Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine Summer 2017 issue

FREE

Summer 2017

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE

with Chiropractic Family Health Centers

Also: Joe Negri is Still in the Neighborhood Remembering West View Park

Summer Happenings

“I can’t believe I can Dance Again” – Mary Learn More at MaryDancedIn.com

“We’re everyday, normal people, we are older, but now is the time to take care of ourselves because we want our lifestyle to continue and be healthy and active. It’s never too late to start!

My wife and I decided that we needed to lose weight. We tried to do it on our own, but we didn’t have the discipline.

We heard Dr. Chufo on the radio and it sounded like a real program, no 500 calories, or the “latest in the 21st century new technology.” We figured if it was new technology, it would be all over the news and who couldn’t lose weight on 500 calories??? We have stayed with Dr. Chufo for a few reasons.

One, it works, both my wife and I have lost significant pounds and inches. Two, we both are learning how to live our regular, everyday lives when it comes to eating. Three, we love the complements we each receive. Four, we’ve been on vacation and have gone through holidays not missing a beat and have maintained our weights. Five, going into her office is fun, happy, and uplifting.

You get warmly greeted and Dr. Chufo sees you herself, each and every time.

We go once a week for about an hour.

She gives you eating plans, supplements to take away cravings and inches, make you feel happier, and good supplements for wellness. Her protein shakes are the best, and we eat normal, every day food. She stays with you twice as long to make sure you keep the weight off for good with an 85% success rate on an eating plan that you can eat forever. As a Marine, I only go for the best and I’ve chosen the best yet again.

Phil lost 40 lbs. & 40 inches

You keep the weight off for good with an 85% success rate on an eating plan that you can eat forever.

Linda lost 30 lbs. & 40 inches

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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PUBLISHER’S NOTES

Welcome to the summer issue of Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazine!

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ummer has arrived and it is a beautiful season in Pittsburgh. There is always so much to do from baseball games to Kennywood Park to church festivals and county fairs. There are many walking and bike trails to explore as well as swimming pools and lakes. Venture out and try something different with friends and family this summer.

Many of you remember Joe Negri as Handyman Negri from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood! Well believe it or not, he is still in the neighborhood performing with his jazz band. He will be performing at the Kean Theatre at St. Barnabas on August 11. You can read more about Joe and his music in this issue. If you have the opportunity, be sure to get your tickets and see his amazing performance in August.

Many of you will also remember West View Park! After 71 years of entertaining families West View Park closed in 1977. In this issue, we feature a nostalgic look back at some fun facts about the park. Also in this issue, test your knowledge and see how much you remember about the year 2002!

Enjoy reading the summer issue of Pittsburgh FiftyFive Plus magazine. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! n

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”

Walt Disney

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 ETB Distribution

Laura Arnold

Mary Simpson

llpspc@consolidated.net

mlsspc@consolidated.net

Marianne Reid Anderson

Paula Green

info@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

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.

Find us on under Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine!

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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.

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Contents 6

Cover Story: Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Can Be Pain-Free and Active Again!

Don’t Give Up! Dr. Shawn Richey, DC

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Wandering in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

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Making a Family Tree from Steel Nathan Rakaczky

10 Pain Treatments Don’t Always Have to Be Pain Pills – What are the Alternatives Dr. Joseph Maroon 12 Trim Down While Temps Rise Dr. Michael Vactor, DC

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16 Joe Negri is Still in the Neighborhood Marianne Reid Anderson 18 Downsizing – Where Do I Even Begin?

Janet McKay, CNE, SRES 20 How Much Income Do You Really Need in Retirement? Brian Catale 21 Serving a Thriving Market Deborah Walton 29 Senior Profile: Hana Haatainen-Caye

In Every Issue...

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From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

14 Remember When: Welcoming the Good Ole’ Summertime Joe Bullick 22 The Good Old Days: Step Back into 2002 Paula Green 24 Pondering Pittsburgh: West View Park Remembered Paula Green 26 Summer ’17 Happenings

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to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

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COVER STORY

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t Give Up!

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Can Be Pain-Free and Active Again! Don’t Give Up!

Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. They are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, horrible pain sensations of burning and constant needling, difficulty walking, numbness and consequently, the interruption or inability to stay asleep.

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

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et, sufferers are being told, “There’s nothing that can be done” or that, “You have to live with the pain.” Many sufferers are being over-medicated with pain medicines that don’t cure and run the risk of severe side effects and/or addiction.

Over the years, Dr. Shawn Richey’s program has a 91 percent satisfaction rate if patients are diagnosed correctly with true peripheral neuropathy.

How? Through a specialized treatment protocol that is available through Dr. Richey’s practice at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. This program is designed to heal neuropathy rather than just deal with the symptoms.

Once thought to be incurable, peripheral neuropathy

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Mary Danced In...

“When Mary arrived for her 2nd visit, she opened the door and danced from the front door to my desk with this huge smile on her face and then, she started bawling. She starts telling me that this was the first time in 12 years that she felt relief. Then I started to well up.”

Mary Danced In is just one of Dr. Shawn’s hundreds of neuropathy success stories.

Mary was about to start using a walker, but instead, Dr. Shawn set her up on a Brand New Technological Light System that is non-invasive and painless. She felt relief – and hope – after her first visit!

Visit MaryDancedIn.com to learn more!

A Doctor’s Perspective...

“At first, I was skeptical,” admits Dr. Richey, “so when a patient comes to me for help and is just as skeptical as I was, I completely understand and agree. That’s why I give the first initial consultation and treatment for free and then offer a six visit trial run to make sure they start feeling changes.”

