FREE
Summer 2018
Stop Suffering and Live Life Again!
Peripheral Neuropathy Suffers Have Found Hope with Dr. Shawn Richey & Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pgh. Also in this Issue...
n n n n
Rewiring Our Brain Cruising Through Drive-Ins Step Back into 1978 Francis Audiology – Patient Care Comes First
Dr. Chufo’s Weight Loss Program
GET HEALTHY LOSE WEIGHT • Regular, everyday foods • Restaurant foods welcomed • Supplements to take away cravings and decrease the appetite • Accountability weekly monitoring • Low sugar program • Increased energy within first week • Pounds lost, inches lost, and decrease in size of clothing • No counting calories or grams • No exercise required • Any age or size welcomed
Work with a professional who has the degree in Nursing research in the study of weight loss and obesity. Dr. Chufo has worked with clients for the past consistent 38 years, helping them to change their eating habits and their lifestyle in order to keep the weight off. Her goal is to get the weight off quickly through normal, everyday foods and enough of it (no 500-700 calorie diets that cannot be sustained long term in life; in fact, that’s dangerous)! Simply call for an appointment or stop in and discover the best program to get your excess weight off now and most importantly, keep it off for good!
1-800-900-THIN To begin your journey to your best life now, contact the wisest woman in weight loss, Dr. Bridget Chufo at 1-800-900-THIN or drop by her Weight Loss & Wellness Center located on Route 19 in Wexford.
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
1
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
Welcome to the Summer Issue of Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine!
A
fter a long winter and a chilly spring, we are headed into summer. This is a great time of year to live in Pittsburgh. There is always something to do from visiting local parks, going to church festivals, concerts, community days and enjoying beautiful rivers and nearby lakes. There is something for everyone! Take some time to do some exploring in and around the area this season. You will be surprised at how much there is to see and do right here in our own back yard! This issue’s Pondering Pittsburgh feature will take you back to the good old fun evenings at local driveins. When I was a child, one of the highlights of the summer was waiting for the day to become evening, packing up your cars with coolers, snacks and drinks, and of course, a comfortable pillow and going to see one of the summer blockbuster movies with family and friends. That tradition con“Golf is the closest tinued with my own children. game to the game Even though there are not as we call life. You get many drive-ins today, there are still a few around that will bad breaks from remind you of those happy good shots. You get times! good breaks from Dr. Maroon’s article this bad shots, but you month is very interesting and have to play the ball will help you to understand how important it is for us to where it lies.” rewire our brain, and he will Bobby Jones explain how to do that. The UPMC Aging Institute feature article is about the importance of sleep. Look back to 1978 in this issue and see what you remember about some of the important stories and facts that happened that year. Enjoy reading the summer issue of Pittsburgh FiftyFive Plus magazine. Thank you for all your support, and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! n
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 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
llpspc@consolidated.net
mlsspc@consolidated.net
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.
2
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
3
6
Contents 6
Cover Story: Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE Dr. Shawn Richey, DC
8
Rewiring Our Brain Dr. Joseph Maroon
10 Sleep is a Need, Not Simply a Luxury UPMC Aging Institute 12 When You’re Over 50, You Need More Than Just a Realtor...You Need an SRES Janice Lane Palko 14 Francis Audiology: Patient Care Comes First 17 55+ Profile: Don Thomas Janice Lane Palko 18 Reclaimed Memories Comes to the Rescue When It’s Time to Repurpose Your Possessions Janice Lane Palko
8
20 55+ Profile: Jack Roseman Janice Lane Palko 22 What is Your College Game Plan? Kimberly B. Catale 29 Medicare and Travel — Make sure you know how your plan covers you! Crystal A. Manning
In Every Issue...
20
2
From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski
16 Pondering Pittsburgh: Cruising Through Drive-Ins Paula Green 24 The Good Old Days: Step Back into 1978 Paula Green 26 Summer ’18 Happenings 28 Remember When: Summer is Here! Joe Bullick
Featured on the cover: Dr. Shawn Richey from Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH with with some of his thousands of patients that are now living pain free.
4
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
5
Bob – Hunting again
Bonnie – No numbness
Ed – Awesome program
George – Walking better
Harold – 80% better
Jack – 90% better
Peripheral Neuropathy Lou Jr. – Less pain
Sufferers Have
HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!
Dr. Shawn Richey
Lou Sr. – Improved balance
Dr. Shawn Richey has restored the lives of thousands of peripheral neuropathy sufferers. Tom – 80% better
Mary – No burning feet
MaryDancedIn.com
Mike – No burning
Orlando – Play golf again
Patricia – Pain free
Rita – Walking better
Jannie – Play with grandkids
Joe – Feel the ground
Judy – 98% better
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. 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.
