser on KDKA’s “Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures” television program. For 16 years, he was the Art Critic for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and for 12 years, he owned and operated Shaw Galleries, an art and antique gallery on Liberty Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh. Kurt Shaw & Co. offers in-home consultations in the following areas: Beaver, Butler, Cranberry, East Liverpool, Fairmont, Fox Chapel, Greensburg, Grove City, Ligonier, Mars, McCandless, Monroeville, Morgantown, Moundsville, Mt. Lebanon, New Castle, Peters, Pittsburgh, Sewickley, Sharon, Slippery Rock, Steubenville, Uniontown, Upper St. Clair, Washington, Weirton, Wheeling, Zelienople, and the remaining tristate areas of Southwestern Pennsylvania, South Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia. n

File # 2154507 (Approved until 06/2020)

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

REM EM BER WHEN

Spring Is in the Air By Joe Bullick

pring has sprung in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania! If we observe nature in all of its beauty, we know that this is breeding season for opossums, skunks, flying squirrels and muskrats across the north. That eerie howling noise you may have heard could be a

coyote calling for a mate. Fish will soon be spawning too in lakes and streams. In the Ohio River valley and nearby states, zebra butterflies are emerging from chrysalides. Your porch lights may also attract luna moths. What a pleasure it is to see the trees budding and feel the

spring breeze after winter. When I was a young boy, our place was jumping in the spring. My mom always made me cupcakes with pink and blue frosting, then she put me to work spring cleaning. We washed all the windows and walls and cleaned the wallpaper. If that wasn’t enough, then we took the rugs out and beat the heck out of them. Then we got the garden ready. I love spring flowers. We always had tulip and daffodils emerging this time of year. Speaking of flowers, we always enjoyed Phipps Spring Flower Show. Why not take a bike ride around the city to get a view of the Pittsburgh in bloom? If biking is not your thing, there are many places where you can get a spring view of the city like Mount Washington, Fineview on the North Side and the West End Overlook in Elliot. Kennywood opens in May and many of the ice cream shops reopen that were closed for the winter. Don’t forget Gus and Yia’s ice balls in West Park on the North Side, which has been there for more than 80 year. I leave you with this: O, how this spring of love resembleth the uncertain glory of an April day. — William Shakespeare

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

ADVERTORIAL

Reclaimed Memories, LLC,

Comes to the Rescue By Janice Lane Palko

MULTI-DAY TOURS

(All multi-day tours are priced per person, double occupancy)

Spring in Bloom at Oglebay Resort

May 6-7......................................................$340

Ellis Island & 9/11 Memorial Museum

May 13-15 & June 24-26............................$529

Charleston, South Carolina

May 19-24..................................................$985

New York City 3 Day

June 14-16 & July 19-21............................$530

f the mere thought of decluttering, downsizing or perhaps even liquidating an estate induces sweaty palms or a rise in blood pressure, don’t stress. There is help. Reclaimed Memories, LLC, can streamline the process, relieving you of the burden of parting with items. “If you need help, all you need do is give me a call. We meet at your home; we walk-through and then we discuss what your needs are. In every case and every home, the needs are different,” said Kimberly Bocchi, owner of Reclaimed Memories, the family-owned and operated business. “I have recently had to liquidate my grandmother’s estate, so I know how sensitive a time this can be for a family,” said Kim. Reclaimed Memories will quote a fee for their services, and then will sort, price and display items. “We go through the house methodically to place items in logical order for sale,” said Kim. After the sale, Kim and her Mom Janice Ashton, daughter Allie Early, team clean up and leave the and owner Kim Bocchi premises broom-swept. She and her team also know how to reclaim or re-home collectibles. “My significant other and I have been into antiques for more than 20 years,” said Kim. Kim and her knowledgeable staff also advertise the sale and give an itemized accounting of things sold. “We also consult with clients about donating any leftovers to the charity of their choice. We have made donations to homeless veterans and women’s shelters around and in Pittsburgh,” said Kim. Not only does Reclaimed Memories do liquidations but it can also help you declutter or downsize. “I have helped people downsize their home while they already living out of state,” Kim said. When it comes to decluttering, you may not want people walking through your house. “In that case,” said Kim, “we can have a sale offsite.” Reclaimed Memories can even help hoarders. Kim knows how hard it is to part with a loved one’s possessions. “I think about my grandmother and her things. Each item of hers came with a story. She owned nothing valuable, but she would have wanted her things to go to people who need them or who would reclaim them for future memories. I take personal items and the memories associated with them and pass them along to another, thereby reclaiming those memories.” n