“This is not how I started out,” Dr. Richey explains, “I graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic with a Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology because I knew I wanted to help people and help people suffering with pain to feel better. I still practice chiropractic but when this treatment was first introduced to me, I had some serious doubts. But no more, after witnessing the incredible, healing results that I see every day and hear from patients, I am in a continual loop of inspiration and determination.”

“The thing I find most staggering,” shares Dr. Richey, “is how many people are suffering from peripheral neuropathy and the fact that nothing has been done about it before. Since 2013, I have seen over 1000 patients and learning of their devastating stories and life stealing symptoms has opened my eyes to the severity of this disease. Then to see the patients’ reactions, their joy in the diminished pain, their delight in getting their lives back is so rewarding. To see Mary dance in to my office after just one treatment (hence MaryDancedIn.com) just makes my days great. – Dr. Shawn Richey

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.

Dr. Shawn Richey has helped over a thousand patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy throughout the region.

He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. These can leave patients still struggling and wondering down the long road of endless disappointment.

Now, he is able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free

About a year after I had my knee replaced, my legs and feet began to have a tingling sensation that kept increasing over the years. I also had really bad balance whenever I closed my eyes and other than the tingling, I really felt nothing with my feet. I was even starting to have trouble driving because I really couldn’t feel the pedals right. I went to see doctors and specialists and they said it was “neuropathy” but that there wasn’t a cure. Several family members are nurses and healthcare professionals – they checked with doctors they know and they all said there was no cure for neuropathy. So, I was very skeptical when I went to see Dr. Shawn. All the experts were saying there was no cure and then there was just this one guy saying he might be able to help. Well, I gave it a go, and I am a skeptic no longer. Not only is the pain and tingling going away but the feeling is coming back. The other day, I was walking with bare feet on the carpet and I felt myself step on something – I hunted for it and finally found it was the tiniest pebble. I never would have been able to feel that before the treatments. I have already recommended Dr. Shawn to other people experiencing the same thing and I encourage other people to give it a try no matter how skeptical they are. – Bill, West View

approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair. n

Chiropractic Family Health Center Now has offices in two convenient locations!

Sewickley: 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 Latrobe: 1901 Ligonier Street.

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 MaryDancedIn.com www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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55+ FEATURE

Wandering in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Wandering is a common behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. And once individuals begin to show signs of wandering behaviors, they are at a highrisk of wandering away or becoming lost. Six out of 10 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease will wander away from home or from a loved one, and three out of ten will be considered missing or lost. This behavior can be very distressing for caregivers and dangerous for the individual.

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hile the exact causes of wandering behavior are not fully understood, it may occur in some individuals who are searching for something or trying to get back to a place they remember like a job or favorite destination. It may be an innate longing to “go home,” even though they are home already. And sometimes people just wander or walk away because they are restless, agitated or distracted.

There are clues that persons with dementia may be at risk for wandering. In addition to expressing a desire to go home, they may also say things like “I need to get to work” or “I have to go shopping.” Additionally, they may not recognize their house anymore or recall the location of their bedroom or bathroom. They may exhibit disorientation and an inability to stay on task. They may not remember to come back into the house when they are outside.

Creating a secure environment that may prevent wandering or make it difficult for an individual to wander can be achieved via a number of measures. At home, locks on doors, door or window alarms, and child proof door knob covers are recommended. Car keys should be secured out of sight. Placing interesting objects near exits may divert an individual from his or her impulse to leave. The individual should not be left alone in any environment, and it may be helpful to obtain a personal location tracking device.

It is also important to manage the restless behavior that can feed the impulse to wander with productive activity, regular physical exercise, and adequate sleep. Avoid arguing if possible. And be sure to report behavior changes or increased confusion to the individual’s physician.

Should a person wander away, time is of the essence.

Of the 125,000 lost incidents that occur annually in the United States, 46% of these individuals perish if not located within the first 24 hours. There are several immediate steps to be taken. These include: • Notifying police immediately. Call 911.

• Having and enacting a safety plan and a phone tree to alert friends and family.

• Alerting local businesses and neighbors prior to an occurrence of wandering to increase awareness of your loved ones condition and tendencies.

• Using social media when applicable.

• Contacting your local state police barracks as soon as possible. Here in Pennsylvania, the State Police admin-

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ister the Missing and Endangered Person Advisory System.

The Wanderers Information Sheet (WIS) was designed to help family members of dementia patients and local law enforcement, should a loved one or family member wander away from home and become lost. This resource can be found on the Aging Institute’s website, Aging.UPMC. com. Download the information sheet or contact the Aging Institute to obtain the form, complete it, and have copies of it handy for law enforcement in the event that the person under your care wanders away and becomes lost.

All searches begin with an investigative component.

This requires dozens of questions to aid law enforcement and search teams determine where and how to look.

This information is critical to the success of the search.

Completion of this WIS form, before an incident, allows the searching to start sooner and aids in collecting more accurate information.

For more information about preventing unsafe wandering in persons with dementia, creating a safe environment, and location or tracking devices that are available for families, contact Betty Robison, Gerontology Educator at the Aging Institute at 1-866-430-8742. n

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

The Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh is committed to providing comprehensive resources in support of older adults and their caregivers, including professional caregivers.

We are pleased to be bringing Robert J. Koester, renowned expert in Search and Rescue, to Pittsburgh this summer for a one-day, leading-edge seminar on strategies for searching for an individual with dementia.

