b magazine Fall 2014

GETTING INKED CHRISTMAS in the WOODS Reaching baby boomers 1946 – 1964

PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson EDITORIAL V.P. & Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor Megan Joyce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Barbara Trainin Blank David Bennett Lee Dussinger Leslie Feldman Civia Katz Erin Kelly Stephen Kopfinger Katey Markey McLaughlin Gina Napoli Michael Osacky Lisa M. Petsche Susan Piette Rochelle A. Shenk Rosalba T. Ugliuzza ART DEPARTMENT Production Coordinator Janys Cuffe Production Artist Renee McWilliams SALES Account Executives Sherry Bolinger Christina Cardamone Annie Hill Angie Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller Sue Rugh ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer Project Coordinator Loren Gochnauer Sales & Event Coordinator Eileen Culp Interns Mariah K. Hammacher Molly Karl Rebecca Mills Copyright Š 2014 On-Line Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. b magazine is published quarterly. Single copy price $2.95.

Four-issue subscriptions are $6.00. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is strictly prohibited. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The Publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising.

On-Line Publishers, Inc. b magazine 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 717.285.1350 • fax 717.285.1360 www.bmagazinepa.com

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from the editor ...

Cool cover, right? We were thrilled that Alice Cooper granted us an interview. Like most of you, I was only familiar with Cooper the entertainer.

Although he loves the macabre and thrives on entertaining his audience with his ghastly appearance and theatrics, Cooper wants to go home and have time with family and friends where he isn’t in character. I know you’ll enjoy reading about this guy who lives a Jekyll-and-Hyde life.

Now let’s go 180 degrees the other way – Bewitched. For eight years people tuned in each week to watch a twitch of a nose and some family humor. Since this is the 50th anniversary of its TV debut, we reminisce about the people who made the show work. Fans will be gathering in California later this year for a special celebration, and since you can’t twitch your nose and be there, you may want to make plans now to attend.

Does your master bath area have a dated look? You can make major renovations and create a tranquil atmosphere by installing an overflow bath tub or a pass-through fireplace to your bedroom. Doesn’t that sound delicious? But there are beautiful sinks, trendy lighting, classy faucet and shower fixtures, and other features that can make a big impact without too much fuss. Check it all out inside!

It used to be that we could only enjoy the outdoors during the summer months, but now with firescaping, hot tubs, and swim units, the outdoors can be experienced year round. Look at some of the hot ideas you may want to consider installing before we shift to cooler weather.

Have you ever considered getting a tattoo? It’s becoming more popular, even among the boomer generation. We caught

up with four local baby boomers who decided to get inked. Each person had their tattoo especially designed. Find out what the impetus was for their tattoo. Will you be next?

Looking for a weekend getaway destination? Read about Christmas in the Woods, a fantastic craft show that is held each year in October. My husband and I have been there many times and find new and different offerings each time we attend.

Ideal Living is the special feature included in this issue of b magazine. The region offers many living options for baby boomers and seniors. Find out what active adult communities are offering these days, who can help with placement decisions, and how a reverse mortgage may be able to help a loved one remain in their home.

And if you’re a caregiver, there is always information to help you in that loving journey.

Much more is included but you’re going to have to pour your favorite beverage, kick off your shoes, put up your feet, and relax and read it for yourself.

Enjoy!

Vice president and managing editor

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features 12

BEWITCHED – A TV COMEDY OF WITCHES, WARLOCKS, AND MORTAL HUMANS Fifty years ago, Bewitched, a supernatural fantasy show, debuted on television. The story revolved around everyday family life, with nosey neighbors, a cranky boss, the somewhat befuddled older relative, and the stereotypical meddlesome mother-in-law. Throw in a witch for a wife and a few of her offthe-wall relatives, and a family comedy is created. Households are still enchanted by reruns of Bewitched, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

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JOURNALING – HELPING THOSE FACING A HEALTH CHALLENGE If you have ever experienced a medical crisis, whether for yourself or a loved one, you know that reflecting on your feelings and seeking support from others who have similar experiences is often part of process. Medical professionals treat the physical aspects of an illness, but the emotional, mental, and social facets need attention too. Journaling and blogging can let patients express their feelings and can help keep family members informed. Learn how easy it is to set up a blog page or begin journaling.

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TO TRUST OR NOT TO TRUST End-of-life terminology and documents can be confusing: living trust, revocable living trust, will, probate, etc. Sometimes it all gets so overwhelming and confusing that we end up not doing anything, deciding what we have is good enough. In this issue we talk about trusts, which may or may not be right for you.

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54 cover story 6 ALICE COOPER

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He is “The Godfather of Shock Rock,” but he has another side of himself that isn’t very different from you and me. It took a long time to realize that he couldn’t be the person on stage all the time.

And his family is very important to Cooper. In fact, his wife, Sheryl Goddard, and daughter, Calico, sometimes travel and even perform with him.

anniversary 70

THE RISE AND FALL OF A PRESIDENT Richard Milhous Nixon.

caregiving 43

HELP A LOVED ONE REMAIN IN THEIR HOME Remaining safe in their current environment.

general 72

GOOD VIBRATIONS Meet a fellow boomer.

health 30

SKIN CANCER Awareness can save lives.

home 20

BACKYARD-STYLE ENTERTAINMENT Spending time outdoors, maybe even year-round.

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TURN YOUR MASTER BATH INTO A MINI-SPA It’s a matter of personal enjoyment and financial investment.

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ideal living 45

WHEN YOU’RE NOT READY TO SLOW DOWN Active adult communities may be your answer.

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MAKING PLACEMENT DECISIONS There is assistance.

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IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE RIGHT FOR YOU? Asking the tough questions.

lifestyle 16

MORE BOOMERS GETTING INKED Tattoos—no longer taboo.

nostalgia 62

CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION How to value your memorabilia collection.

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MUSEUMS OFFER A PEEK AT HISTORY Motorcycles, cars, Mack trucks, and more.

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people 60

CREATING A PHYSICAL MEMORY Remembering loved ones.

travel 32

CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS A holiday wonderland of more than 200 crafters and eateries.

veteran 57

IN WAR AND PEACE, HE CONTINUED TO SERVE An exemplary life of service for our country.

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WRITTEN BY John J. Kerecz

A CHICKEN’S HEAD HELPED to create the legend of Alice Cooper, a man considered by many to be “The Godfather of Shock Rock.”

At a performance in 1969, a chicken’s head was thrown on stage.

“I never said I did or didn’t bite the head off the chicken,” says Cooper.

But Shep Gordon, his agent, told him it would be good for publicity to let the world believe he did. The fans loved it, and 40 years after the release of his

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debut record, he is still shocking and rocking the world.

It all started with a band called The Earwigs, “a parody of The Beatles,” says Cooper. He and some of his friends from Detroit formed it as a joke to enter a talent show. They later called themselves The Spiders and then The Nazz.

When the band, made up of Vincent Furnier (Alice Cooper), Michael Bruce, Glen Buxton, Neal Smith, and Dennis Dunaway, found out there was another band called The Nazz, Furnier suggested the name Alice Cooper. He liked the contrast between the band’s image and the wholesome name.

cover story ) ) ) alice cooper

“We were looked down on by other bands,” Cooper says, “because we were so theatrical that people said, ‘Take your theatrics away, and you’re not a good band.’ We were every bit as good a band as anybody out there.”

“Eighteen” became a hit in 1971.

“School’s Out,” which came out in 1972, was an American Top 10 single and a British No. 1. Billion Dollar Babies, released in 1973, was a No. 1 album here and across the Atlantic.

Furnier (Cooper) wanted more theater and more gore. The band didn’t and dissolved. Furnier, with the band’s permission and his agreement to pay royalties, kept the name and decided to go it alone.

In 1975 Cooper brought out his first solo album, Welcome to My Nightmare.

“There was a time that I didn’t know where Alice stopped and I began, and that was because of alcohol,” he says.

“All our friends were dying at 27. If you were a rock star, you were supposed to do that.”

For a second, Cooper’s eyes go blank, and then he begins to speak again.

“I had a drinking club called the Hollywood Vampires. It was at The Rainbow [Bar and Grill in LA] every night, and it was Harry Nilsson, John Lennon, Keith Moon, Micky Dolenz, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and whoever

else was in town that was a known alcoholic. That was the spot. There’s a plaque there that says, ‘Lair of the Hollywood Vampires,’ and it points up into the attic where we used to go and drink,” Cooper tells me.

During this time in his life, Cooper met his wife, Sheryl Goddard, a dancer and choreographer who performed in his show. Cooper was dating Raquel Welch at the time, but he left Welch to marry Goddard.

In 1983, while he was drinking himself to death, she filed for divorce, and he quit drinking. Now she travels with him and their daughter, Calico.

Sometimes they even perform on stage with him.

Cooper confides that family is very important to him and that he also currently takes care of his aging mother.

He recently built an addition onto his house for her.

Now that his family is always close, Cooper says, “We’re doing better tours now than we ever did. When I was 30, I was a mess. I was drinking a bottle of whiskey a day. I did shows that weren’t anywhere near as good as the shows I do now.”

Cooper talked about his recent tours with fellow shock rockers Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson.

“The nice thing about the tour was that there were two types of theater.

“

I never said I did or didn’t bite the head off the chicken.

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Golf is one of Cooper’s favorite hobbies.

Marilyn and Zombie have their own surrealistic-type of theater up there and their own sort of attitude and characters that they play. My show’s sort of oldschool vaudevillian with all the hits, and it isn’t based on lasers or things like that,” Cooper comments.

He doesn’t see much in rock today that interests him.

“We do hard rock. The music won’t go away. The bands that are still here and valid are still hard-rock bands. The Stones. Aerosmith. Guns N’ Roses.

Slash’s band. Foo Fighters. Green Day. The bands from the ’60s who are still here are all hard-rock bands. It’s the sort of combination that every 16-yearold wants to hear, and the parents do, too. You just don’t compromise.”

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Right: Alice Cooper attends the 9th Annual Michael Douglas & Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Cooper’s “old-school” approach also pays homage to many rock legends that are no longer performing.

“I’ve never done a covers album, and I really wanted to do one. But I didn’t want to go all over the place. I wanted to go specifically to that Hollywood Vampires era. I thought how great it would be to cover a Monkees song because of Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones. They used to both drink with us.”

While he has yet to do a cover album, his show includes many hits from his departed friends.

“In the show, we do ‘Break on Through’ by The Doors, ‘Revolution’ by Lennon, ‘My Generation’ for Keith Moon, and ‘Foxy Lady’ for Hendrix.

These were all my fellow drunks. They

passed away, and at the very end of the performance of all these covers, all their tombstones are being projected up there, and I say, ‘To all my dead drunk friends!’ Keeping their spirit alive was something I added in the show, and the audience loves it.”

He continues, “I think very few people can actually sit there and say, ‘I got plastered with every one of those guys.’”

Cooper’s music, like that of his friends, has become timeless. He reflects for a second on what he thinks were his best albums.

“Oh boy,” he says. “There’s Love It to Death—the first album with Bob Ezrin would have been the first definitive album. Welcome to My

cover story ) ) ) alice cooper

Nightmare—that was a genius album; The Last Temptation—I thought that was a really good album; Along Came a Spider was a really good album; and Brutal Planet and Dragontown.”