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.
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 If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.
Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH Two Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207
Latrobe 1901 Ligonier Street
MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000 Visit us on Facebook under Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH and join our private support group Ron – 90% better
Sylvia – No more cane
Terri – Sleeping again
YOUR HEALTH
Rewiring Our Brain By Joseph C. Maroon, MD
When you mention rewiring something, especially our brain, people can become very suspicious. In this article I don’t intend for you to change your beliefs, attitudes or thoughts, although that might help.
I
n this case I mean rewiring the actual brain and the connections that literally make up the pathways in our brain. This may sound impossible, but in fact, we are doing it all the time. The most rapid period of rewiring occurs as a child. We initially begin by building connections to our sensory organs and eventually use input from the outside world to build our own thoughts and actions to survive. As we get older, this rewiring continues at a slower pace. As new learning and experiences build over time, the tracks or pathways of neurons in our brain appear to remain mostly stable. In a captivating book entitled, Connectome: How the Brain’s Wiring Makes Us Who We Are, neuroscientist, Sebastian Seung, describes the emerging science of connectomics. We now have visual proof of the brain’s connectome. (see Image) By using powerful 3-D MRI imaging software, we can map the brain much like we can now map an individual’s unique DNA pattern. Neurons adjust by forming new connections or strengthening or weakening established ones. Eventually, they can form pathways or tracks that we can now see. With this connection map, we can identify basic kinds of change based on the size of neuronal tracks. Over time changes can be recorded, and we can learn how life events, new learning or habits, trauma or even aging can change your connectome.
So, What is the Benefit to Knowing Your Connectome? To use the analogy of DNA again, our genome is fixed at birth, but our connectome is plastic and malleable, thus the term neuroplasticity. This involves the ability of our brain cells to send out and form new connections to other brain cells. It is reported at his death Albert Einstein had an average-size brain, but the amount of brain cell connections was extraordinary. Fortunately, the amount of neuroplasticity and forming new connections is partly under our control. Factors like diet, exercise, the amount of stress exposure, habits (good and bad) can influence brain cells and the connections they make. So, in the case of brain injury or illness, scientists have shown specific diets, regimented physical activity, elimination of toxic substances, stress management with cognitive behavioral management,
8
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
meditation and spirituality and neuro-biofeedback can rewire the brain, forming new connections that can lead to improved brain function. Exciting new research is now underway to determine unique connectome pattern differences in diseases like mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism and anxiety disorders. At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, several grants, including one from the Chuck Noll Foundation, have been awarded to research former professional athletes who have cognitive or mood problems related to having participated in contact sports. Before and after a month-long intervention, a special connectome MRI map will be obtained. The program uses personalized wellness medicine and behavior modification in a segregated treatment facility. Interventions will include an organic anti-inflammatory diet, supplements (curcumin, omega 3 fatty acids, nicotinamide riboside, resveratrol etc.), bio-neurofeedback techniques and daily exercise. All environmental toxins are to be eliminated and stress management techniques will be taught. I will report back more as the study progresses. Imaging our brain’s wiring or connectome is now a reality. The fact that we can make better health choices, perhaps even after damage has been done, and literally rewire our brain for the better can be empowering. Take the time now to rewire your brain for the better because it is never too late! n
55+ FEATURE
Sleep Is a Need, Not Simply a Luxury By the UPMC Aging Institute
H
ow often do you consider an adequate amount of sleep to be a luxury? Have you considered it to be a need? If you only consider it a luxury,
10
it may be time to reconsider. Be assured that you are not the only one who thinks of sleep as an indulgence or a bonus. A good night’s sleep is a basic health need. Sleep deprivation or insomnia does cause fatigue and decreased reaction time, neither of which is desirable. In addition to these, if you are not getting enough sleep or not enough good quality sleep, you could be increasing the risk factor for a variety of health conditions. Studies have linked inadequate sleep (in either quality and/or quantity) as increasing’s one risk for obesity, lower emotional well-being, attention or memory issues. The list of consequences goes on and on. Sleep needs to be a conversation with your doctor or medical team. Do not leave them in the dark if you are having an issue with sleep. Even if you consider inadequate sleep as the ‘norm’ for you, there could be a reason for this from a health perspective. At any stage of life, sleep problems are not normal. Again, consider speaking with your doctor and having this as a regular discussion topic. Sometimes, adjustments need to be made. Whether it is going to bed earlier or sleeping in later, every person is different. Our sleep patterns may change as we age. If you have felt a change in your quality and/or quantity of sleep, ask yourself whether this was recent. If so, can it be linked to a change in environment or lifestyle, medication or event? There may be a small lifestyle change or treatment that could benefit our sleep. Again, start that conversation