This extraordinary continuing education opportunity for professionals takes place on August 31 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cumberland Woods Village in Allison Park, PA. For more information, call 412-8642396 or email edingerpj@upmc.edu.

55+ FEATURE

Making a Family Tree from Steel Genealogy Made Easy in The City of Bridges

By Nathan Rakaczky

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ometimes, when given the right circumstance, the past can define us in beautiful ways and give the lost surnames and forgotten relatives some semblance of who they are. Genealogy has become a hot topic when Ancestry.com started their DNA database: growing to nearly two million DNA samples and gaining the company a 13.1% increase in sales during 2016. However, many of the tools to find lost photos, read breathtaking stories, and rekindle nostalgic conversations with old friends and family can all be accomplished without paying $100 for a DNA test and a large monthly fee. In Pittsburgh, the neighborhoods, littering the large areas demarcated as Hazelwood or North Side, starting all the way in Fairywood and ending in the East Hills or Lincoln Place provide an easy way to start your search with friend you never knew you had.

Let’s start with the simplest means of retracing the Pittsburgh lineage…Facebook! Facebook houses many community pages based on the desires to find lost friends and photos in the Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Search the Facebook archives for your neighborhoods name and start sending those emails. Growing up in Hazlewood, frequently visited by my own father—an alumnus of Central Catholic who grew up on George Kay Road—provides little quips about the tornado on Mt. Washington in 1998 or posts of old yearbook photos from St. Stephens for classmates to see and comment. Most importantly, with a little digging and some luck, you may just get a Facebook message from an old relative or blurry videos depicting a forgotten picnic. With the right questions and a few photos capturing a forgotten loved one, you may find that one link to a family tree reaching further back than you ever imagined. My father started a new relationship with a cousin related back to his greatgrandmother and received old photos that would have been lost to the Rakaczky family forever.

For those of you looking to find archival data and draw out a family tree, there are free resources all around to search census information, death certificates, and marriage certificates.

Libraries offer classes on Genealogy and teach an overview of the specific resources. If you don’t have the time to take a class, libraries still have large collections of newspapers, census records, passenger lists, naturalization records, and military service records. The best way to search is to go to many different libraries including university and government. Thesis and federal records may uncover a secret genius that started Isaly’s chipped ham recipe or a relative who has been incarcerated.

Most importantly, you need a good website to house all your new photos and draw out your family tree. Crestleaf has an online service for storing up to 1 GB of photographs, and My Heritage has a family tree builder for free online use. So, forge on! Find all you can about your past in hopes of creating a better future and teach your children the wonderful moments that bring a smile to your face. n

Nathan Rakaczky is a senior English and Secondary Education Major with a minor in Special Education at Saint Vincent College. He is interning this summer for Maritom, LLC, working on projects for Northern Connection magazine, Pittsburgh FiftyFive Plus magazine, and Stabertson Technologies premier product: Apps4Clubz.

Sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/126788180666026/ https://genealogists.com/2015/07/20-best-online-family-tree-builders/ http://www.wikihow.com/Trace-Family-Genealogy-at-the-Library https://genealogists.com/2015/07/20-best-online-family-tree-builders/ https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/newsroom/press-releases/ancestrycom-llc-reports-first-quarter-2016-financial-results

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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55+ FEATURE

Pain Treatments Don’t Always Have to Be Pain Pills – What are the Alternatives?

Joseph C. Maroon M.D. Too often physicians and patients feel that a successful doctor’s appointment must include a prescription. In truth, these prescriptions could be for tests, therapies or procedures, but often, for patients suffering from pain, they are for pain pills.

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’m happy to say that over the last 10 years this almost reflex-like reaction to prescribe pain medications has been changing. The ongoing prescription drug abuse crisis, public education on the risks of addiction and recent major studies showing long-term pain medication is ineffective over time are beginning to make a difference.

Along with these changes, numerous

alternative therapies to pain medications can be both effective and have far fewer side effects. In my own practice of neurosurgery I introduced omega-3 fish oils for spine-related pain over ten years ago.

Eventually, I had hundreds of patients taking fish oil for joint pain. After doing a survey of its effectiveness I was shocked to find almost 2/3s stopped or reduced their pain medications like Tylenol (the most common cause of liver transplantation) and ibuprofen and other non-steroidals (responsible for gastric ulcers in over 100,000 people per year). Since then I have written significantly fewer prescriptions for both pain pills and drugs for inflammation.

One of the most important ways to relieve pain is to know its source. For Americans the most common cause is related to joint and muscle pain associated

with arthritis and inflammation. Fish oil functions as a natural anti-inflammatory.

In addition, dietary supplements, physical therapy, muscle massage, acupuncture and aqua therapy are all effective ways to relieve or reduce joint related pain without taking pain pills.

The therapies, such as physical, occupation and aqua all work to help relieve pain through the same central mechanisms by improving strength and rangeof-motion of joints and limbs. Done regularly these therapies can reduce inflammatory pain and preserve joint function to provide long-term pain relief. Aqua therapy has become very popular because it removes the forces of gravity on joints during exercise and can be used even in cases of severe arthritis.

Both muscle massage and acupuncture work to relieve pain by simulating pressure points throughout the body called myofascial trigger points. By simulating these points, either with needling or deep pressure, alternative nerve signals are sent to the spinal cord and brain that can overwhelm and suppress the action of pain nerve fibers. Both treatments can be very relaxing and provide a mind-body experience to help overcome pain.

Finally, not all pain relieving treatments have to involve a medical specialist.

Weight loss, daily exercise and stretching, applications of heat and ice all can be done individually and often with good results.