But his best work may be yet to come.

“I try to make records for my fans.

I don’t think I’m trying to break new ground. I don’t want to let the audience down. I was really proud of Welcome to My Nightmare. It had all the right songs on it, and the audience reacted

really well to it, and it did well on the charts, too.

“Next album, I’ll try to do the same thing. Like I said, I haven’t written my best songs yet, and that keeps pushing me forward. Any great musician keeps writing. Burt Bacharach is still writing songs, and he’s probably still trying to write his best song. Bob Dylan may be writing as we speak. You never know when you’re going to hear that magic combination where you listen and go, ‘That’s it!’”

Alice Cooper Group, 1973.

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Cooper has also performed in movies, most recently as the star attraction at a party in the movie Dark Shadows. Cooper was enthusiastic about his cameo and mentions how he had always loved Dark Shadows, the TV show. In particular, he notes how much he enjoyed working with Johnny Depp, and how Johnny was a good guitar player, and that he had performed with his band in the past.

As the interview winds down and Cooper excuses himself to speak with other fans, he reemphasizes what has kept The Godfather of Shock Rock on

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top for so long: “I was smart enough to get sober years ago, and there was this gray area for a while of, ‘Where does Alice begin, and where do I end?’ I figured I had to wear the makeup every time I went out, with the snake around my neck and black leather and the whole thing, or I was going to let everybody down.

“In order to maintain that character, you’re either going to be a drug addict or an alcoholic because it’s impossible to fuel that character in everyday life. It’s going to drive you insane, trying to do it. I just got to the

point where I got sober and I said, ‘This is where we become Jekyll and Hyde.’

“I wanted to be able to play golf in the morning, go shopping, have dinner, and go to the movies as this guy, and then play this character at night. I honestly think that had to do with the death of our rock stars: the fact that they had to be a character all the time.

Now, I look forward to playing, but I think I would’ve burned out as Alice all the time. We have a great relationship with each other now, Alice and I, and people are not disappointed.” ) ) )

feature WRITTEN BY David Bennett Photo Permission courtesy of Sony Pictures Television.

BewitchedŠ 1064 CPT Holdings, Inc.

A WITCH MARRIED TO A MORTAL, A MEDDLING MOTHER-IN-LAW, A NOSEY neighbor, and an array of weird and wonderful relatives? I am, of course, describing the TV show Bewitched that originally ran from 1964–1972 on ABC. Supernatural fantasy shows are relatively common these days, but it was a new idea to television when Bewitched, The Addams Family, and The Munsters launched, all between Sept. 17 and 24, 1964.

The story of Bewitched revolves around Samantha and Darrin Stephens. On their wedding night Darrin discovers that Samantha is a witch, and within no time at all he is introduced to his flamboyant mother-in-law, Endora.

She takes an instant dislike to her new son-in-law when Samantha vows to forgo witchcraft for his sake, and so begins a vendetta of wicked mischief, turning him into animals and playing endless magic pranks to make his life hell.

But her attempts to drive a wedge between Darrin and Samantha are futile as the mainstay of the series is the delightful love affair between mortal and witch.

The pilot script for Bewitched was created by screenwriter Sol Saks. He had actress Tammy Grimes in mind to play the lead actress; however, Grimes was under contract else were.

Meanwhile, director and producer William Asher and his wife, actress Elizabeth Montgomery, were looking for a

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feature ) ) ) bewitched

Agnes Moorehead, Dick York, and Elizabeth Montgomery, 1964.

project to work on together, and they approached Screen Gems’ executive TV producer Harry Ackerman. They were given a script to look over, were thrilled with what they read, and, after some tweaking, both signed up.

With Montgomery cast as Samantha, producers now had the enormous task of finding actors for the other principal roles. Oscar-nominated actress Agnes Moorehead was approached to play Samantha’s mother, Endora.

Initially, Moorehead was not keen on signing up for the series but, after some persuading, decided to take a chance on the show. She would later admit to Montgomery that she only signed up because she was sure it was going to be a flop!

Dick Sargent was originally approached for the role of Samantha’s husband, Darrin, but he was under contract elsewhere and the part was given to Dick York. Interestingly, though, Sargent would later step in to play Darrin when York was forced into retirement by health issues.

Dick York was a tall, handsome actor with wonderful comedic timing.

The on-screen chemistry between York and the witty, beguiling Montgomery is pure magic, bringing the “true love

conquers all” message alive while the couple desperately tried to keep Samantha’s witch identity secret.

Darrin struggles with the relentless stresses of the world of advertising (alongside his long-suffering boss Larry Tate—played by David White) and his mischievous mother-in-law. Samantha wrestles with the challenges of conforming to the role of a mortal housewife without the help of witchcraft … just a twitch of the nose away.

Other cast members were the Stephenses’ neighbors, the Kravitzes, played by George Tobias and Alice Pearce. The role of Gladys Kravitz would later be taken over by Sandra Gould, as sadly Pearce died from cancer toward the end of season two. Mrs. Kravitz often catches Samantha in the act of witchcraft, but no one believes her hysterical accounts of events.

Audiences would meet a wonderful array of other characters, including Darrin’s parents, Frank and Phyllis Stephens (played by Mabel Albertson, Roy Roberts, and Robert F. Simon), Louise Tate (played by Irene Vernon and Kasey Rogers), and Samantha’s dear Aunt Clara (played by Marion Lorne), who often gets herself into a muddle when her witchcraft goes awry.

By the end of Bewitched’s first

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Supernatural fantasy shows are relatively common these days, but it was a new idea to television when Bewitched, The Addams Family, and The Munsters launched in 1964.

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Above: Dick York, Diane or Erin Murphy, and Elizabeth Montgomery.

Above: Dick Sargent, Greg or David Lawrence, and Elizabeth Montgomery.

season, the series was proving highly successfully, reaching No. 2 in the Nielsen ratings, and large companies like Chevrolet and Quaker Oats were investing in its success by way of sponsorship.

In season two the Stephenses have an addition to their family, a daughter named Tabitha. Tabitha would be played by several sets of twins, finally settling on Diane and Erin Murphy, with Erin eventually taking over the role. The addition of Tabitha added a new dimension to the show and another dilemma for the Stephenses: would Tabitha be a witch?

The first two seasons of Bewitched were filmed in black and white, but season three was aired in color, and everything seemed to sparkle even more than before. The animated opening (created by the famous duo Hanna-Barbera), with Samantha flying across a starry cityscape, was more captivating than ever.

Subsequent seasons saw appearances by the likes of Samantha’s beloved practicaljoking Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde), mischievous cousin Serena (played also by Montgomery), bumbling nanny Esmeralda (Alice Ghostley), and Dr. Bombay (Bernard Fox).

The Stephenses would also introduce a son in season 6, Adam (played by various

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twins, finally settling on David and Greg Lawrence/Mandel).

The show ran for an incredible eight years and has never been off the air since. There is a staggering total of 254 episodes. The show and its stars were nominated for several Emmy Awards, including five for Elizabeth Montgomery, though surprisingly she never won.

Production on Bewitched finally ended in 1972, but the series has stood the test of time and has been much celebrated in recent years.

In 2005, TV Land unveiled a statue of Samantha in Salem, Mass., and in 2008, Elizabeth Montgomery posthumously received a long-overdue

star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Montgomery died from cancer in 1995).

To mark this, the 50th anniversary of Bewitched, fans will be gathering in Los Angeles at the Sportsmen’s Lodge for the Bewitched Fan Fare. Events are taking place from Sept. 17–20, 2014, including meetings with many actors and actresses who appeared on the show and other people connected with it.

If you would like to attend and for more information, go to: www.bewitchedfanfare.com Who would have thought that 50 years on, Bewitched would still be enchanting audiences of all generations around the world? ) ) )

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lifestyle

WRITTEN BY Rosalba T. Ugliuzza

CELEBRITIES, GENERATION Y, AND MILLENNIALS ARE NOT THE ONLY groups of people getting tattooed these days. Baby boomers are increasingly joining the pack.

This illustration art has had a longstanding stigma in the past— military personnel proudly wore insignias and other artwork on their arms, but it was also associated with outlaws or gangs and considered unprofessional.

Nowadays, however, people have become more accepting of tattoos, which have become a form of healing, self-expression, remembrance, and advertising.

Baby boomers like Kelly and Max Crawford, Joan Brown, and Lori Hemphill have embraced the culture of tattoos for what it means to them, and they wear their ink proudly.

Kelly Crawford hopes to help break the negative image that tattooing used to have. Getting her second tattoo with her husband, Max, in late March was a continuation of her dream come true.

Her first tattoo, located on the back of her neck, just below the hairline, is a script font of the word “sister” to commemorate the bond between her

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and her close sibling.

Though she’s happy with her new tattoo, Crawford has gotten mixed reaction to her large swirly design of multiple stems and a flower located on her lower stomach and a little on her back and side.

“I think most people were in shock that I got one, especially my family. I don’t think they were too thrilled with it. My mom and my brother weren’t too happy. My one sister loves it,” said Crawford, a CEO of a credit union. “I think there’s a lot of stereotyping going on, which is unfortunate.”

Fortunately, there’s one person who has sealed his approval on Crawford’s tattoo.

“My husband thinks it’s hot,” she said. “He loves my tattoo.”

The Crawfords are motorcycle enthusiasts. About a year ago, the couple bought a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and attended several rallies and gatherings. After meeting new people and seeing some “pretty cool”

artwork, they went ahead and got tattoos of their own.

Through the advice from friends in their motorcycle club, the couple went to Sevil James Rossell, owner of Built to Last Tattooing in York. Unlike his wife, Max Crawford recently got inked for the first time. A racing enthusiast as well, he got a tattoo of two racing flags crossed with a skull in the center and a motorcycle chain wrapped around his left upper bicep.

James and Kelly Crawford communicated with Rossell via email, and by the time they met face to face, they immediately agreed on the final design.

“I pretty much took out a pen and a marker with a picture that she showed me she liked and just drew it on her,” James Rossell said. “After I drew it on her, she said, ‘You knew exactly what I wanted without telling you.’ I guess that comes from experience.”

Like Crawford, 65-year-old Joan Brown already had a couple of tattoos of her dogs before getting another one

lifestyle ) ) ) getting inked

Kelly’s husband, Max Crawford, right and below, chose tattoos that reflected his love of racing and motorcycling.

Kelly Crawford, left and above, had Sevil James Rossell of Built To Last Tattooing hand-draw and tattoo this original design on her.

All photos by Sevil James Rossell.

Left: Keith Diffenderfer (front), tattoo artist from the popular TV show Ink Master, who works for Sevil James Rossell (behind), tattoo artist and owner of Built to Last Tattooing studios in York County. Rossell inked the tattoos on Max and Kelly Crawford above.

for a different purpose.

Thirteen years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A lumpectomy resulted in a scar on one side of her back to the armpit area.

The scar was visible wearing backless attire like a bathing suit or a summer top with a lower back. She had read online about breast cancer survivors who had gotten tattoos to cover their scars after having total mastectomies and smaller degrees of breast surgeries.

“I thought, ‘Heck, I think I could do the same thing with the scar on my

back. Wouldn’t it be a great thing to do?”’ Brown said.