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
with your health care provider. With all aspects of aging, the tips remain the same. Continue to have a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and continuing to exercise an appropriate amount. But consider adding enough sleep to that mixture of a healthy lifestyle. Tips from the National Institute on Aging include: • Follow a regular sleep schedule (including the weekends) • Develop a bedtime routine and take time to relax before bed • Keep your bedroom dark and at a comfortable temperature • Exercise, but not within three hours of your bedtime • Try not to have large meals before bed, though a snack could help you get a good night’s sleep • Do not drink drinks with caffeine before bed • Drink fewer beverages before bed, as having to get up to go to the bathroom can disrupt your sleep by having to get out of bed and turning on the bathroom light The Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh is committed to supporting the specialized needs of our community’s aging and caregiving population by connecting you with the help, information and training you need. Join us for “How to Live Longer and Live Better,” a halfday conference about the science of healthy aging and the proven steps to success. Open to both professionals and non-professionals, this event takes place October 23, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cumberland Woods Village, the UPMC Senior Communities independent living community on the UPMC Passavant campus. Continuing educations credits are available. Call 412-864-2396 or email edingerpj@upmc.edu for more information. And don’t forget to use the Aging Institute’s free help and referral line, 866-430-8742, or visit our website, Aging.UPMC. com, for information about agingrelated topics and resources.. n
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
11
REAL ESTATE
When You’re Over 50, You Need More Than Just a Realtor...You Need an SRES By Janice Lane Palko When it comes to Realtors, not all are alike, especially when you or someone you love is 50-plus and need or want to make some decisions about where to live in the future. Deb Walton, Realtor, Coldwell Banker, Cranberry, knows that well. That is why she recently earned the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, which qualifies her to address the housing needs of people who are 50 years old and up.
“I
have faced these issues myself when my father-inlaw was suffering from dementia,” said Deb. “It has given me a better understanding of what many people are facing. I’m not just about buying and selling real estate. I learned a lot about how I can help people make these important decisions.” The 15-hour course trained Deb to focus on four aspects when it comes to senior housing, and they represented by the acronym SAFE.
S-signifies safety. Is the neighborhood safe? Is the home safe? Is it well-lighted? Is the house up to safety codes? A – deals with access. Is it near shopping? Health care providers? Family members? F – stands for fit. Is the community supportive? Does the lifestyle fit with your desires? E – addresses ease-of-use. Can the home accommodate a wheelchair? Can it be modified if your needs change? Deb can help you explore your housing options to make sure that your needs are met now and into the future. “Most people when they have the choice, prefer to age in place. Sometimes to do that you need to make some adjustments either by modifying a home or even by obtaining a reverse mortgage. I can direct you to Mortgage Brokers who are qualified to guide people through that process,” said Deb. An SRES has to have access to a network of trustworthy professionals in order to support her clients, and Deb has established that network. As an SRES designated Realtor, Deb is also qualified to guide clients on the following matters: • Finances • Tax & Legal Matters • Retirement Living • Aging in Place • Housing Options “There is so much to consider when making these types of decisions. For instance, perhaps you are considering selling your home and retiring to Florida. Health insurance varies from state to state and can sometimes be unaffordable to someone on a fixed budget. I can help you find an agent in the area you are moving to and work with that agent to advise you on all aspects of your relocation,” Deb said. If you are thinking about your future or a loved one’s and don’t know where to begin, the best place to start is with Deb. She can meet with you and your loved ones to identify your needs, discuss options and help you find the best housing option for you. For more information, call Deb at: (724) 776-2900 or email her at: Deborah.Walton@pittsburghmoves.com. n
12
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection
CALL now to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!
724-940-2444 www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com  |  Summer 2018
13
FRANCIS AUD
Patient Care Com
Voted Best Audiologist
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Voted Best Hearing Aid Center
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Voting by the readers of The Cranberry Eagle
Please Join Us for a No O
What: An opportunity to try hearing aids pre-pro When: Tuesday, J Where: Luciano’s Italian Brick Oven,
RSVP to (724) 933-3440 for a Free H
Limited Spac
DIOLOGY
mes First
At Francis Audiology “Best Practices� - Our Standard of Care!