Don’t forget bracing and other joint supports that can help to regain mobility and limit pain.

Pain can be overwhelming and allconsuming for many, and occasional shortterm pain medications can make a great difference. But the next time you see your doctor, consider a discussion about alternatives to pain medications. In my own practice most of my patients are grateful to try these alternatives and often have surprisingly positive results. n Joseph C. Maroon, MD is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, Nutritional and Sports Medicine Expert. Dr. Maroon has written and lectured extensively on brain health and healthy life choices. As a competitive Ironman triathlete, Dr. Maroon practices what he preaches and is committed to the promoting healthy choices to his patients and readers.

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www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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YOUR HEALTH

TRIM DOW Don’t Wait to Lose C

all Dr. Michael Vactor TODAY at (724) 742-2700 to get the weight off and keep it off – don’t wait until the end of summer and miss the hot, summer fun! Instead, CALL TODAY! EXERCISE is OPTIONAL. The focus of Dr. Vactor’s weight loss program is getting the pounds off first. This way exercise programs will not contribute to the risk of injury, joint pain or over-exertion from carrying too much weight. A trimmer you will be much more energetic and capable of joining in your favorite summer activities.

Dr. Vactor’s innovative weight loss program focuses on shedding the pounds and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. Unlike other programs that you may have tried, this program focuses on weight loss first; then, helps you to readjust to the thinner you.

Here are just a few of the overall benefits of Dr. Michael Vactor’s LIFE-CHANGING Program: SAFE, FAST, EASY AND EFFECTIVE NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS • Lose at least a 1/2 pound per day, per cycle • NO cravings, NO hunger pains, NO pre-packaged foods • Helps burn fat while you sleep, raises your metabolism • Learn life style tools to keep it off • This program targets belly, bum, hips, thighs • GUARANTEED RESULTS

Do you want to have a fun and enjoyable summer?

Do you want to be showing off a new you in only a month’s time?

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Tony from Aliquippa lost 30 pounds in one cycle on the program

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Michelle G. –

WNWeight WHILE TEMPS RISE with Dr. Vactor According to Dr. Vactor, “People who follow my program as outlined get great results! Our average patient loses at least half a pound per day per cycle! To date, 90-95% of my 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! 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 seventeen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, Cornerstone-TV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor cares for players, coaches and family members of our Black and Gold teams in Pittsburgh.

During this time, 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. With over seventeen 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 committed to losing the weight now and be slim and trim in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of this life-changing weight loss system.

lost 52 pounds

Amanda T. – lost 50 pounds

Call now, at (724) 742-2700.

If you can’t call now, take a picture of the number with your SMART phone so you have the number ready to call.

If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention that you saw Dr. Vactor in the Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Summer 2017 issue, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Since losing weight is easier with a partner, we offer a double discount, $100 off per person, if you bring your spouse or significant other with you, and sign up together for our program, during your office consultation. Participants must both be present at time of program sign-up to receive the double discount. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible.

Dr. Vactor’s office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive, Ext. Suite 106 Seven Fields, PA 16046. Http:// www.drvactor.com n Results may vary based on an individual’s physical health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Average participant per cycle, loses 1/2 pound per day. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Guarantee can be reviewed in the office prior to starting the program. Before starting any weight loss program, consult with a healthcare professional.

Alex S. – Lost 40 pounds

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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REM EM BER WHEN

Welcoming the Good Ole’ Summertime

By Joe Bullick

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ummer is being ushered in just like in the 1934 George Gershwin song Summertime for his show Porgy and Bess. For Porgy and Bess the summer occurred from the end of June through the middle of September. Summer is probably the greatest time of the year for most people, since the kids are out of school. It is a great time for parks, swimming pools, baseball and vacations. It is the season when many parents are sending their kids off to summer camps.

The summer camps have always presented themselves as an alternative to an overwhelming society.

There were several camps near me when I was a young boy. I think one was called Fresh Air Camp.

There were busloads of kids from the city who got to

attend and enjoy the fresh area of the farm areas.

These kids got to learn how to live outside of the city.

When I was growing up, I recall how I got to cut the grass, weed the garden and take care of the horses. Mom always seemed to have a checklist for things for me to do. We owned one horse and boarded two more. I did a lot of riding and attended many horse shows. Most of the kids played baseball. We also rode our bikes all over the place. North Park was the place that we liked to go to for swimming, and some of my friends loved to fish at North Park.

I always had a nice lemonade stand that I would run.

Mom always made sure that we had a bird feeder in the yard. I kept it clean and full.

During the summer we slept outside a lot since we didn’t have air conditioning in our homes. We had a tent in our backyard that we used. I never went on a vacation in the summer; my fun time was spent at West View Park. We would pack our lunch and stay all day, and then we would grab an Isaly’s ice cream cone.

One of the downfalls about this time of the year is it allergy season. The pollen and ragweed can bring on congestion, itchy watery eyes and hay fever. Mom would always make chamomile tea and have antihistamines ready.

A busy road in the summer was Route 19, which was a way we used to get to Erie for the weekend.

Many folks liked to spend their whole summer there.

Summer is a great time to take short trips to places like Seven Springs and Falling Waters. Frank Lloyd Wright created this beautiful piece of architecture right here in western Pennsylvania.

One nice thing about summer is it gives us the longest daylight. It is important to take some time off over the summer. Take that break, there will always be housework and yard work to do it when you get back. I leave you with this – “It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do.”

Jerome K. Jerome

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www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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55+ FEATURE

Joe Negri is Still in the Neighborhood!