She turned to Stuart Werner, an artist at Transcending Flesh in downtown Lancaster and the same person who designed Brown’s first tattoos, for help. She asked him if he could disguise her scars with a tattoo, and they both went to work.

An aficionado of Tinker Bell, Brown researched online and showed Werner a bunch of pictures of fairies and vines.

“He went to the back for a little while and then came back out and said,

‘Well, how about this?’ I said, ‘Wow, this is doable. That would be great!’”

The tattoo application took about an hour and a half. Brown described the process as painful at first, especially when Werner tattooed her ribs. She winced for about 10 minutes and kept reminding herself to breathe.

“I just kept saying, ‘Breathe.

Breathe. You have children. You can do this,’” she said. “It’s really strange, but after a while, you don’t notice it anymore. I can’t describe it. When we were finished, I said to [Werner], ‘This

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Joan Brown had Stuart Werner of Transcending Flesh (pictured above, right) disguised her scar, the result of a lumpectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago, that is on one side of her back to the armpit area.

wasn’t so bad at all,’ and he said, ‘Well, you went into the zone really fast. You relaxed into it.’”

With 19 years of experience, Werner has designed tattoos for people who need to cover up scars, stretch marks, and discoloration of the skin. He has also designed variations of ribbons to commemorate the cancer survivors’ journey.

Werner said he enjoys getting asked to tattoo people who are cancer survivors.

“I certainly like it. It’s nice to see people get comfort from it. It almost empowers them. It’s really special,” he said.

A self-described “cancer thriver,” Brown plans to show off her back in public this summer. She’s gotten kudos

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and support for her decision from her family and friends, especially her husband of 42 years, Tom. “He should have me tattooed on his arm,” she said. “He was unbelievably supportive.”

Tattoos can empower people no matter what their stage in life. For Lori Hemphill, getting a tattoo meant embarking on a new chapter.

An event planner and owner of Party Perfect in Lancaster, Hemphill works with young brides to fulfill their special day. When her 30-year marriage crumbled, it marked a life change.

“As a baby boomer, I had just gotten a divorce. It wasn’t an easy time; the past two years have been difficult. With my faith getting me through, the tattoos

Lori Hemphill had Reanimated Art Studio owner Carrieanne Kempton design a tattoo for her representing her life change and faith.

“We’d done a little research and found something that she was going to like,” she said. “She was not difficult to deal with. She was very nice.”

A 2010 Pew study found that 15 percent of baby boomers are inked.

While the actual number of baby boomer customers varies in each tattoo parlor, more women are expressing interest.

“They’re not our primary customers.

There’s a lot more than what it used to be,” Kempton said. “The guys that come in have all been in the service, but the people who say, ‘I’m doing this, darn it,’ are women.”

Unlike the younger generation, baby boomers are more methodical—choosing a design and asking informative questions about hygiene and the actual process. “[They] look at how clean is the shop.

Are they friendly? Can they understand what [the client] is asking for? They want it done professionally,” said James Rossell. “It’s cool to work with boomers.” ) ) )

7 West King Street, Lancaster PA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY HESS AND TONY GIBBLE

represented to me rebirth,” she said.

After meeting Manheim tattoo artist and Reanimated Art Studio owner Carrieanne Kempton at a social gathering, Hemphill made a decision to try something new.

“With the two years of turmoil, I felt like I was trying to get over that whole hump. So this is the time to do it. I needed that constant reminder of faith and moving forward,” she said.

Kempton designed a tattoo on Hemphill’s forearm that consisted of a lotus flower with a robin’s egg in the center and a Celtic symbol on the egg.

The lotus flower blossoms in the murkiest and dirtiest waters. The flower, the egg, and the symbol represent beauty and rebirth during troubled times. A rosary is draped around the flower to represent Hemphill’s faith.

Years of experience and patience are some of the keys to being a good tattoo artist, especially when working with someone for the very first time. Kempton said it was fun working with her client.

PARTY PERFECT AND THE PERFECT PLAN

BY LORI HEMPHILL : MAKING RECEPTIONS ... EXCEPTIONS PARTY PERFECT THE STORE THE PERFECT PLAN EVENTS

Comprehensive special event planning and day of coordination for weddings, corporate events, and bar/bat mitzvahs.

7 West King Street, Lancaster PA

717.299.2128

HOURS: Tues / Thurs / Fri / Sat 10 AM - 5 PM

www.theperfectplanbylh.com facebook.com/theperfectplanbyLH

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backyard-style entertainment:

not just for warm summer weather anymore WRITTEN BY Gina Napoli

HOW LONG WOULD YOUR STICK HAVE TO BE IF YOU WANTED TO ROAST A marshmallow over your fire pit while sitting in your hot tub? Then, imagine stepping out of your hot tub and warming yourself next to a gorgeous outdoor fireplace.

Mmmm …

“An outdoor living space is an Even if you have limited space extension of the home—a one-of-a-kind and/or budget, there are lots of creation focused on the clients’ unique different sizes and options in both fire taste and style. The clients are our pits and hot tubs. Both of these inspiration for creating the ideal living features offer homeowners warmth environment,” said Ryan Longenecker, year-round while increasing your landscape designer at Hosler’s outdoor living space.

Homescapes.

No matter which project you choose, If you’re finding you have a little the process starts with a design more time to spend outdoors or if inspired by the family who will be using you’re looking for a great reason to get that space.

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together with your family or friends, imagine them all unwinding around a cozy fire in the twilight hours or bonding while relaxing in a bubbling hot tub.

To create a comfortable living area, you don’t need as much room or as much funding as you may think. You can create a small outdoor space for as few as 250 square feet or a larger area for 1,500+ square feet.

home ) ) ) backyard entertainment

A typical project ranges between 500 to 700 feet. That range provides a good outdoor living space for most properties. Many projects are accomplished in a few days to a few weeks. Prices depend largely on the materials, finishes, and other elements you choose.

“The cost of the project is secondary to the benefits received year after year.

The true goal of each project is to

create a unique space that will bring friends and families together,” Longenecker said.

Hot tubs or aquatic swim units (the latest trend) fit into any motif nicely.

These are swim units that create a lowimpact current, simulating a lap swim in a small area. These can be inside or outside.

Wherever you decide to install, inside or outside, if you have health issues, an

aquatic swim unit is a great addition to your home.

“We sell a lot of these units to folks 50 and older,” said Jesse Timple at Bob’s Intowne Spas in York, Pa. “When you have aches and pains, nothing beats swimming for low-impact exercise.”

In fact, customers with afflictions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis have attested to decreased pain levels as a result of year-round swimming and

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Swim spas combine health and leisure benefits all in one.

Swimming or nonweight-bearing exercises can be done in one end, while massage and relaxation can be experienced in the other end.

exposure to heated water. “People choose their hot tub units based on where the jets will hit their bodies,� said Timple.

When it comes to the types of materials used to create the outdoor living space, a good designer will make recommendations based on the type of home you live in. Natural stone will fit perfectly when designing for a historic farmhouse.

Likewise, stamped concrete would be a better choice for a modern house. The combination of multiple colors and textures can create an eye-catching showpiece to turn your yard into a multi-season gathering place, adding to your property value and to your quality of life.

The latest trend is building an outdoor campfire setting. You can create the ideal setting to reminisce, make memories with the grandkids, tell ghost stories, and roast marshmallows and hotdogs. There are many styles to choose

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home ) ) ) backyard entertainment

Above: Firescaping is becoming more popular as features become more available and customizable.

Right: Elevated views from inside the house or exterior deck are important to the success of an outdoor living environment.

Bottom right: Patterns and colors are paramount to carrying the interior flow to the outdoor space.

Bottom left and lead-in photo: Forefront is a fire pit ready to be enjoyed while listening to the soothing sounds of the bubbling boulder in the background.

Left: From capturing breathtaking borrowed views to creating your own views, outdoor living is all about engaging all the senses.

Photos courtesy of Hosler’s Homescapes.

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An outdoor living space is an extension of the home – a one-of-a-kind creation focused on the clients’ unique taste and style.

from: fire pits, fire tables, fire bowls, outdoor fireplaces, or even landscape lighting with fire. This desire for fire is also kindled by good times as an adult.

“Often people return from ski trips in the western parts of the United States and wish to create the ski resort experience,” Longenecker said. “Ski resorts offer their guests all kinds of unique fire features. People become so captivated by that feeling and setting, and they want that feeling year-round.

Fire used in a home landscape design adds an element of warmth and light like no other feature.”

“The contractor, landscaper, and designer would work together to decide where the hot tub would fit in accordance with other elements, such as space to walk around it, an enclosure around it, or distance to the fire pit,” said Timple.

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To install a hot tub is easy and takes fewer than two hours. All you need is a flat surface. Small units are 8 feet by 8 feet but can go as large as 20 feet by 40 feet and are available in many sizes in between. It fills and drains easily with a garden hose. A contractor can run an electrical line to the unit.

Fire pits and hot tub units have become increasingly energy efficient. A typical fire ring uses less than $6 worth of natural gas per hour. Hot tubs use electricity and several hundred gallons of water, depending on the size. With regular use, hot tubs can cost less than $1 per day to run.

If you’re ready to install your own fire pit and/or hot tub, start with a reputable designer. You’ll want to choose someone who is certified, insured, and registered with the state as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC).

Choose someone with whom you can form a good working relationship.

Be sure to ask to see that designer’s portfolio, client referrals, and check on the BBB registration. The investment of time on the front end is well worth preventing any problems on the back end. They may be in your yard anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the scope of your project, so it’s important to trust the people you’re working with.

“Outdoor living is the best thing,” said Timple. “Go ahead and look at any backyard. People are creating more outdoor living space. It brings families together.”

Longenecker agreed.

“An investment in your home’s outdoor environment is what outdoor living is all about—bringing families together.” ) ) )

A great place for your next banquet or party!

125 South Centerville Road • Lancaster 717.391.7656 • www.SymposiumRestaurant.com

home AT THE END OF A LONG DAY, SOME PEOPLE UNWIND ON THE COUCH in their living room. But more and more people are heading to another room in their home to relax—the master bathroom.

WRITTEN BY Katie Markey McLaughlin

Tub Transformations For those who love a relaxing bubble bath, the addition of a large, deep soaking tub might be the ideal upgrade.

While massaging jets are an option, today many homeowners are choosing models without jets to make the soaking experience quieter and more serene, perfect for unwinding with a book or some soft music after a busy day.

Another trendy choice is an overflow tub, which sets the bar high for both luxury and aesthetic appeal. The water

in an overflow tub is continuously flowing—being heated and filtered before returning to the tub—which makes for an extremely relaxing experience.

If you prefer to relax in front of the tube, you could consider mounting a flat-screen television on the bathroom wall. Or you could splurge on the newly designed “TV Tub,” in which a waterproof television is attached to the tub itself.

The best part is that today’s luxury bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes, making them suitable for both large

For that reason, many homeowners are upgrading their bathrooms in ways that replicate the luxurious feel of a spa. What’s more, the popularity of these upgrades means that they also add significant resale value to the home.

For baby boomers who are looking to upgrade for purposes of both personal enjoyment and financial investment, a master bathroom renovation could be the perfect fit.

Consider one or more of these rising trends for turning an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary.

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home ) ) ) master bath mini-spa

Right: 10-inch contemporary square rainhead in polished chrome, by Kohler.