Dr. R. Patrick Francis Board Certified Audiologist
Francis Audiology Associates 7000 Stonewood Drive Suite 210 Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 933-3440 FrancisAudiology.com
Obligation Lunch and Learn
ogrammed for your hearing loss and lunch on us!
July 24 at 12:30pm 161 Scharberry Lane, Mars, PA 16046
Hearing Screening and Reservation
ce Available
PONDERING PITTSBURGH
Cruising Through Drive-Ins By Paula Green It all began 85 years ago on June 6, 1933 – the first drive-in movie theater opened on Crescent Boulevard in Camden, New Jersey. People paid 25 cents per car to see the British comedy Wives Beware under the stars. This film was chosen because it had already been in theaters for a few weeks, and the owner didn’t want any conflict with major releases.
T
his new notion in movie viewing was the brainchild of Richard Hollingshead. He created it as a solution for people who were unable to comfortably fit in smaller movie theatre seats. When he opened his drive-in, he marketed it as a place where, “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.” A second drive-in theatre was founded a year later in Orefield, Pennsylvania, and it was called Shankweiler’s Auto Park. A few others followed, but the concept really didn’t catch on until the dawn of in-car speakers in the early 1940s. By 1958, the number of driveins peaked at 4,063; they were especially popular in rural areas.
16
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
Going to the drive-in was more about the experience and not so much about the movie itself. Parents jumped on board because they could shuttle the family. Teenagers loved the idea because it was perfect for “date night.” Drive-in owners tried to appease both audiences by showing both family-friendly entertainment as well as B films. Drive-ins could only show movies during certain times of the year and were dependent on having decent weather. In the 1970s, the fad started to decline largely due to the oil crisis. Folks started to downsize their cars to save money on the inflated cost of gasoline. To make up for lost revenue,
55+ PROFILE
Don Thomas By Janice Lane Palko
T drive-ins began losing their family-friendly atmosphere by showing exploitation films like slasher horrors movies and also ones that featured adult content. Another factor that caused the downfall of drive-ins was the development of the VCR. People found it more convenient to stay home and watch movies. Over the years, drive-in theatres really began to fizzle out. The ones that have managed to survive vary, but many show current films or older ones. Some even offer a “double-feature” evening. Just like in classic drive-ins, they sell popcorn, candy, soda and other refreshments; some even have playgrounds for families to entertain their children. There are now around 300 drive-ins still in operation in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. In this region the drive-ins that are still open are: Starlight in Butler, Dependable in Moon Twp., Riverside in Vandergrift, Evergreen in Mount Pleasant, Erwin’s in Dunbar and Comet in Connellsville. Other regions in Pennsylvania where you can find drive-ins include: Palace Gardens in Indiana, Carrolltown Hi-Way in Carrolltown, Bar-Ann in Portage, Cumberland in Newville, Harr’s in Dillsburg, Sky-Vu in Gratz, Point in Northumberland, Mahoning in Lehighton, Becky’s in Walnutport, Midway in Mifflintown, Family in Kane, Silver in Johnstown and Brownsville in Grindstone. As an added footnote – Shankweiler’s, the second drive-in theater to ever open, located in Orefield, Pa. – is still open! That makes them the oldest drive-in theater in operation. No matter what the fate maybe of America’s drive-ins, they will always be a nostalgic and cultural icon. n Sources: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-drive-inmovie-theater-opens, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/ the-history-of-the-drive-in-movie-theater-51331221/, Mentalfloss.com/article/52139/80-years-drive-theaters
he attention he has garnered has been a bit surprising for William “Don” Thomas, 80, of Saxonburg. “I was even honored with all the other high school graduates at my church, Westminster PCA in Butler,” said Thomas, who became the most senior student to ever graduate from Butler County Community College on May 16. “There were four or five of us, and I can tell you I was the only one of the graduates with gray hair.” Thomas is also the most senior among all the commonwealth’s four other western institutions within the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, which, in addition to BC3, includes Community College of Allegheny County, the Community College of Beaver County, Penn Highlands Community College and Westmoreland Community College. For his accomplishments, Thomas has also been interviewed by radio and newspapers, and U.S. Rep Mike Kelly, R-3, honored Thomas in a nationally televised speech from the House floor on graduation day for his earning an associate of arts degree in history. A 1955 graduate of Wilkinsburg High School and Air Force veteran, Thomas’s pursuit of an associate degree began while serving in Nancy, France, with the 17th Squadron from 1956-1959, when he enrolled in courses offered by the University of Maryland that they held abroad. The father of six, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of four, enrolled at BC3 in 2010 and earned 41 credits. Thomas worked in insurance and sales. “After I retired, I had a lot of free time on my hands, and I went to BC3 and talked to the advisors. They set me on the right path, and I’m always telling the young people I meet, ‘Why not try BC3? It’s a great place.’” As an octogenarian, Thomas has seen eight decades and many changes, but as a student of history, he believes the United States landing a man on the moon in 1969 was the most significant event thus far of his lifetime. “We spent day after day monitoring our astronauts progress, and it was not only amazing that they landed on the moon, but that they came back safely,” said Thomas. And like those celebrated astronauts, Thomas will be happy to get back to earth. “Well, see what’s next after the dust settles,” said Thomas. n
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
17
55+ FEATURE
Reclaimed Memories Comes to the Rescue When It’s Time to Repurpose Your Possessions By Janice Lane Palko
I
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 familyowned 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 team clean up and leave the premises broomswept. 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 home-
18
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
In Memoriam
Bruno Sammartino
T
Mom Janice Ashton, daughter Allie Early, and owner Kim Bocchi
less 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
For more information on how Reclaimed Memories can help you, give Kim a call at:(724) 487-3852 or visit the website at www.reclaimedmemoriesllc.com.