Jesus in Lancaster

June 21-22 & Oct 4-5.................................$425

National Parks Tour

July 6-20..................................................$2,799

CASINO TOURS Resorts Atlantic City

Apr 14-17 & May 19-22..............................$352

Tropicana Atlantic City

Jun 16-20...................................................$573

ONE-DAY TOURS Sentimental Jukebox Journey

Apr 11...........................................................$99

Punxsutawney Phil & Jimmy Stewart

Apr 30*........................................................$104

Springtime in Amish Country

May 8*........................................................$108

Roaring ‘20’s Geneva-on-the-Lake

May 15*......................................................$136

NYC Saturday Express

May 18 & June 22.......................................$140

Tootie Fruitie

May 22........................................................$117

America’s Heroes of the 21st Century

May 29..........................................................$92

Boxcar Escapade on Horseshoe Curve

June 1.........................................................$146

AIR & CRUISE TOURS California Coast

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Bus to Bermuda Cruise

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8 Night Southeast Coast & Bahamas Cruise

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Call us for a free consultation: 724-487-3852 www.reclaimedmemoriesllc.com

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

SPRING ’19 HAPP Collections North Hills Community Outreach is collecting safety items for seniors. For details, visit nhco.org or call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Entertainment Afternoon Tea, 1:30-3:30 p.m., May 5, in Oldenski Hall at St. Ferdinand Church on Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp. Enjoy scones, tea sandwiches, desserts & various teas. Basket raffles, 50/50 raffle & door prizes. Adults $17; children 4-10 $6; children 3 & under free. For Reservations, call Mary Lou at (724) 625-3388.

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Mar. 23, The Skyliners; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Apr. 13, Jersey Season Tribute; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Apr. 27, Shadows of the 60s: A Tribute to Motown’s Super Groups, 7:30 p.m., May 18, Branson On the Road, Jun. 8, Johnny Angel and the Halos, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/productions.

Gardening Longvue Acres Garden Club, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 26, Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway in McCandless. Program: The Other Bulbs; Beyond Tulips, Hyacinths, and Daffodils by local bulb expert, Len Lehman. Free

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& open to the public. For info, contact longvueacresgardenclub1950.gmail.com.

Health & Wellness Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit. Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m., every Mon & Thurs, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented by Lutheran SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 307-1797.

North Hill Community Outreach provides Safety Checks for Seniors. Interested seniors who reside in northern Allegheny County should email Cathy at clpschirer@nhco.org or call (412) 307-0069 x3313. Pennsylvania consumers are encouraged to sign up for a new text alert system through his Bureau of Consumer Protection to raise their awareness on how to avoid becoming a scam victim. For info, visit https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumer-alerts/

Meals on Wheels McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp.,

ENINGS Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships. 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. Call (724) 935-1877.

Medical North Hills Community Outreach offers free medication safety screenings for seniors living in northern Allegheny County, north of the city of Pittsburgh. For details contact, Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313.

Seminars Legacy Theatre Seminars: 11 a.m., Mar. 19, Charity Fraud. For info, visit thelegacylineup/ seminars/.

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

Senior Meetings AARP 2991, Perrymont North meets at noon, the 3rd Thurs. of each month, Sept. thru May, Northmont Church on Perry Hwy. Lunch is served for a nominal fee followed by a business meeting and an activity. Trips are offered. Membership is limited. Call (412) 366-5942 for info. Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. The club features activities, social events and local trips. For info, call Bill at (724) 776-1933.

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) 816-2159. Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church , 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.

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the Pittsburgh region, visit, http://www.amazingsingles. com/pittsburgh.html. AUP Club, have fun & meet new people with the Association of University People/AUP. We are looking for single, 4-year college graduates over 50 to join us for monthly dinners, meet at various social spots, gatherings and Scrabble. For info, call (412) 734-8445 or visit us at www. aupsinglespittsburgh.org. Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, has dances, retreats and plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http://www.cacpittsburgh.org/. Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals lists upcoming events for singles, kids, and married folks. It enlightens Pittsburghers on dining, shopping and recreational events. Go to http:// www.visitpittsburgh.com/eventsfestivals. (Continued on page 28)

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Spring 2019

CALLING ALL TRAP SHOOTERS Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp 8th Annual Trap Shoot for Heroes Saturday June 8, 2019 Northside Sportsmen’s Association Benefits Wounded Veterans For more information or to register go to WHHC.org

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049. 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. Home Instead Senior Care® has a program to help families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com. Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 7795020.

Volunteer Opportunities Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685. Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org. North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteer dispatchers for their senior shuttles. For info, contact Kerry at kkmulhern@nhco.org or (412) 449-0151.

Spring 2019 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

North Hills Community Outreach urgently needs volunteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-help-seniors/. For details, call Kerry, (412) 4490151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org. Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program seeks volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh & Woodland Hills School Districts in grades K-4. Trainings are held at the Duquesne Light Building downtown Pittsburgh. For info or to register, contact John at OASIS at (412) 393-7648 or jdspehar@oasisnet.org. UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for an opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. New members welcome. For info, contact Alice at (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu. Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 2244700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

Tax Prep AARP Tax Prep, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs., thru Apr. 11, Northland Library. Must call & register, (412) 366-8100 x113.