Previous page: sok® overflowing bath with effervescence and chromatherapy,

by Kohler.

and small spaces. They’re also available in a variety of gorgeous materials—including sandstone, marble, metal, wood, and glass—all of which make a design statement.

Shower Overhauls One of the most popular masterbathroom upgrades is to make the shower bigger, often by tearing out the tub completely. A larger shower stall not only makes for a more spacious bathing experience, but also allows for accessories like a built-in seat or multiple showerheads.

For a smaller-scale change, swapping a traditional showerhead for

a more modern style is a simple way to give your shower a new look and feel.

Just turning on the water will automatically light up an LED showerhead, and the color changes depending on the water temperature.

No batteries required; the water pressure creates the energy to light the LED bulbs!

Dual showerheads are becoming increasingly common, as are rainfall showerheads, which feature a wide surface area to simulate the experience of being caught in a gentle, cascading rainstorm.

Some homeowners are even opting for shower wall panels, which usually

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You’re adding a little luxury to a space you use every day, while also making your home more appealing to future buyers.

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home Leaf lavatory sink, by Kohler.

combine a rainfall showerhead with massaging body jets to make taking a shower a truly luxurious experience.

Sophisticated Sinks and Fixtures Upgrading your sinks and fixtures can instantly wake up a tired master bathroom.

If your bathroom currently only has one sink and you have unused counter space, consider adding a second one, as dual sinks are very popular with homebuyers right now.

For large bathrooms, an undermount sink—which, as the name suggests, is physically mounted beneath the countertop, eliminating the traditional lip—gives a bathroom a minimalist look. For smaller bathrooms, you can achieve the same modern feel with a freestanding or pedestal sink.

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Lilies Lore lavatory sink in medium patina, by Kohler.

Replacing standard-grade faucets and fixtures can quickly add a touch of luxury to your master bathroom.

Higher-end materials like pewter, weathered copper, and bronze are all popular right now, and for added style and value, you can also match your towel bars and light fixtures.

Homeowners looking to go green could even install a sensor-activated faucet—similar to those found in many public restrooms—which conserves water (and saves money) by turning off automatically when you’re doing things like brushing your teeth or shaving.

Porcelain Upgrades When turning your master bathroom into a relaxing retreat, don’t forget about your toilet. Yes, luxury toilets do exist!

Today you can find simple, modern

designs with high-tech features like motion-activated lids and touch-screen panels for a hands-free (and ultra hygienic) experience. Some models even have nightlights, heated seats, and built-in speakers for flooding your space with your favorite tunes.

Newer toilets are also generally more efficient—dual-flush models, for example, allow the user to choose between a light or heavy flush—which again saves the homeowner money by conserving water.

Setting the Mood There are a myriad of other touches that can help you create a spa-like atmosphere in your master bathroom.

For example, adding windows or even skylights will brighten the space by bringing in more natural light. Or you could create an elegant feel by

home ) ) ) master bath mini-spa

Right: Cachet nightlight toilet seat, Cimarron toilet, by Kohler.

Left: Cimarron touchless toilet with Brevia toilet seat, by Kohler.

hanging a chandelier or other pendant lighting fixture in the bathroom (but remember that safety codes are involved when installing fancy lighting in a wet environment).

For chilly bathrooms, get the temperature—and the ambiance—just right through upscale details like heated towel bars or warming drawers, heated floors, or fog-free mirrors. Some homeowners are creating a comfy yet modern feel by installing a pass-through or double-sided fireplace in the master bathroom.

Tranquility and Value The best part about a master bathroom upgrade for baby boomers is that it’s a good investment you can also enjoy. You’re adding a little luxury to a space you use every day, while also making your home more appealing to future buyers. ) ) )

Universal Design for

Aging In Place Renovations byGarman Now your home can be a Garman home.

Kitchens • Baths • Theaters • Porches • Decks • Patios Sunrooms • Pool Houses • Finished Basements • Offices Additions • Whole House Remodels • Garages

PA080088

Photos courtesy of Kohler.

717-733-1606

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health

skin cancer: awareness can save lives WRITTEN BY Barbara Trainin Blank

PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT THEIR HEARTS AND LUNGS BUT MAY NEGLECT the largest organ in their body: the skin.

In midlife, skin often loses its firmness and elasticity; it may become drier and bruise more easily.

Skin can also develop cancer, which can be dangerous and even deadly.

Every hour, one person in the United States dies from melanoma, said Dr. Natalie Bene, a board-certified dermatologist who practices at the Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of York.

The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain.

The most common type is basal cell carcinoma, which occurs mostly on sunexposed areas of the body.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common; these cells comprise most of the skin’s upper layers—the epidermis.

Melanoma, which affects both sunexposed and unexposed areas, “can appear without warning in an existing mole or as a new spot—and can kill,” Bene said. “The most common locations are on the upper back in both men and women and on the legs in women.”

With early diagnosis, however, a potentially deadly cancer can have a very high cure rate, Bene said, adding that “dermatologic surgical removal of thin melanomas and of the majority of basal and squamous cell carcinomas can cure the disease in most cases.”

Some risk factors for melanoma are not within your control. One is genetic predisposition—it runs in families.

Another is genetic makeup. Blondes and redheads have two to four times the

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predisposition than others.

The presence of many moles, particularly atypical moles, is another risk factor.

But the greatest one is exposure to sun or other types of ultraviolet light, such as indoor tanning beds.

“Not only that, but these beds can be addictive,” Bene said.

You can be proactive in your own care, however. One way is to look at your moles once a month to see new spots or changes in existing ones—and become familiar with them. In particular, Bene advised, you should look at what doctors call an “ugly duckling”: one that looks different from the others.

See a dermatologist once a year or maybe every six months if you have a family history of melanoma, multiple moles, or lots of sun exposure over time.

“Some people have no normal skin,” Bene said. “It’s all damaged, especially if they grew up in a sunny climate.”

Many melanomas are found when people come to doctors for other reasons. So when in a physician’s office, ask him or her to look at your skin or back. Spouses and hairdressers are also good at spotting changes, especially in places you can’t see.

Wear sunglasses, which can help prevent cataracts and melanoma in the eyes. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“Don’t play tennis at 12 noon,” cautioned Bene. “Go outside early in the morning or in the evening.”

Some people might poo-poo skin cancers other than melanoma, but basal cell carcinomas can turn deadly, even if it’s the “best one to have.” It can eat out the tissues and ulcerate and possibly get infected.

Basal cell carcinoma comes in more than one variety—the “superficial” type is less serious than the infiltrative and sometimes can be treated with topical cream.

Squamous cell carcinoma is more dangerous, especially if it is found in certain areas of the body, such as the lower lips.

“It can metastasize,” Bene said.

“People can die from it.”

What about precancerous lesions?

One example is actinic keratosis, which is a precursor lesion to squamous cell carcinoma.

These lesions can be frozen off, said Bene. While you might be inclined to leave them alone, treating them reduces the chance of developing this type of cancer.

Some patients with precancerous lesions may have to come to the dermatologist every three months to have them “zapped” with liquid nitrogen.

Other options for non-melanoma skin cancer are cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen; electrodessication and curettage (scrape and burn); radiation therapy; topical creams; and oral medication for some cases.

Studies under way at Massachusetts General Hospital are exploring a laser treatment that would destroy the blood

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supply of tumors, causing them to go away.

“The tumors are very vascular and need blood supply to grow,” said Bene.

Another treatment is Mohs surgery, a state-of-the-art procedure for nonmelanoma tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as eyelids, ears, nose, and lips, which was developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s.

The surgery, an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, is distinguished by a specific and unique technique of tissue sampling and examination. Each layer of tissue is looked at under a microscope until healthy, cancer-free tissues around the tumor (“clear margins”) are reached.

Other candidates for Mohs are people with aggressive tumors that are growing rapidly. Mohs surgery provides the highest possible cure rate—99 percent—and spares the normal tissue.

According to the American College of Mohs Surgeons (www.mohscollege.com), Mohs surgery ensures complete cancer removal during surgery; minimizes the amount of healthy tissue lost; maximizes the functional and cosmetic outcome resulting from surgery; and repairs the site of the cancer after the cancer is removed.

A Mohs College surgeon is trained

as a cancer surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon.

“While the initial cost may be greater than other treatment methods, Mohs surgery usually requires only a single surgery and, in most cases, cures skin cancer when other methods have failed,”

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said Bene, who is a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Ideally, with good prevention, you can stop skin cancer from occurring or catch it in the early stages.

“If we can raise awareness about skin cancer, we will save lives,” said Bene. ) ) )

Ideally, with good prevention, you can stop skin cancer from occurring or catch it in the early stages.

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travel christmas in the woods:

Above: Chad and Erin Rupp, Hand Me a Glass from Mount Joy, Pa., display their handpainted glasses.

someplace special THOUGH THE MORNING AIR WAS CRISP, THE SUN WAS SHINING brightly as the parking attendant motioned me to pull ahead in the field to park. I was excited, as this was my first time attending Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods in Columbiana, Ohio, where the woods are filled with hundreds of crafters dressed in old-fashioned-inspired clothing and selling one-of-a-kind handmade items.

WRITTEN BY Erin Kelly

that’s where Christmas “in the Woods” comes from, huh?

As if by magic, the signal was given, the gates were opened, and the crowds pressed through the gates and into the woods. I realized later from talking to others that longtime attendees have favorite crafters they want to visit with to check out their new offerings.

I picked up a map and program to help me navigate my surroundings. I

was taken back by the charm and uniqueness the setting offered. The wooden booths came in various shapes and sizes and were manned by costumed crafters explaining and demonstrating how they make their special items.

I heard one crafter mention to someone what he liked best about the show: that all the crafts are individually created by the exhibitors. As I wandered through the woods, I forgot all about

I had heard so much about Christmas in the Woods and read about it a few years ago in Country Living magazine. I still wasn’t sure what to expect.

After making my way from the car I was greeted by workers dressed in holiday-themed outfits and a bunch of people waiting for the gates to open. It never dawned on me that the crafters are all set up in the woods ... I guess

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Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate their art process, which ranges from weaving, woodworking, blacksmithing and lots more.

the map. It seemed as if everyone was happy to be there. I saw blacksmiths, leather workers, potters, and artists happily chatting with customers.

Even though I had eaten breakfast before I headed to the woods, I was struck with a strong desire to eat. I don’t know if it was the coolness of the morning air or the tantalizing aromas that filled it, but I followed my nose and came upon a clearing that had a host of food vendors serving everything from homemade doughnuts and coffee to chicken wings and cobbler.

I stuck to the coffee and doughnuts, figuring I would circle back later in the day for the other scrumptious fare. I didn’t realize at the time that this was only part of the food offerings. An additional section of food vendors was at the opposite side of the woods.

I had seen enough to know why it had gained such a great reputation and

tremendous following and wanted to learn how it all came about. I was directed to the information booth where I was introduced to Ken and Linda McGaffic, the promoters. I had so many questions to ask, I didn’t know where to start.

Q. How long has this been going on?

A. “We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary next year. It’s amazing how quickly the time has flown,” Linda answered.