he wrestling world lost an icon on April 18. Bruno Sammartino died peacefully at the age of 82. The Ross Township resident and Hall of Famer was appropriately nicknamed, “The Living Legend.” Sammartino grew up in a small town, Pizzoferatto, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. His family miraculously escaped the Nazi invasion during World War II by hiding in the mountains for 14 months, where he nearly died of starvation. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1950 where he took up weightlifting and wrestling. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1959, Sammartino was spotted by a wrestling promoter, who launched his wrestling career. By January 1960, Sammartino was wrestling at Madison Square Garden and went on to sell out that venue a record 187 times. Sammartino was a WWWF champion for 11 years. He wrestled in every state and on every continent. He stands to this day as the longest-reigning world heavyweight champion. Sammartino was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and his three sons David, Danny and Darryl. n
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
19
55+ PROFILE
Jack Roseman By Janice Lane Palko
“When I turned 80, I was looking out of my office at home, seeing deer, rabbits, squirrels and all kinds of birds on my lawn and the hillside across the street. I started wondering, ‘How did I get here?’ When I had looked out of my family’s window when I was quite young, I would see rats running between the houses,” said Jack Roseman.
R
oseman, 86, a North Hills resident has lived a life of great contrasts, and recently chronicled his remarkable life story in a book called Jump! How I Rose from Poverty and Anti-Semitism to Become a Tech Sector Pioneer and a Mensch. He was born Yonkil Roseman in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Bessie and Abraham Roseman, Ukrainian Jews who escaped to the United States before the Nazis invaded his family’s village of Rovno. Tragically, his older brother, Leibel, his wife and two children were murdered by the Nazis before they could escape. Roseman grew up in poverty and faced discrimination for being a Jew. He was held out of school because he spoke no English. “I remembered a recurrent dream that I had as a youngster. I was at the top of a stairway, and my mother was at the bottom with her hands out yelling for me to jump. Always obedient, I jumped, and as I did, she walked away. After picking myself up, I asked her why she walked away. She replied that she was teaching me a lesson: Never rely on anyone but yourself, not even your mother! I had this nightmare for several years,” Roseman said. He took this maternal advice to heart and jumped out of poverty to become a pioneer in the fledgling computer industry, working at MIT on one of America’s first computers. In the 1960s, NBC contacted him to employ computers for election forecasting. Jack and his computer expertise were engaged During the War on Poverty in the 1970s as well. After a 30-year career as an entrepreneur both in the Washington, D.C., area and Pittsburgh, Roseman changed course and followed his wish to give back by teaching. He became a beloved instructor and mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs at Carnegie Mellon University. Roseman’s rags to riches tale serves as a model for those today who are struggling. “Whether you are fighting poverty, anti-Semitism, racism, anti-LGBT people, etc., you have to overcome that obstacle yourself,” said Roseman. “Goodmeaning people, government and all its social programs won’t help unless you, yourself, take a stand and say, ‘Hell, I am getting out of this place. I will overcome.’” A pioneer in computing, even he is astonished by today’s
20
technology. “The computer at MIT was as large as a smallsize building. The memory on this computer was miniscule compared to the ones designed today. Some are small enough to wear on your wrist! It is amazing what has been accomplished in the past sixty years. I wish humanity had increased at a fraction of that!” Roseman said. He has been married to wife, Judy, for 58 years and is the father of three, Alan, Laura and Shari, and the grandfather of five. Reaction to his book has been positive. “All of my feedback, so far, has been from people who know me. They say, ‘Now I understand who you really are. And, what motivates you.’” Roseman is enjoying this stage of his life as well. “Understand that Judy and Jack Roseman I still have some clients with whom I work. I go to physical therapy twice a week and on the other days, I have lunch meetings either at Café Sam/Shadyside or Rico’s/ North Hills. As I approach 87, I do find that these activities use up most of my energy. I love my den, watching old movies, CNBC, the horse races on TV, watching the neighborhood animals and birds and being with my wife. Family is very important in this mix,” he said. After experiencing the sting of anti-Semitism, Roseman offers hope and an admonition. “Anti-Semitism has decreased. But, I understand that it is on the rise again. The Judeo-Christian religion teaches us to love our neighbors. Why is that so hard? We are all children of God. In fact, my Rabbis taught me that before you can love God, you must love his children,” said Roseman. Jump! Is available at Amazon. n