By Marianne Reid Anderson

Joe Negri is one of the most beloved and talented artists that Pittsburghers have the joy of calling one of their own.

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his incredible jazz guitarist got his beginning at a very early age when he started as a child performer using a ukulele to accompany him. Then, when he was only seven years old, he got his first guitar. By the time he was fourteen, he was focused on the guitar. “I was inspired to become a jazz guitarist by Charlie Christian who performed with Benny Goodman and his orchestra,” explains Joe. “He was one of the first players of the electric guitar and with the amplification, he was able to take the guitar from just being a rhythm instrument and made it a truly vocal instrument. I thought his work was outstanding and has been a motivation ever since.”

Joe’s career has spanned decades as a performer, composer and studio musician. He has several CDs of his own and has been featured on recordings with Itzhak Perlman, John Williams, and Michael Feinstein, among many others.

His jazz choral composition, The Mass of Hope has received critical and artistic acclaim, as Joe himself has, earning most recently “Established Artist of the Year” (1999) by the The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Mellon Jazz Community Award (2000), and the coveted “Elsie Award” (2004). Duquesne University recently presented Joe with an Honorary Doctorate in Music that he cherishes.

Back when Joe was musical director for WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, he met Fred Rogers who was there doing a show that was a precursor to his PBS show, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. “Fred would have me walk around and talk to the puppets,’ shared Joe. “Then, when he moved over to WQED and PBS, Fred called me and asked me to be ‘Handyman Negri.’ I told Fred, ‘You know, in real life, I am not very handy. Fred said that it would be okay because everything in his show was going to be ‘pretend.’

I knew I could pretend to be handy so that’s how I became ‘Handyman Negri’.”

Being Handyman Negri provided Joe with nationwide, television exposure and was a key performer on the show from its inception.

Joe recently saw an interview with other celebrities that are in their 90s that included Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke among others that also have no interest in retiring. “I agree with them,” says Joe I still enjoy performing,

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being with the audience and so long as my fingers are still working and I can play, then I’m going to keep going. After all, as one of my dear friends recently pointed out, at my age, I’ve had a lot of practice.”

Joe Negri will be appearing at the Kean Theater on jazz guitar along with Max Leake on piano, Tony DePaolis on bass, and Tom Wendt on drums on Friday, August 11, 2017, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The Kean Theatre, is conveniently located at St. Barnabas - 5847 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 There will be a cash bar and tickets will be available online later this month.

Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.

The St. Barnabas Free Care Fund provides more than $6 million to needy patients at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas who cannot afford their care.

For more information, contact Brooks and Helen Bartlett at (412) 366-1035, or email TheBartlettPair@aol. com or to learn more about this amazing local musician and celebrity and read a beautiful testimonial by his granddaughter, visit http://joenegri.com. n

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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REAL ESTATE

DOWNSIZING– Where Do I Even Begin?

JANET McKAY, CNE, SRES, REMAX Select Realty

When I meet with someone thinking about selling their home, the first thing they say is “Where do I even begin?”

M

ost Senior Citizens and Baby Boomers have lived in their homes for over 20 years, and to say they’ve collected a lot of “stuff” is usually an understatement. It really

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doesn’t have to be that hard. Tackling one room at a time is usually the best way to begin. Once you see how easy it is and how good it makes you feel, the next room will be easier.

The second objection that I hear the most is “I will have to do so much to my home before putting it on the market.” You really don’t - sometimes all it takes is a little paint, maybe some new carpeting and switching out some light fixtures. I have relationships with some of the best professionals in this area who are quick and very reasonable.

And the third most heard objection is “I don’t want to move. I raised my family here. How can I leave it all behind?” Selling a family home is a very emotional decision. But you can rest assured that just because you are leaving the house where you raised your family, doesn’t mean you can’t take all those happy memories with you no matter where you move!

Do you know that Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens made up 14% of all home buyers in 2016? Many are downsizing so they can live a financially simpler life while using the extra income to travel, spend time with family, try new things and take new adventures. Some move to patio home communities, assisted living, closer to family members, a warmer climate or a more walkable neighborhood. I’m certified as a SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST with the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and have been working closely with Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens for many years. ARE YOU THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE? CALL ME SO WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER – 412-303-1408. n

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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ADVERTORIAL

How Much Income Do You Actually Need in Retirement?

By Brian J. Catale

O

ne of the most common questions that we get from clients nearing retirement is, “How much income am I going to need to be comfortable?” It’s an important question that gets right at the heart of the retirement puzzle.

Although we wish we could give you a round number right here, that just isn’t possible. Too much depends on your personal situation. What is possible is to think ahead about your lifestyle and financial needs and come up with some approximations that can be used to develop a personalized retirement strategy.

We can arrive at an approximation of your target retirement income by answering a few broad questions:

How much are you spending each month right now?

The easiest place to start when developing a retirement budget is to understand where your money is currently being spent. The most accurate way to gauge your household spending is to look at your bills, bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial accounts to see where your money is actually going.

How will certain expenses change in retirement?

Your spending patterns will change in retirement. For example, many homeowners pay off their mortgages by retirement, significantly reducing their fixed housing costs. Research shows that food and job-related costs tend to drop because retirees have more time to shop and prepare meals, and no longer pay for a professional wardrobe or commuting costs. On the other hand, many retirees see increases in discretional spending as they take advantage of more time for hobbies, travel, and fun.

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What major expenses should you plan for?