Q. Is it held the same time every year?

A. “Yes, it’s always the second and third weekends in October,” said Linda.

Q. How did you come up with the concept?

A. “The highly successful Shaker Woods Festival is held here in August;

that’s why the grounds are called Shaker Woods. It’s similar to Christmas in the Woods, but it’s themed after the Shakers. They were known for their exceptional craftsmanship. It’s held for three weekends in August and predated the Christmas show by a dozen years,” Ken said.

“If it wasn’t for the Shaker Woods Festival, there wouldn’t be a Christmas show. It was Sam and Sue Ferguson, founders of Shaker Woods, who gave us the opportunity to host this show. We owe them a lot,” he added.

Q. How many crafters and vendors do you have?

A. “We have more than 200 crafters, about 20 food booths, and three stages of entertainment. We like to point out, too, that all the pathways are graveled to make access to the booths easier,” said Linda.

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Just a few of the hundreds of crafts displayed and sold at Christmas in the Woods.

Q. Do you draw visitors from a wide area?

A. “It’s amazing how far people come; we send our program to more than 30 states. A couple of years ago a woman contacted us from California and said she was traveling east just for the show. When she was leaving the event, a staffer asked if it was worth the trip. She said yes and that she would come back in a heartbeat,” Ken said.

Q. You mentioned entertainment.

A. “We have three stages of

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entertainment as well as strolling entertainers. We like to keep the entertainment themed after Christmas, but we usually have bluegrass, cloggers, and country as well,” Linda said.

“We are very fortunate to have B.E. Taylor performing for us. He’s well known in the Pittsburgh area for his Christmas show and sells out various venues throughout the holiday season.”

I knew Ken and Linda were busy, so I didn’t want to take any more of their time. I thanked them for their graciousness and for putting on the

event. I can only imagine all the hard work that it takes to pull off something of this size.

I spent the rest of the day doing some serious looking and shopping.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it was easy to find unique, handcrafted items for a number of people on my shopping list.

As I made my way to my car, a gentleman dressed in a vest at the gate thanked me for coming. His big smile made me truly realize this is someplace special. Would I be back? In a heartbeat. ) ) )

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feature journaling – helping those facing a health challenge WRITTEN BY Leslie Feldman

MANY OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED A MEDICAL CRISIS, EITHER FOR OURSELVES OR A LOVED ONE. MOST individuals easily recognize the necessity of treating the physical aspects of disease, but not everyone realizes the importance of treating the mental, social, and emotional components.

Journaling or blogging are two ways a patient or family member can navigate a frightening, draining situation.

What Are the Modes?

There are many outlets through which one can write. For years now, people around the world have used

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social media to communicate with others. It has become a venue to share good news and celebrate milestones.

As technology has evolved, cyberspace has grown into a resource for individuals experiencing difficult medical situations. Thanks to websites like CaringBridge.org, patients can

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set up their own webpages where they can not only express their feelings, but also update friends and family instantly and easily.

CaringBridge, which was created in 1997 by Sona Mehring, is a free, nonprofit website that offers users a journal, guestbook, and planner.

Mariah Rooney, CaringBridge’s marketing manager, describes the site as a “catalyst of love and healing for more than half a million people each day.” Rooney shares that 177 million patients signed up last year. There are no advertisements on CaringBridge, and the company does not share users’ personal information.

The Healing Journey Foundation, based out of the Lancaster Cancer Center, located in the Greenfield Industrial Park in Lancaster, is an example of a non-Web-based channel for patients and families. Mindy DeGreen, president of the foundation, describes the program as one that “empowers cancer patients by giving them support in their journeys.”

Charlotte DeGreen, a breast cancer survivor and whose husband, Dr. Peter DeGreen, treated her at the Lancaster Cancer Center, and Jean Kozachuk, a former oncology nurse at the Lancaster Cancer Center, started the program in 1994. They realized there was a great need for patients to not only feel like they were contributing to their treatment and taking part in their healing process, but to also locate support and education for them and their families.

The free nonprofit strives to support cancer patients and their families by

educating and advocating. The goal is “to integrate meticulous, conventional, medical oncology care with harmonizing approaches to healing.”

In addition to information sessions, a library, clubs, and group events, the foundation offers a unique journaling program.

“

Journaling or blogging are two ways a patient or family member can navigate a frightening, draining situation.

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Why a Person Should Journal DeGreen, who teaches the writer’s workshop for The Healing Journey, explains that cancer patients coping with their emotions find it just as difficult as managing their health.

“Journaling is a simple, effective way to express one’s innermost feelings, potentially bringing about feelings of respite by literally unloading onto paper or screen. Journaling is a proven stress reliever,” says DeGreen.

“Additionally, introspection through writing serves as a mirror in which

patients can see how far they have come; they can reflect on past treatments both to prepare for future treatments and to garner strength and hope as they move forward. Writing allows individuals to set and work toward achieving goals; it can also lead to more clear communication with their physicians.”

Users benefit from websites like CaringBridge in a number of ways.

Most practically, the cyber world helps a person inform his or her family without the hassle of frequent (and sometimes uncomfortable) calls, text messages, or emails.

Furthermore, it serves as a safe place for patients to express their feelings. Writing about one’s experience provides so much more than simply updating friends and family.

Rooney explains that users report “journaling is an incredibly important part of the healing journey. It allows them to process and share emotions and receive hope and support in return through guestbook posts and comments.”

The forum created by a user posting his or her thoughts, fears, and experiences is inherently one of support, something key in the healing process. It is only natural that site followers, usually friends and family of the patient, will respond to posts with words of encouragement and comfort.

A Mother’s Story through Journaling The writer or poster doesn’t have to be the patient. Jeanine Nugent began a CaringBridge site at 3 a.m. from a

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Wisconsin hospital waiting room after rushing her slightly feverish daughter, Jaidan, to a local emergency room, fearing she was dehydrated.

The mother of an 11-year-old didn’t expect their trip to turn into a sevenweek hospital stay and nine-week inpatient rehabilitation stay, but found she needed an outlet to express her feelings after Jaidan’s temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels reached nearly fatal levels.

Jaidan had gone into septic shock and adrenal failure. She had to be sedated for a total of 15 days and now suffers from permanent cerebral atrophy, causing her to function at a second- to fourth-grade level instead of her previous six- to ninth-grade academic level.

As a loved one and caregiver, Nugent credits CaringBridge with giving her a way to share information about Jaidan’s condition.

“I have family and friends literally all over the country, some even in different countries, who were able to get the information at the same time

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and from the same person—me. I found this really eliminated rumors or misinformation as everyone was able to ‘hear’ what I was saying. They didn’t need to depend on anyone else to get it,” Nugent says.

And she corroborated what research has found—that posting is a stress reliever and provides support.

How to Get Started For those looking to create a page on a website like CaringBridge, signing up is easy. Users-to-be simply need to visit www.caringbridge.org; customer care representatives are available to navigate the setup process and help during usage.

Nugent started Jaidan’s CaringBridge page in the middle of the night from her smartphone; it doesn’t get any more user-friendly than that.

For those seeking writing tips, DeGreen suggests gathering information such as cards, notes, and pictures to help get the juices flowing.

She also recommends keeping a journal handy at all times, writing regularly,

and staying organized by dating and numbering pages.

Most importantly, DeGreen stresses that writers be honest and not correct or censor anything. Journaling should not be a chore or a hassle; it should be an enjoyable time to relax and declutter the mind.

To participate in the Healing Journey’s writer’s workshop, email healingjourneyfoundation@gmail.com to register. New writers can also look into journaling clubs or contact the American Cancer Society for additional support in the reflection and healing process.

A Chance to Heal It is undeniable that modern medicine affords those struck by tragedy with opportunities to heal. Just because the science and treatments exist does not mean that the road to becoming well is easy.

Nurturing the soul is an important component to treatment, and writing, whether it is on paper or on the Internet, is an effective way to do so. ) ) )

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to trust or not to trust WRITTEN BY Susan Piette, Esq.

IN DISCUSSING ESTATE PLANNING with my clients, I am regularly asked about living trusts or more precisely, “revocable living trusts.” Many people have heard of them and readily admit they really don’t understand the marketing information that they have either received in the mail, heard on the radio, or obtained at an event where the same was the subject matter.

Further, I have had clients come to see me with their 3-inch binder in hand, declaring the contents as their living trust, only to confess that they are not really sure why they had the living trust prepared or what is actually in the documents in the binder. Generally, they indicate that the trust was pitched to them as a way to avoid some sort of tax on their estate after they died.

So, to trust or not to trust—why would someone want a revocable living trust? Before answering that question, let’s discuss what a revocable living trust is.

A revocable living trust is a written agreement designating someone to be

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responsible for managing your property.

It’s called a living trust because it’s established while you’re alive. It’s “revocable” because, as long as you’re mentally competent, you can change or dissolve the trust at any time at your own discretion for any reason.

You, as grantor of the trust (the creator of the trust), often retain the right to income and principal. Typically, a living trust becomes irrevocable (cannot be changed) when you die and the assets in the trust are distributed pursuant to the terms of trust instrument.

Are the following good reasons or notso-good reasons for a living trust?

Avoid inheritance taxes? – Not-so-good reason because revocable living trusts save no inheritance taxes at all compared to an estate plan with a will. Assets held in a revocable living trust are subject to the same inheritance tax as assets owned in one’s name, which pass to one’s heirs or beneficiaries via a will.

Avoid probate? – Not-so-good reason because probate (general term for the court-supervised process by which a decedent’s will is proven valid or invalid) costs in Pennsylvania are moderate compared to other states, and the cost of probating one’s will is almost always considerably less than the costs associated with a living trust.

Additionally, living trusts many times involve probate fees anyway because it is frequently necessary to have a “pourover” will for assets not in the trust, subjecting the estate to probate fees anyway.

Save time in accessing assets? – Notso-good reason because gathering assets,

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liquidating assets, paying debt/expenses, and making distributions vary from case to case, depending on the type of assets under both the administration of an estate or distribution of assets under a trust.

Keep personal affairs private? – Could be a valid reason if a person does not want the contents of their will or the inventory of their estate made a public record. Unlike wills that are filed with the county Register of Wills, trusts are not required to be filed publically.

However, a living trust could be part of a public record if a trustee or a beneficiary demands court approval of the accounts of the trust.

Save legal fees? – Not so good reason because in almost all situations, you will pay much more to have a revocable living trust established as the core of your estate plan than to have a traditional will prepared.

The complexity and size of one’s estate will dictate the cost for both, but typically, living trust estate plans are marketed at a flat rate of several thousand dollars. Clients, holding their “living trust” binders, confirm these costs regularly.

The administration of an estate with a traditional will and the administration of a living trust should include the costs of legal advice and services for estate/trust administration, document interpretation, proper payment of taxes, creditors, distribution to beneficiaries, and other issues.

If one elects a revocable living trust, you will not only need to incur the costs of the preparation of trust documents,

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but also all related documents to retitle all assets during one’s life into the trust.

“Retitle” means to change the name on your assets. Real estate needs a new deed, checking accounts need new checks, stock certificates have to be mailed to the issuer with a request to issue new ones, CDs need to be changed by the bank, etc. All new purchases need to be titled in the name of the trust.

Very frequently, people do not transfer all assets, or some assets, such as tangible property, cannot be titled and therefore cannot be transferred into the living trust.