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
21
ADVERTORIAL
What is Your College Game Plan? By Kimberly B. Catale
Parents of high school students ask us time and time again “What do I do? I’m lost!” We say, “It’s easy, you need to find a plan and stay focused on it …”
A
t Keystone College Funding, we help you develop a plan to find the correct school for your young adult so he/she will be academically, emotionally and socially happy. These all play a big part in lowering the transfer rates of our students. We want your young adult to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in four years, and not the national average of 5.8 years. Paying for college is the second most important thing with which we help our clients. We dig into our database of grants and scholarships and find the ones that fit your young adult’s criteria. We also use our “Finding the Money” tool, which helps our high-wage earner clients take advantage of college benefits with the cost of college expenses increasing 5-8 percent annually. For example, if you have a college sophomore that will graduate in four years at a private school at an average cost of $42,000 per year totaling $168,000 and you also have a high school senior that will be going to a state school for five years at an average cost of $25,000 totaling $125,000, that’s a grand total of $293,000 to send 2 children to school. This is why parents know it is so important to utilize as many tools as possible to get grants and maximum financial aid. The less you spend out-of-pocket on your young adult’s education, the more you will have in retirement. That’s the ultimate goal, saving your
22
money for you! It is more important to preserve the assets that you have, especially if we have a family with more than one child. Every new endeavor has hidden hooks; those hooks can be costly to you and your financial well-being. When it comes to learning about these hooks, when do you want to know about them? Before or after? Clients say to us: • “My income is too high to qualify for financial aid.” Income is only one of the seven factors used to determine financial aid. • “Private schools cost more than state schools.” Private schools typically have more money that they can offer. They also tend to graduate students in just four years. Private schools may also find more financial help if you understand the system. • “Debt load will help financial aid need.” Debt does not favorably impact financial aid eligibility. All of these scenarios are a case-by-case basis, we need to sit down with your family and go over what is best for your situation. Contact Keystone College Fundings today at 888-414-8474 or Service@keyscf.com Website: www.keyscf.com. n
Brian Catale and Associates, Keystone College Funding 910 Sheraton Drive, Suite# 240, Mars, PA 16046 Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
23
THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Step Back Into... Papal Changes and Middle East Peace Agreement By Paula Green
O
n July 25, 1978, Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first baby to be conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), was born at Oldham and District General Hospital in Manchester, England. The year 1978 had its share of papal changes. Pope Paul VI, died at 80, on Aug. 6; new Pope, John Paul I, 65, dies unexpectedly after 34 days in office on Sept. 28. He was succeeded by Karol Cardinal Wojtyla of Poland as John Paul II on Oct. 16.
Average:
U.S. Events:
Entertainment:
The average income was $17,000. Cost of a new home $54,800. The average cost of a new car $5,405. Gasoline was 63 cents per gallon. A dozen eggs was 48 cents. A gallon of milk was $1.71. Coffee was $2.25 per pound. Bacon was $1.20 per pound. Bread was 42 cents per loaf. The cost of a movie ticket was $2. The price of a first-class stamp was 13 cents and increased to 15 cents on May 29.
May 25, a bomb explodes in the security section of Northwestern University, wounding a security guard (the first Unabomber attack). Serial killer David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam,” is sentenced on June 12 to 25 years to life in prison. June 29, actor Bob Crane is murdered in an apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona. Famous painter, Norman Rockwell dies on Nov. 8, of emphysema. Home Depot is founded in Atlanta, Georgia.