Once you have a handle on your monthly budget, the next step is to think about any large, one-off purchases that you will likely make in retirement. Buying a new car, updating your appliances, or taking on major home improvement projects may require extra cash at some point in the future. You should also think about the big items on your bucket list: a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, a new boat or RV, or large philanthropic gifts will definitely need to be considered in your income strategies.

What’s the next step?

The work doesn’t stop once you have developed your initial retirement income estimate. There’s a lot of additional analysis to be done to help determine how much income you will need at different stages of your retirement and where that income will come from. We take a look at many other important factors in your personal retirement income calculations, including: • Longevity & health history: Advances in medicine and healthcare mean that many Americans can expect to spend 30 years or more in retirement.

According to actuarial tables, there’s an 18% chance that at least one member of a 65-yearold couple will live to see 95. We take a look at your personal situation and health history to help ensure your income lasts as long as you need.

• Inflation: Increases in the price of goods and services mean that your expenses will rise over time. 3.2% inflation, the long-term average annual price increase, will cause prices to double in just 22.5 years.

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

We also consider other types of inflation; many simple inflation calculators don’t account for increases in food, gas, and healthcare costs since these volatile categories are usually excluded from the headline Consumer Price Index. However, do they affect your personal bottom line? You bet they do.

We hope that you have found this article to be informative, educational, and – most of all – reassuring. If you’re worried about retirement, we want you to know that you’re not alone. We have helped many people just like you protect their lifestyles and develop a personalized strategy for their future income needs. If you have questions about retirement and would like to speak to an experienced professional, please reach out to us for a complimentary consultation. We are here to be a resource. n

For more information, contact Brian Catale & Associates at 910 Sheraton Drive, Suite 240, Mars, PA 16046, call:(724) 591-8475 or toll-free, call: (800) 794-0929 or visit Bcatale.com.

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.

REAL ESTATE

Serving a Thriving Market

By Deborah Walton, Coldwell Banker

More than 75 million people fit into the American Baby Boomer demographic. More than 70% of Baby Boomers own homes and are looking at home ownership changes in the very near future.

B

aby Boomers live in the suburbs where many own 100% of their homes. 70% of Baby Boomers are looking to upgrade and are setting new trends that challenge the traditional definition of retirement. They are looking for new construction homes in communities that provide the ability to continue an active lifestyle. They look for new opportunities that will define the new chapters in their lives.

Marketing to this burgeoning demographic is unique, and Deb Walton with Coldwell Banker is finding a niche serving Baby Boomers.

With 25 years of experience sales and marketing, Deb knows what it takes to conduct business with integrity and professionalism. Deb provides an easygoing approach and the end result is a high comfort

level during the home buying or selling process and confidence and satisfaction in the decisions made. She is a full time REALTOR ® and makes every effort to be available when needed.

If you or someone you know is a “Baby Boomer” and in need of realty services, email Deb Walton with Coldwell Banker at deborahwalton@cbintouch.com or call (724) 480-6690. n

“Deb is, from the first step and beyond signing the closing papers, awesome in every way. She responded immediately to my contact. She listened to my story and helped me weigh all the pros and cons of the houses that I was considering. She also introduced me to other houses I did not see. I knew what was happening every step of the way. She helped me negotiate a fair price. When an inspection turned up a costly repair, her initial negotiations gave us the leeway to expect the seller to cover those costs.

Another HUGE help was her knowledge of resources needed to purchase a home. I guess I just want people out there to know they cannot go wrong with Deb Walton. I honestly felt like I was her only client due to the amount of time and attention I received from her. She didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear, she told me what I needed to hear. It was clear to me that she knows the business of buying and selling, inside and out. Buying a house could not have been easier -- from the negotiating, obtaining financing, inspections and moving, it was a breeze.

Deb was the catalyst to all of it and I will forever be grateful to her!” — Marjorie W.

www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2017

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THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Step Back Into...2002 The U.S. invades Afghanistan Robert Blake is acquitted of murdering his Wife

By Paula Green

I

n 2002, the country was still reeling from the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks; as a result the economy was suffering.

Michael Jackson dangled his baby Prince Michael II, off a balcony from a Berlin hotel room. Cost of a Superbowl ad was $1,900,000.

Average: The average income was $42,409.00.

Cost of a new home $228,700.00. The average cost of a new car $21,866.

Gasoline was $1.61 per gallon. A dozen eggs cost 89¢. A pound of bacon cost $2.39. A loaf of bread cost $1.49. The cost of gallon of milk was $1.49. Cost of a first-class stamp was 37¢.

Firsts: Halle Berry became the first black actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Kelly Clarkson won the very first season of American Idol. Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo around the world nonstop in a balloon. The first public version of the web browser Mozilla Firefox (“Phoenix 0.1”) was released on Sept. 23.

U.S. Events: On Jan. 8, George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act. Jul. 28, nine coal miners trapped in the flooded Quecreek Mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania were rescued after

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77 hours underground. Winona Ryder was sentenced to probation, 480 hours of community service, fined and ordered to attend psychological and drug counseling after being found guilty of stealing $5,500 worth of merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue.

World News: Reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan. On May 12, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter arrived in Cuba for a five-day visit with Fidel Castro. Carter became the first President of the United States, in or out office, to visit the island since Castro’s 1959 revolution. On Nov. 8, the UN Security Council under Resolution 1441 unanimously approved a resolution on Iraq, forcing Saddam Hussein to disarm or face “serious consequences.”

Entertainment: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and SpiderMan were the three biggest films of the year. Other popular films - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, My Big

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Fat Greek Wedding, Signs, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Men in Black II, Ice Age and Chicago.