Revocable living trusts work for some people in some circumstances but are not needed or preferable for most people—and almost all people who have a trust should have a will also if they want to direct the inheritance of their assets that cannot or by error are not placed in the living trust.

We all need the facts about asset protection and estate planning. We also want the peace of mind of knowing how our assets will be distributed upon our passing. You are the only one who can make important decisions about your estate planning. You need clear and knowledgeable information to make those decisions. ) ) )

Susan Piette, Esq. is an attorney with Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin.

She has extensive experience in assisting individuals in Pennsylvania with their estate planning and long-term care needs.

Spiette@HRMML.com

caregiving

help a loved one remain in their home WRITTEN BY Lisa M. Petsche

MOST OLDER ADULTS WOULD PREFER TO STAY IN THEIR OWN HOME for the rest of their lives, in order to maximize their comfort and preserve their independence.

While no one knows what the future holds, there are many things that you, as a caregiver, can do to maximize the chances that your aging relative can remain safe and well in their current environment.

Read on to learn about some of them.

In the Kitchen Position regularly used pots, dishes, staple foods, and other supplies within easy reach. Ensure the heaviest items are stored in the lower cupboards.

Get them a microwave oven for easy cooking and for heating prepared food.

Small appliances should have an automatic shutoff feature along with simple controls, large dials or buttons, and easy-to-read labels.

In the Bedroom Situate a lamp within reach of their bed. It should be easy to turn on and off.

Arrange for a phone at their bedside.

If their bedroom doesn’t have a phone

jack, get a cordless phone so they can keep the receiver with them at night.

Assist them in obtaining an adjustable bed to maximize their comfort and facilitate mobility.

Ensure there’s a clear path from their bed to the bathroom (no throw rugs or cords).

In the Bathroom Have grab bars installed by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower area.

Purchase a rubber mat (the kind

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with suction cups) for the tub or shower and a non-skid bath mat on the floor.

Acquire a bathtub seat or shower chair.

Obtain a raised toilet seat if they have trouble getting on and off the toilet.

Install a handheld shower head so they can shower sitting down.

Consider installing a walk-in bathtub or shower.

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Install an exterior light with an automatic timer or a sensor, and affix house numbers that are easy to see from the street.

Arrange for a property maintenance service to tend their lawn and garden and clear snow in the winter.

In Stairwells Steps should be in good repair and have a non-skid surface.

Have solid handrails installed on both sides of stairways—ideally, these should project past the top and bottom steps.

Keep steps free of clutter.

Ensure stairwells are well lit. If necessary, get battery-powered dome lights that easily attach to the wall.

Get a stair lift if it’s hard for them to navigate stairs and they must do so daily. Equipment is available for all types of stair configurations. Some companies sell reconditioned models, which can make the cost more manageable.

General Tips Ensure throw rugs and scatter mats have a non-skid backing. Better yet, remove them, since they’re one of the most common causes of falls.

Use night lights in the bedroom, hallways, and bathroom. Find the kind that have a motion sensor or that automatically turn on in dim lighting conditions. Also get some plug-in, rechargeable flashlights that automatically come on when the power goes out.

Arrange for a personal emergency response system, also known as a medical alarm.

Spend time browsing in a medical supply store or perusing an online catalog to discover the many items available that can increase household safety and make everyday activities easier.

Outdoors Install handrails on both sides of any entrance steps.

Have an entrance ramp built or a porch lift installed if necessary.

Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior concerns. She has personal and professional experience with elder care.

consider the benefits of an active adult community WRITTEN BY Katie Markey McLaughlin

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS BABY BOOMERS HAVE TO make is where to live during their golden years. As the concept of “aging in place”— which refers to people living comfortably in their own homes as they grow older— becomes increasingly popular, so too do active adult communities.

These communities offer baby boomers an independent living option within a neighborhood of their peers.

While some are age restricted, meaning a percentage of homeowners are required to be of a certain age, others simply target an older population.

Active adult communities are fundamentally different from retirement communities in that they do not offer medical care or staff to assist with the activities of daily living. In-home help can be hired separately if and when required.

Additionally, many of the homeowners are continuing to work full or part-time.

Nathan Jameson of Traditions of America, a developer of active communities in the Mid-Atlantic Region, explained, “There is a perception that the average age is much higher than it truly is. So many of our residents are actually in their 50s and early 60s.”

The following are some of the benefits of buying a house in an active adult community.

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when you’re not ready to slow down—

Above: tennis courts at Traditions of America.

A Home Customized for Current and Future Needs As people age, they often find they need to modify their residence to accommodate their changing physical needs. In an active adult community, these modifications have already been incorporated into the home design, saving you the trouble and the expense of making those changes yourself.

For example, the homes are usually laid out for complete single-floor living, with the master bedroom, bathroom, and laundry facilities on the first floor.

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Above: The clubhouse great room at Traditions of America.

Above, right: Chris and Cathy Stank at clubhouse bar.

Right: Exterior of the clubhouse.

There might be wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, and the bathrooms could come with grab handles preinstalled.

While some such features are automatically included, most active communities allow you to customize your home in endless ways to meet your personal lifestyle. This could mean adding a second-floor loft to use as an office or even moving a wall to open up the floor plan.

“Everything is designed so you can age in your home,” said Kevin Zimmerman of Country Manor Adult Community in Shippensburg. “Choice is key—we have never built the same house twice.”

Low-Maintenance or Maintenance-Free Living The original plan of Cathy Stank, a homeowner in Traditions of America at

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Silver Spring, was to retire in a house out in the country.

“But when we started looking for homes,” she said, “all we could see was work.”

Stank and her husband, Chris, were attracted to the lack of home maintenance required of them in an active adult community.

Many baby boomers are looking for a similar escape from the burden of home maintenance, particularly in terms of snow removal, lawn care, and other exterior responsibilities. Some active communities automatically include home maintenance, while others allow you to choose the amount of maintenance you’d like to manage yourself.

These options are especially appealing to baby boomers who want the freedom to travel during retirement and know their home is well maintained.

“These environments are very conducive to travel,” said Zimmerman.

“The community can take care of your home whenever you’re not here.”

Opportunities for Social Interaction Many people are drawn to active adult communities for the opportunity to be surrounded by likeminded people— those who are at a similar age and stage in life.

“Our residents love meeting people who are going through the same things, be it an aging parent, a joint replacement, or enjoying the birth of a first grandchild,” Jameson said.

Having neighbors who can share both your joys and your challenges firsthand fosters strong connections and friendships.

The Stanks, who have lived in an active adult community since 2012, agree.

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Right: Exterior of home at Country Manor Adult Community.

) ) ) active adult communities

Below, from left; kitchen and great room.

“The people here are incredible,” said Chris Stank. “My wife and I have met more friends here in two years than we did in our other home in 20 years.”

Wide Variety of Activities The amenities and activities offered by active adult communities go far beyond the traditional putting greens, shuffleboards, and bingo games. While these activities are still available (and often quite popular), there are countless other options as well.

Depending on the community, activities could include social

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gatherings like wine-tasting groups and book clubs; physical activities like hiking and kayaking; and opportunities for volunteerism, such as collecting donations for a food bank or reading with children at the local library.

Many residents also participate in local, regional, and even international travel together.

The facilities differ from community to community, but many include fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, and golf courses.

As the name implies, active adult communities are truly active places.

“Our residents are doing anything

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but putting on the brakes in life,” Jameson explained. “They’re just changing the way they spend their time, doing the things they truly place value on.”

When Jane and Lee Teeters moved into Country Manor Adult Community in 2007, they quickly experienced what they call the joy of getting involved.

“There’s hardly a dull moment here!” Jane Teeters explained.

Is an Active Adult Community Right for You? If you’re wondering if a home in an active adult community could be right

for you, the first step is to visit. You can tour model homes and see if the features and amenities of a particular community are a fit for the kind of lifestyle you want.

Some communities even offer an overnight stay in a model home, during which you can use the amenities, participate in activities, and better experience what it would be like to live in an active adult community.

“The flavor of each community is different,” Zimmerman said.

It’s important to visit several communities to find the one that’s right for you. ) ) )

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making placement decisions – there is assistance WRITTEN BY Barbara Trainin Blank

MOVING INTO AN ASSISTED-LIVING OR NURSING care facility takes an emotional toll on the prospective resident and family members.

It also takes lots of paperwork.

According to Debbie Haas, director of skilled care admissions at Homeland Center in Harrisburg, a medical and financial durable power of attorney and a living will are among the documents required.

“If the person is entering a skilledcare nursing facility, you also have to fill out an application, including information about the potential resident and medical insurance,” said Haas. “Most ask for a medical history and history of medications.”

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Many institutions will also ask for financial information and assets—bank accounts, CDs, stock and bonds, and property.

A healthcare proxy is advisable, especially if the person has dementia or another condition that may make it impossible for him or her to form independent decisions concerning care.

“It can be the next of kin, but if the person has four children who are all on different pages or when the person doesn’t have a clear next of kin or

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POA, what do you do?” Haas asked.

“Perhaps guardianship is a good idea in that situation.”

Be aware that the absence of paperwork can hold up an admission.

Vicky Ann Trimmer, an attorney with Persun & Heim in Mechanicsburg, said that regardless of the level of care the person will receive, all facilities want a healthcare proxy and a living will.

“The latter is about advanced directives, an agent to make end-of-life medical decisions if the person is permanently unconscious,” she said.

In many cases the financial POA and medical POA can be the same person, streamlining the process.

Also advisable is an updated last will and testament, which reflects the person’s current wishes and financial situation.

Some facilities also ask for a Pennsylvania order for life-sustaining treatment (PA POLST). A POLST form is a doctor’s order that helps you keep control over medical care at the end of life, telling emergency medical personnel and other healthcare providers whether or not to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a medical emergency.

“It is very new in Pennsylvania that a physician can issue a do-not-

resuscitate order outside the hospital,” Trimmer said. “Generally, ambulance staff can’t make an end-oflife determination, even if the hospital will when the patient arrives.”

For ease of finding documents, many facilities recommend that residents keep all the important ones—including the POLST—in an envelope attached to their refrigerator doors.

“It’s also good to have family members’ names and contacts— including cell phone numbers—in case the person is taken to the hospital,” said Trimmer. “Usually ambulance personnel know to look for an emergency envelope on the fridge.”

Tech-savvy family members might keep all vital medical information on a flash drive with their keys.

While many facilities have an admissions checklist, placing a loved one in a facility gives family members so much to think about that they may have trouble completing it. So it’s good to have as much information prepared ahead of time as possible.

Another resource is your county agency on aging, which offers placement assessments.

“Everyone, whether at home, the hospital, or rehab, can receive this assessment free of charge to determine needs and what services he or she

) ) ) placement decisions

“

While many facilities have an admissions checklist, placing a loved one in a facility gives family members so much to think about that they may have trouble completing it.

”

qualifies for in terms of income and assets,” said Bob Burns, executive director of the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging.

Usually the assessment comes about because a parent lives alone and family members are concerned about the person’s ability to care for themselves.

A care manager sent by the county goes out and assesses if the person is eligible for a home health aide, who could come a few times a week to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), prepare a meal, do light housekeeping, help the client get in and out of bed, and similar tasks.