Academy Award winners – Annie Hall, Richard Dreyfuss and Diane Keaton. Popular films – Animal House, Coming Home, The Deer Hunter, Grease, Midnight Express, Heaven Can Wait, Midnight Express, Superman: The Movie.
Firsts: Ben and Jerry opened their first ice cream parlor in Burlington, Vermont. NASA unveils the first group of women astronauts: Shannon Lucid, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Kathryn Sullivan, Judith Resnik, Anna Fisher and Sally Ride. The first Susan B. Anthony Dollar is minted. Harriet Tubman is the first African American woman to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp. Sony introduces the Walkman, the first portable stereo.
24
World News: Roman Polanski flees to France in February, hours before he was to be formally sentence on rape charges. March 1, Charlie Chaplin’s coffin and remains are stolen from a Swiss cemetery. Anwar Sadat, Menachem Begin and Jimmy Carter sign the Camp David Accords, frameworks for peace in the Middle East between Egypt and Israel. On Nov. 18, 918 members of the Peoples Temple are murdered or committed mass suicide under the leadership of cult leader Jim Jones.
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
Television: Popular shows: All in the Family, Angie, Happy Days, The Incredible Hulk, Laverne & Shirley, M*A*S*H, Mork & Mindy, 60 Minutes, Taxi, The Ropers, Three’s Company and WKRP in Cincinnati.
Songs: Record-chart hits - Baby Come Back, Boogie Oogie Oogie, Le Freak, MacArthur Park, Miss You, Night Fever, Shadow Dancing, Stayin’ Alive, Three Times a Lady, You Light Up My Life and You’re the One That I Want.
Publishing: Good reads - Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett and The World According to Garp by John Irving and War and Remembrance by
Herman Wouk. The first Garfield comic strip appeared in U.S. newspapers.
Sports: NFL – Super Bowl Champs – Dallas Cowboys; NBA Champions – Washington Bullets; World Series Winner –New York Yankees; Stanley Cup Champs – Montreal Canadiens.
Politics: President – Jimmy Carter, Vice President – Walter Mondale. Former U.S. Vice President, Hubert Humphrey died of cancer on Jan. 13.
Quotes: “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son” – John Vernon in National Lampoon’s Animal House “The only man a girl can depend on is her daddy.” – Frenchy from Grease “Easy Miss, I’ve got ya.” “You’ve got me? Who’s got you?” - Lois Lane & Superman from Superman: The Movie Sources: https://popculturemadness.com/ PCM/1978/1978-trivia-history-and-fun-facts/, http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1978.html, http://www.1970sflashback.com/1978/ Economy.asp, http://www.inthe70s.com/ prices.shtml, https://www.metv.com/lists/ the-10-biggest-pop-songs-of-1978
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
25
SUMMER ’18 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 & Social St. Alexis Over 50 trips: July 4, Gateway Clipper & Fireworks; Sept. 9, Mackinac Island. Contact, Rose (724) 728-2563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.
Health & Wellness Day of Health for Seniors, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., June 26, Legacy Theatre in McCandless. Sponsored by UPMC for Life and UPMC Senior Communities. All attendees must RSVP for the event and to schedule screenings at (412) 635-8080. 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.
Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Call (724) 9351877.
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.
Legacy Theatre Seminars, 11 a.m., Creativity Expressed in Glass, July 10; President Ulysses S. Grant, July 24; Voices in the Attic, Aug. 7; How the Great Depression Built North Park, Sept. 4; The Power of Gratitude, Sept. 18. For info, visit http://thelegacylineup.com/
St. Barnabas Charities will be hosting the 27th Annual Free Care 5K, 9 a.m., Aug. 4, at 5850 Meridian Rd., Gibsonia campus. Registration is $25 until Aug. 3 & $30 on race day. Register at FreeCare5K.com or call (724) 625-3770. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
Seminars
Senior Facilities UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.
Meals on Wheels
Senior Meetings
McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships. Call (412) 487-4088.
AARP 3736 welcomes new members, 7:30 p.m., every 2nd Thurs., of the month (except June & July) at St. Ursula Church Social Hall. Special dinner in Aug. and exciting trips.
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 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) 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. Gateway North AARP #3586 meets at 1 p.m., the 3rd Monday of the month, at West View Banquet Hall at 398 Perry
26
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
Hwy. Short meeting with entertainment, and cake & coffee. Everyone is welcome. 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. Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh has dances, retreats and plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http://www.cacpittsburgh.org/. Come have fun and meet new people with the Association of University People/AUP. They’re looking for single, four-year college graduates over 50 to join in monthly dinners, meet at various social spots & gatherings. Play Bridge or Scrabble. For info, call (412) 734-8445 or visit us at www.aupsinglespittsburgh. 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.