Television: Popular TV shows – American Idol, Friends, Survivor, ER, Everybody Loves Raymond, Law & Order and Monday Night Football.

Songs: Hit songs included – How You Remind Me, Always on Time, Ain’t It Funny, Foolish, Hot in Herre, Dilemma, A Moment Like This, and Lose Yourself.

Publishing: Ben Affleck is awarded People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.”

Whistleblowers: Cynthia Cooper, WorldCom; Coleen Rowley, the FBI; and Sherron Watkins, Enron were named TIME’s 2002 Persons of the Year. Popular books – Red Rabbit

by Tom Clancy, The Summons by John Grisham, The Beach House

by James Patterson, Everything’s Eventual and From a Buick 8 (both)

by Stephen King.

Sports: On Jul. 9, the 73rd All Star Baseball Game finished with a 7-7 tie when both teams ran out of available pitchers at Miller Park, Milwaukee. Steven Bradbury won a gold medal in 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics in speed skating because everyone in front of him crashed three races in a row. Super Bowl Champs – New England Patriots, NBA Champions – Los Angeles Lakers, World Series Winner – Anaheim Angels and Stanley Cup Champ – Detroit Redwings

Politics: President was George W. Bush and Vice President was Dick Cheney

Quotes: “What happens here stays here.”

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority “This is a nation that loves our freedom, loves our country.”

President George W. Bush “I never learned anything while I was talking.”

Larry King Sources: http://www.thepeoplehistory. com/2002.html, the-average-car-now-costs25449-how-much-was-a-car-the-year-youwere-born/, https://about.usps.com/whowe-are/postal-history/domestic-letter-rates, http://pop-culture.us/Annual/2002.html, https://historicaltextarchive.com/sections. php?action=read&artid=418, https://www. buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/this-is-what-theworld-was-like-in-2002, http://www.metroactive.com/papers/ metro/01.01.03/2002quotes, www.onthisday.com/events/date/2002

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PONDERING PITTSBURGH

k r a P West View Picnics, dancing and thrill rides, West View Park had it all. In the early 1900s, Sharpsburg native, T.M (Theodore Marshall) Harton purchased swampland in the West View valley. He built an amusement park in there off Route 19/ Perry Hwy. It was a prime location since the number 10 streetcar arrived in this region from Pittsburgh.

W

est View Park held its grand opening on May 23, 1906. The first rides in the newly formed park included a carousel, a figure eight roller coaster and a mill chute ride called, “Mystic Chute.” The park featured a penny arcade, a pony track, and rowboats on the lake. In 1907 a Katzenjammer Castle funhouse and bandstand were added.

Another major attraction that also debuted that year was an open air dance hall. At that time, it was the largest dance hall in western Pennsylvania. Dancing became a popular pastime in the 1920s, and West View Park’s ballroom provided much of the financial stability during the Great Depression. During the evenings, a capacity-sized crowd often crammed into the dancing pavilion for music

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from local and national bands such as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. The Rolling Stones played center stage at the Danceland on June 17, 1964.

The golden years for West View Park emerged in 1910 with the addition of the Dips roller coaster which featured a famous turnaround known as the Devil’s Bend or Curves.

By 1923, the park featured two carousels, the following years, the Caterpillar ride was added in, and so was the Skooter – Dodgem Bumper cars. 1927 was an exciting season for the park, as they opened The Racing Whippet. It was a racing coaster, but in the middle, the two tracks separated and then came back together. The cars that started on the left side of the loading station would come back on the right side and vice-versa.

Other early rides that were installed in the park included the Speed-O-Plane, Toboggan and Tumble Bug. Over the years, West View Park added – Alpine Ride, Antique Car Ride, Cuddle Up, Ferris Wheel, Flying Scouters, Greyhound, Helicopter, Miniature Railroad, Round Up, Scrabbler, Tilt-AWhirl, Round-Up, Tempest, Trabant, and Whip.

The walk thru haunted attraction Boot Hill was put into the park in 1964, as well as Pirate Cave Dark Ride and the Fascination Building. The park offered one of the country’s largest Kiddielands and a kiddie coaster called the Kiddie Dips.

In 1973, West View’s popular dance hall sustained an electrical fire and it burned to the ground and was never rebuilt. By the 1970s, the park was unable to compete with other parks and closed forever on Sept. 5, 1977.

Seventy-one years of family fun came to an abrupt ended.

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

k

e b r e m d e m e R For the next few years that followed, West View Park’s dedicated patrons watched sadly as everything was taken down and either sold to other amusement parks or scrapped. The famous Dips roller coaster was one of the last rides to be dismantled.

In 1981, the West View shopping plaza opened where the mighty park once stood. A horse from the carousel ride sits atop of the West View Park Shopping Plaza sign.

The shopping center features such stores as Giant Eagle, Kmart, Dollar Tree, Subway, Little Caesar’s, Dunkin Donuts, UPMC Comprehensive Care, a post office and

By

Pau

Gre other en shops and fast food locales.

The West View Isaly’s, located 1/8 of a mile north of the park site on Perry Hwy, now owns the bull head skull from the Boot Hill Walk Through attraction as well as a red West View Park directional sign, old chairs, and other articles. n

la

Sources: westviewborough.org, http://www.rmusentrymedia.com/ opinioneditorial/pittsburgh-history-pittsburghs-lost-amusement-park-partii-west-view-park/, http://phlf.org/2010/07/09/old-fashioned-amusement-parks-once-beckoned-have-nearly-vanished/, https://patch.com/ pennsylvania/cranberry/ev--memories-of-west-view-park-and-a-little-bit-ofhistory, https://www.facebook.com/pg/longlostamusements/photos

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SUMMER ’17 HAPP 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.