“We will do the assessment for anyone, regardless of income,” Burns said. “The client could pay anything from nothing to maybe $10 an hour for a home health aide, contingent upon the outcome of the assessment. Most pay nothing or a very small percentage of the actual cost.”

The agency on aging contracts with providers from home health agencies to offer these services. Eligibility is based

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on a percentage above the poverty level.

Even if a person’s income makes him or her unqualified for medical assistance, he or she might still benefit from an assessment, which is also done by the state department on aging. The agency on aging can help the person seeking assisted living identify some options or come up with a care plan for a nursing facility so that the prospective resident is safe.

Through the PA Department of Aging Waiver Program for people 60 and over, home- and community-based long-term care services can be provided

as an alternative to nursing care.

Services are funded through a special waiver of certain Medicaid restrictions, allowing payments typically used for nursing-home care to be used for homecare services instead.

These services can include skilled nursing care.

The consumer is able to choose which local organization or company/agency will provide the services. All service providers are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to ensure that they meet Medicaid standards.

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OPTIONS provides for community services such as home support, homedelivered meals, and other in-home services, or nursing facility placement.

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magazine | f a l l 2 0 1 4

(Medicaid) for nursing-home care.

The nursing home pre-admission assessment includes the OBRA 1987 (Nursing Home Reform Act), which mandated nursing-home pre-admission screening and evaluation for mental illness, mental retardation, and related conditions. The OBRA assessment not only determines nursing home eligibility, but also the need for specialized services.

A pre-admission assessment is initiated when a physician-completed MA51 form is received by the area agency on aging.

For more information provided through the area agency on aging’s programs and assessments, email info@p4a.org or call your local agency listed below. ) ) )

Cumberland County Office of Aging & Community Services 717.240.6110 www.ccpa.net Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging 717.780.6130 www.dauphincounty.org Lancaaster County Office of Aging 717.299.7979 web.co.lancaster.pa.us

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is a reverse mortgage right for your loved one?

WRITTEN BY Civia Katz

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SHOULD YOU OR SHOULDN’T YOU WHEN IT COMES TO REVERSE mortgages? Retirement planning means asking some tough questions. Will you run out of money in retirement? Will you have a lower standard of living? Will you have to move out of your house?

A reverse mortgage in some cases is a viable part of retirement planning, said Michael E. Kitces, a partner and director of research for Pinnacle Advisory Group in Columbia, Md. For others, it will dig a deeper financial hole.

“Reverse mortgages actually work decently well when you use them earlier and not as a loan of last resort,” said Kitces. “It works effectively [for those who wish] to coordinate retirement income and remain in their home.”

Rising defaults on reverse mortgages raised red flags. Once known as the loan of last resort, the implementation of new rules aims to change that reputation and ensure that financially riskier borrowers pay their property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Upfront costs have increased and the level of allowed borrowing decreased.

“The history of reverse mortgages is that they were being used when people were already running low on funds and nearing bankruptcy. They would take out the lump sum, run through the money quickly, and then two years later realize once again they can’t pay their bills,” said Kitces.

“The sad reality is that if you don’t have any money, you are going to have a problem keeping your house, which is true regardless of reverse mortgages.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development tightened requirements on reverse mortgage loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration because of their poor

default record. The main cause of foreclosure was the failure to pay property taxes, said Kitces.

The homeowner is required to maintain the home, which includes paying the property tax and maintaining homeowner’s insurance, as well as needed repairs.

The loan is designed for seniors age 62 or older, and homeowners have three payout choices: a lump sum, a monthly income, or open a line of credit to be used in the future. Interest is only paid on what they actually borrow.

Many, already in financial trouble, took the lump sum, spent it, and had nothing left, prompting the rule changes.

Under the new rules, the borrowing amount was lowered by about 15 percent. Generally, it runs between onethird and two-thirds of the home equity, depending on age of the borrower, equity in the home, and the loan interest rate.

Borrowing amounts increase at higher ages and decrease with lower interest rates.

The first-year disbursements are now limited to no more than 60 percent of the allowable loan amount. An exception is allowed for some, including those who are delinquent on federal debt.

Upfront fees vary but are approximately $4,000 for a house valued under $100,000. Fees include an origination fee, typical mortgage financing costs, and FHA mortgage insurance.

The upfront mortgage insurance

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mortgage payment. Instead of paying down the mortgage, it becomes a mortgage that is accrued against the value of the house.

If the borrower uses the line-ofcredit option, they can access funds when their portfolio performs poorly and not use it when their investments perform better. It acts as a bridge. With the monthly-payment-for-life option, borrowers can use the money to meet their normal monthly expenses, improving their cash flow in retirement.

“The challenge in retirement is balancing your available wealth and what you spend against it, including the equity in your home,” said Kitces.

“Reverse mortgages are a tool to get to the end of life without running out of money and staying in your home.”

Paying a traditional mortgage will eat into a homeowner’s investment portfolio while a reverse mortgage will mitigate that scenario, making it a viable investment tool in some cases, said Kitces. The amount borrowed is determined up front, which will undermine the equity a borrower holds in their home but will not impact them otherwise.

While providing needed income, the drawbacks include less inheritance and the possibility of the forced sale of the home if property taxes are not paid. The good news is that if the house proceeds are less than the loan amount, the homeowner is not responsible.

Since the money is not income, the homeowner does not pay income tax, nor will it affect Social Security payments. When the homeowner no longer lives in the home, the loan is due

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premium is 0.5 percent of the assessed value for most reverse mortgages, but 2.5 percent for those who do need to borrow more than 60 percent of the allowable loan amount in the first year (up from 2 percent for standard loans in the past).

The interest on these loans accrues over the life of the loan. Most of these upfront costs are rolled into the mortgage itself.

One more change on the horizon will require borrowers to undergo a financial assessment to determine if the borrower is able to maintain the property tax and homeowner’s insurance payment. If not, then the money for these payments will be taken out of the reverse mortgage loan automatically and escrowed to make these payments on behalf of the borrower, and the borrower will only be able to access to remainder of the borrowing limits (if any).

Either way, there is still no credit requirement to be eligible for a reverse mortgage (and there never has been); once the financial-assessment-proposed rules are implemented (anticipated later this year), the only change will be a limitation in how the borrowed funds can be used.

The ideal borrower is someone who wants to remain in their home and will use the reverse mortgage as part of a coordinated plan that includes Social Security payments and assets such as brokerage and retirement accounts.

It is a tool to manage cash flow in retirement.

If the homeowner has a mortgage, this loan can be used to refinance the existing loan and get rid of the

“

The ideal borrower is someone who wants to remain in their home and will use the reverse mortgage as part of a coordinated plan.

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12 months from when the house was vacated.

Reverse mortgages are expensive, and all else being equal, it is better if a homeowner does not need to resort to them as part of their financial planning.

On the other hand, Kitces said you don’t want to spend down all your other assets in retirement, leaving you with nothing but a house, either.

“There is a fine line where this becomes relevant as part of a coordinated plan,” said Kitces.

“Solutions that involve borrowing and liens and interest are not first solutions, but they should not be used as last solutions either.” ) ) )

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Please, Join Us! Cumberland County

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• Shopp ing • Spa Treatm ents

veteran

in war and peace, he continued to serve WRITTEN BY Stephen Kopfinger

Benchoff in full military uniform at retirement.

LT. GEN. DENNIS BENCHOFF WAS A 1962 GRADUATE OF THE UNITED STATES Military Academy at West Point, a place that builds character in those who will go on to serve in the Army.

Benchoff volunteered for Vietnam service in September 1966. It was a long trip to get there: Travis Air Force Base in California to Clark Field in the Philippines to touchdown at Tan Son Nhut, a military base in Saigon, which is now an airport.

After that, it was “a helicopter to your unit,” says Benchoff.

“I was a captain with the First

Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.

We were based at a place called Phan Rang, but we moved around a lot.”

They had to. The Viet Cong, who honed the art of guerilla warfare, was a tenacious foe.

“We would get reports of enemy action. If we found them, we fought them. If not, we went somewhere else,” Benchoff remembers.

“We spent a lot of time in tents. The Viet Cong were very determined.

Probably a month or two after I got there, they tried to avoid us.

“We got [to] a place in the central highlands, close to the Cambodian border … We were constantly concerned about attacks to the perimeter of our base camps. There was always the possibility of being

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veteran

Benchoff as a cadet at West Point.

mortared,” says Benchoff.

Yet he and his men relied on a version of the old sports motto: “A good offense is the best defense.”The tension was eased somewhat by the strange beauty of a war-torn land. Benchoff remembers the lush green of the rice paddies and the somewhat erratic weather of Vietnam, a country most people think of as perpetually tropical.

“It was quite warm in the summer on the coast, and quite cold in the winter in the mountains,” says Benchoff. “I got to see a lot of South

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Vietnam. We ‘adopted’ a couple of orphanages” in successful efforts to build goodwill.

Benchoff’s tour was almost up by 1967, but it was cut short.

“I should have been there a year, but I got out a little early,” he says.

His father-in-law was killed in a car accident, and as Benchoff’s duty was almost done, the military granted him leave to come home.

He would go on to teach mathematics at West Point. Throughout his military career, he held numerous

commands; his ultimate assignment in Vietnam was 101st Airborne Division’s 20th Chemical Detachment.

Other assignments over the years had included the 707th Maintenance Battalion at Fort Ord in California; the 59th Ordnance Brigade in U.S. Army Europe; the Red River Army Depot at Texarkana in Texas; and the Industrial Operations Command at Rock Island in Illinois.

Benchoff’s final assignment was as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), from July

veteran ) ) ) dennis benchoff

1996 to August 1998, according to an online biography.

He admits his least favorite assignment was at the Pentagon, that temple of eternal paper-shuffling.

“You do the same thing year after year!” he says.

Benchoff retired in 1998.

“You have to retire at 60,” Benchoff admits.

But he never lost his touch with military service. His son, Peter, has done six tours in Afghanistan. Daughter Melissa served in the first Gulf War, America’s response to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

Benchoff sees parallels to Vietnam in the latest war in Iraq and the stresses on our soldiers.

Above: Benchoff is holding a Challenge Coin, given to him by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea.

Behind him stands the American flag and the three-star general flag he received when he was promoted to that rank.

Below: Benchoff’s collection of Challenge Coins he has received or given to others.

“Iraq is open territory,” he says, as opposed the jungle and rice-paddy landscape of Vietnam. He adds that the real problem there is improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. Benchoff knows of the troubles our veterans face—whether they served in Vietnam or more recent conflicts.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he says. “It’s not a sign of weakness.”

War, Benchoff sums up, “is difficult. It’s not something we want to do, but it’s something we are called to do.”

He has a positive note, however.

“Serving with soldiers,” Benchoff says, “is a pleasure and an honor.”

Benchoff retired as a three-star general. ) ) )

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people

creating a physical memory WRITTEN BY Christina Julia Cardamone

THE DEPARTING OF A LOVED ONE CAN BE A DIFFICULT GRIEVING process for many people. In a society where technology plays such a big part there always seems to be an endless amount of photos and videos to reminisce with.

At times, though, it is meaningful to have a physical item that belonged to the deceased for a personal connection.

Fortunately, Laurie Kolanko has found a way to create mementos for people to use in their everyday lives in memory of loved ones. She finds imaginative ways to use clothing worn by the loved one to make memory pieces, such as creating pocket squares out of a father or grandfather’s shirt.