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 demen-
PENINGS tias. 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) 779-5020.
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 volunteers to snow shovel for seniors. Email clpschirer@nhco.org or (412) 307-0069 x3313.
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. Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ ursulinesupport.org.
Saint Alexis Festival
benefitting Blessed Francis Seelos Academy
August 1, 2, 3, 4 • 6-11pm Nightly 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford
•
Live Stage Entertainment Games Rides Food Raffles
•
•
Flea Market
Saturday, July 21 8:00 am–1:00 pm Sunday, July 22 9:00 am–2:00 pm (half-off sale) Join us for the Saint Alexis Festival to benefit Blessed Francis Seelos Academy from August 1-4, 6-11 p.m. nightly on the church grounds. Fun for all ages including rides, live stage entertainment, games, delicious festival-style food and indoor dinners on Thursday and Saturday, Bingo on Wednesday/Friday in Friendship hall (the old school cafeteria), blackjack & poker, raffles and so much more! For more information: (724) 935-4343 or www.stalexisfestival.com
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
27
REM EM BER WHEN
Summer is Here! By Joe Bullick
B
oy, I’m glad that summer is here. I feel for all of those who lost so much from all the landslides. For me as a young boy, I spent my summers playing ball, swimming at North Park pool, cutting grass, horseback riding, going to West View Park, camping in our backyard and eating food from our garden. If you lived in the city when I was growing
up, all you saw was smoke and lots of dirt in the air from all the mills. So, summer camps were a great getaway for a city child. Summer camps began in the late 19th century in America as people became more concerned about the effects urbanization was having on their children’s growth and development. If you like to boat or fish, summer is for you. Pittsburgh has the second largest number of registered pleasure boats in the country, with more than 66,000 registered in Allegheny County. I guess you know why—because of all the great rivers we have here. Summer is packed with fun. There is the Regatta, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, Cinema in the Park, the Summer Jazz Series. If you have visitors, why not take them on one of the inclines or one of the many other attractions in the area? I know this may sound crazy, but mom and I used to spend some time in Allegheny Cemetery when I was a boy, which has graves dating back to the French and Indian War as well as the burial sites of many famous Pittsburghers. Summer is also a fantastic time for Farmer’s Markets. You can find them all over the area. If you like to take road trips, then the summertime can’t be beat. If you can spare a day, take a drive to nearby Westmoreland County. There is a lot of history there. Washington County also teems with history. Well, I hope you enjoy the summer. God bless, and I leave you with this:
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. — Marcus Tullius Cicero
28
Summer 2018 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
55+ FEATURE
Medicare and Travel
Make sure you know how your plan covers you! By Crystal Manninig
Many retirees look forward to traveling in their retirement, and more and more are retiring overseas. But what happens to retirees’ federal benefits while they are out of the country? The short answer is that although Social Security benefits are available to retirees in other countries, Medicare generally is not.
L
et’s get to the bottom of why it is not covered. The general answer is that Medicare coverage outside the U.S is available only in very limited circumstances, such as: • You’re in the U.S. but have an emergency, and a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital. • You have an emergency while traveling in Canada between Alaska and another state, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital. • You live in the U.S. close to a border and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital, regardless of whether it’s an emergency. If you’re traveling on vacation overseas, it’s critical that you arrange for medical coverage during your stay. There are two ways to do this: • Buy travel insurance that will pay for medical services incurred during your trip, and/or provide for emergency evacuation back to the U.S. • Buy Medicap insurance policies that also will pay for
medical emergencies incurred during foreign travel.
Does Medicare Advantage Have Limitations on Travel? Medicare Advantage (private Medicare) plans may provide coverage benefits for health care needs when enrollees travel outside the United States. (Check with your plan before traveling.) It depends on what kind of plan in which you are enrolled and how long you travel. It also depends on your destination and the kind of care that you need. One certainty is that if you travel outside a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area for more than six months, you will likely be disenrolled. Medigap plans C through J offer travel emergency coverage, but the benefit applies only during the first 60 days of any trip. It becomes more complex if you decide to retire overseas and live permanently outside the U.S. You’ll want to plan for alternative medical insurance in your host country, and it will vary substantially between countries.
Summer is here — Enjoy your vacation! For all your Medicare questions or concerns, contact
Crystal Manning, Licensed Medicare Advisor at 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning 33@gmail. com. Crystal Manning has over 30 years in assisting with Insurance and Medicare needs. n
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
www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Summer 2018
29