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.

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides 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. Call (724) 9351877.

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting safety items for seniors, for details visit nhco.org or call (412) 487-6316, opt. 1.

Olive Branch is giving away free “Fidget Blankets” for families who care for dementia & Alzheimer’s patients. To request one, call (724) 799-8700 or visit the store located at 11160 Perry Hwy., in Wexford.

Saint Alexis Festival Days August 2-5 • 6-11pm Nightly 10090 Old Perry Highway

•

Live Stage Entertainment Games Rides Food Raffles

•

•

Flea Market

Saturday, July 8 8:00 am–1:00 pm Sunday, July 9 9:00 am–2:00 pm (half-off sale) Join us for the 25th annual Saint Alexis Festival from August 2-5, 6-11 p.m. nightly on the church grounds. Fun for all ages including rides, live stage entertainment, games, delicious festival-style food and nightly indoor dinners, Kiddieland, blackjack & poker, raffles and so much more!

For more information: (724) 935-4343 or www.stalexis.org

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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. Call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731.

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.

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.

Entertainment & Social St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Cape Cod, Oct. 8-12; Light-Up Night, Nov. 17. Contact, Rose (724) 728-2563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Summer Fiesta Luncheon, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Jul. 20. Bring your own favorite dish. For info, http://twp.pine.pa.us/communitycenter/events_home.html.

Health & Wellness 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.

PA Polio Survivors Network interactive web conference Post-Polio Care; Past, Present & Future, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Aug, 26, Cranberry Library, 2525 Rochester Road,

Summer 2017 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Cranberry Twp. For info & registration email papolionetwork@ gmail.com or (724) 283-5814.

Senior Meetings 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.

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) 7414900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

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 now offers online registration for volunteering to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/ volunteer-opportunities/volunteerhelp-seniors/. For info, call Cathy, (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

PENINGS Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program needs volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh & Woodland Hills School Districts in grade K-4. Training classes are 9:30 a.m-2:30 p.m., Aug. 8 & Aug. 10, 411 Seventh Ave., Suite 525 (Duquesne Light Building) downtown Pittsburgh. No teaching experience required. Training is provided for free. For details, contact John at Pittsburgh OASIS Tutoring (412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 2244700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

Job Opportunity Dignity Home Care Professionals is hiring caring seniors to provide compassionate in-home care and companionship to clientele. Contact info@dignityhomecarepgh.com or call (412) 415-3168.

Flea Markets & Sales Church Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.noon, Sats & 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Sun., July 8-9, Aug. 5-6, Sept. 9-10, Oct. 7-8, St. Aloysius Church, 3616 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp. (Continued on page 28)

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Church Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, Sats & 12:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. Sun., Jun. 3-4, July 8-9, Aug. 5-6, Sept. 9-10, Oct. 7-8, St. Aloysius Church, 3616 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp.

Social Groups

St. Alexis Parish Giant Flea Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Jul. 8 & 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Jul. 9, 10090 Old Perry Hwy. Wexford. For info, visit stalexis.org or (724) 9354343.

Association of University People (AUP), singles meet at social spots. For details, visit http://www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org/about-us/.

St. Sebastian Parish Mega Flea Market, (pre-sale $5 admission 5-8 p.m., Jun. 22); 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Jun. 23; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Jun. 24; & 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Jun. 25, Saint Sebastian School gym & cafeteria, 311 Siebert Rd., Ross Twp. For details, visit stsebastianflea@gmail.com or (412) 364-8999.

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Summer 2017  |  www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Amazing Singles, for singles in the Pittsburgh region, visit, http://www.amazingsingles. com/pittsburgh.html.

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.

SENIOR PROFILE

Hana Haatainen-Caye 60 years Young and In-Charge at New Career

H

ana Haatainen-Caye is the new manager of Dignity Home Care Professionals, located on Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue. This non-medical, senior care and companionship service provides dignity and kindness to our elderly friends and loved ones.

Seniors receiving assistance with their daily lives can stay at home longer and continue to reap the benefits of an independent life-style.

Dignity Home Care Professionals is a family owned and operated business. In this instance though, it is Hana’s daughter and son-in-law, Bethany and Tom Schad who own the company, while Hana manages operations and Bethany’s dad, Bill, works as a caregiver.

You may have already heard of Hana Haatainen-Caye as one of our region’s most prolific writers and writing mentors. Hana has published 100 children’s books with iMarvel’s iStorybooks. Eight of her true stories have appeared in the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Haatainen-Caye leads a monthly writers’ workshop and teaches local writing classes upon request. She also teaches writing courses at Carnegie Mellon through their national Osher program for people 55 and older. Her award-winning blog, Green Grandma, was the catalyst for her first nonfiction book, Vinegar Fridays. Twelve years ago, she founded her own company called Speechless focused on copywriting and voice-over narrations. As this business flourished, she expanded it to include editing and creative writing. Despite her full schedule with Dignity HCP, HaatainenCaye maintains her clientele with Speechless, and continues to serve on faculty at various national writing conferences.

Hana’s new company, Dignity Home Care Professionals, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is actively seeking to hire seniors to offer other seniors fellowship, companionship and assistance with daily activities in their homes, including transportation and errands as needed. They offer paid training and the opportunity to earn competitive wages. n

For more information on Hana Haatainen-Caye and her new role with Dignity Home Care Professionals, visit www.dignityhomecarepgh.com or call (412) 415-3168.

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