Kolanko first started creating tote bags made out of placemats, which come in three different sizes: a small purse tote, a medium-size tote that would be able to carry a laptop, and a large tote bag.

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However, it was when her best friend’s father passed away that she decided to embellish the tote bag with a flower, made from an old tie that once belonged to her friend’s father.

Kolanko created the gift with care, knowing that the item could not be replaced if destroyed.

“I am very cautious because I know that I can’t buy another one if I don’t do it right,” Kolanko says.

Since then, Kolanko has had the pleasure of working with and meeting people who have many heartfelt stories to share of those in their lives they

wish to remember.

Kolanko has also mastered making the flowers out of not just ties, but also other fabrics that come from shirts, scarves, or even tablecloths.

Different fabrics lend different styles to the items. Silk, the most common material she receives, is pliable and makes for very soft and fluffy flowers.

Polyester gives an edgier look but can be cut into petals, which Kolanko then singes to make the ends curl.

She also ensures that the quality of the fabric is not compromised. Quality is most important, and careful

people ) ) ) physical memory

Laurie Kolanko works on fashioning a memory flower out of a loved one’s tie.

precision plays a big part in Kolanko’s work ethic and projects.

“They each take 2.5 to three hours to make and they are 99.9 percent hand sewn with only a tiny bead of hot glue on the back that cannot be seen,” Kolanko says.

“I want the back to be as beautiful as the front,” she says of her projects.

To add a special touch, Kolanko tries to incorporate a small heart somewhere on each item.

“It brings me joy when someone sees their flowers for the first time and tears come to their eyes, or when the tie is from a very special occasion,” Kolanko says.

Kolanko admits that each project has an effect on her.

“I do get emotional when making them. When I start to tear apart a tie or piece of clothing, I am very aware that it is something very precious I am working on,” she says.

No stranger to grief herself, Kolanko has a deep appreciation of

those special bonds. She recognizes that her items have a significant meaning to those who receive them.

One of her youngest customers, a 3-year-old boy, was able to enjoy a unique keepsake in memory of his grandfather. Kolanko received a tie that belonged to the grandfather and on it were little trumpets.

“The grandson loved to hear [his grandfather] play,” Kolanko explains.

She then created a small bowtie for the grandson out of the grandfather’s tie.

Kolanko desires to bring peace to others.

“If I can do something to help someone remember, I will.” ) ) )

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nostalgia

condition, condition, condition: how to value your old sports card/memorabilia collection WRITTEN BY Michael Osacky

WE HAVE HEARD IT SO MANY TIMES WHEN BUYING A HOME: location, location, location. Similar verbiage applies when valuing that vintage memorabilia collection from your childhood days. Unfortunately, sentimental value does not increase the value, but it does make for a good story.

Left: Brooks Robinson 1964 away jersey, signed “Brooks Robinson 1964 AL MVP.�

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Above: Variety of Brooks Robinson porcelain statues and decanters, bobbleheads, bats, and autographed baseballs.

Other miscellaneous items include Johnny Unitas and Ferguson Jenkins porcelain decanters.

nostalgia ) ) ) sports memorabilia

Right: Kevin McHale game-used Boston Celtics sneakers.

Large picture inset on poster behind shows Larry Bird (left) and Kevin McHale to his right.

I always look for collections that have a story to tell because these stories are quickly leaving us. One of my favorites came from an older gentleman whose father played for the Yankees several decades ago. The house was being sold and all the artifacts were being unearthed from the attic.

The man wanted an appraisal value for the items, which included player rings from the World Series, teamsigned photographs, and baseball cards. Listed below is the advice I provided to him.

Autographs You need to have a trusted third party authenticate the items. (I provided him with three of the best so he could make the correct decision.)

The quality and darkness of the autographs was very important.

Signatures tend to fade if left in sunlight, which will affect value.

Generally, autographs on baseballs, bats, and jerseys are worth more than autographs on cards.

Rings I use a loupe to look at the diamond, gold, and overall condition of the ring. Be on the lookout for diamonds being switched out for cubic zirconias.

Below: 1980 Phillies World Champions decanter signed by Barry Bowa, on top of Phillies 1960s pennant.

In this specific case, the diamond was authentic and rings were rarely worn. The player didn’t like to wear rings. He only wore them on VIP occasions such as Hall of Fame Museum visits, charity fundraisers, and family dinners.

Rings that don’t show a lot of wear are worth more because they have fewer scratches.

Cards Are the cards trimmed? Many people trim cards to have sharp corners. I measured every card from every year to make sure the cards were genuine.

Many more important factors must be looked at to determine the ultimate value of the card. The following are just a few:

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a. Paper loss? b. Rookie card? c. Centering d. Creasing e. Year of the card (most cards from 1970-present are virtually worthless) A qualified sports card/memorabilia expert will be able to advise an exact dollar amount, but the ideas above can provide you with an approximate range (low, medium, high).

Many of our moms threw out our card collections in the 1950s and 1960s. When the children left the house, the card collections went to the curb. This lack of supply and the growing demand for adults to buy back their childhood card collections are big reasons why cards today can be valuable.

Above: Variety of authentic helmets, NFL replica helmets, and NFL mini helmets. “Micro mini helmets� are behind the Cleveland Browns replica helmet.

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Right: Hall of Fame Randy White, Dallas Cowboys, full-size authentic game helmet.

nostalgia

1948 Leaf Honus Wagner This is Wagner’s final baseball card.

The photo of Wagner chewing tobacco is very interesting because this was the same product that he advocated against in the early 1910s. Wagner did not want his image associated with tobacco/cigarettes, which is why the Honus Wagner T206 is one of the rarest and most valuable cards of all time.

1955 Topps Roberto Clemente Rookie cards generally command a premium and the Clemente rookie is no exception. The card is highly collectible and includes vibrant colors. A nearmint example commands $2,000.

1963 Topps Willie Stargell The Pittsburgh Pirate Hall of Famer was a rookie in 1963. His card in nearmint condition will sell for $200-$300.

1963 Topps Pete Rose This rookie card of Rose is shared with three other people. This card is

always in demand and can command a price of $2,000 in near-perfect condition. ) ) )

) ) ) sports memorabilia

Now that we know how to value vintage cards, let’s talk about card values of some of our baseball idols growing up.

Michael Osacky is the founder of the website Baseball in the Attic. He is dedicated to unearthing vintage sports cards and memorabilia buried in attics, garages, and barns. If you have a vintage sports card or memorabilia collection, he’d like to hear from you. Please visit baseballintheattic.com or call 312.379.9090 to learn more. Osacky is a regular contributor to Parade Magazine and also writes for the Huffington Post and many other local newspapers across the country.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle This is considered to be Mantle’s rookie card. In the worst condition possible it is still worth $500.

Depending on condition, this card is worth thousands of dollars. Note: The card is frequently found off-centered.

1953 Topps Jackie Robinson The first card in this highly collectible set is Jackie Robinson. It is always very difficult to find the first and last card in each set in high grade because children would always use rubber bands to hold the cards together; therefore, the top and bottom cards shared the majority of the blunt force.

An excellent copy retails for $400.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron This rookie card of the hall of famer has increased in value over the past five years. Expect to pay anywhere from $350 for a fair example and upward of $3,500 for an excellent copy.

Howard B. Melnick, MD • John J. Moffitt, MD Glen J. Mesaros, MD • Donald Short, M.A., FAAA • Sharon K. Hughes, M.S., CCC-A fall 2014 |

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nostalgia

museums offer a peek at automotive history WRITTEN BY Rochelle A. Shenk

AMERICA HAS HAD AN ONGOING LOVE AFFAIR AND FASCINATION with cars and other wheeled means of transportation.

Several museums in our area are dedicated to sharing that passion as well as automotive history with visitors.

And while some may groan at the thought of the word “museum,” be assured that these museums are entertaining as well as educational.

Hershey may be the town that chocolate built and is home to attractions such as Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, ZooAmerica, and Hershey Gardens, but it also boasts the Antique Auto Club of America (AACA) Museum.

Executive director Mark Lizewskie said that the museum, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, tells the

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history of the automobile and its importance in U.S. culture with a series of vignettes from San Francisco to New York, including Hershey in the 1920s and a 1950s drive-in movie theater.

Typically, 75 to 100 cars are on exhibit at any time; most of them are from the museum’s collection of more than 150 vehicles.

“For over 120 years, America has had a love affair with the auto, and we have vintage vehicles that will appeal to everyone. On the lower level, there’s a bus museum that boasts the largest collection in the U.S. of buses on display under one roof, including the Lakeland Bus Lines bus from the movie

Forrest Gump and a really fun ’50s diner,” says Lizewskie.

“We also have some motorcycles.

Our visitors run the gamut and range from families visiting Hershey to hardcore ‘gear heads,’” he says. “One vehicle that gets a smile from everyone and a lot of photo attention is Hershey’s ‘Kissmobile.’”

Although AACA Museum has permanent exhibits, there are also three or four special exhibits each year. One of the current exhibits is “Indian Nation: Indian Motorcycles and America.” This exhibit features a display of 25 motorcycles and explores the Indian brand from its inception in

nostalgia ) ) ) automobile museums

Above: The “Indian Nation” exhibit will be at the museum through Oct. 24. Shown above is a 1903 Indian, restored. Above, right: A 1940/41 Indian Military Chief.

Opposite page: Gas station display at AACA Museum.

1901 to its current reintroduction.

“Indian Nation” will be at the museum through Oct. 24.

“Motoring Mysteries of the Far East,” which will be at the museum through Sept. 14, focuses on Asian and Pacific vehicles. It includes vehicles— cars, trucks, tuk tuks, scooters, microcars—produced in Russia and India.

“Now they’re pretty commonplace, but back in the ’50s and ’60s, Hondas and Toyotas were unfamiliar names to most Americans. We have some early versions of those cars as well as other vehicles produced in the Far East that are seldom seen in the U.S.,” Lizewskie explains.

The AACA Museum also plays host to a number of car shows throughout the year, and perhaps the best known is the AACA Eastern Regional Fall Meet—this year’s dates are Oct. 8 to 14.

Part of the exhibit “Motoring Mysteries of the Far East,” going on through Sept. 14, is the 1936 Datsun Phaeton (above); 1972 Honda 600 Coupe (above, right), and the 1969 Subaru 360 pick-up (right).

Car enthusiasts worldwide visit this event each year, which is held on the grounds and parking lots surrounding Hersheypark. It features approximately 1,500 show cars, more than 1,000 car corral spaces, and more than 9,000 flea market spaces.

Every year the event is a car lover’s paradise, but this year will be even better. The AACA Museum will be celebrating two automotive

milestones—“100 Years of Dodge,” a special exhibit that will run Sept. 26 through Oct. 12, and the grand opening of its new gallery focusing on Tucker 48 automobiles.

“People may be familiar with Tuckers from the 1988 movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, but now people will be able to see firsthand this amazing collection of Tucker automobiles,” Lizewskie says.

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Above: Hubcap Cafe in America on Wheels serves ice cream, milk shakes, and soda floats just like the good ol’ days.

Above: 1916 Mack Paddy Police Patrol wagon.

Left: 1958 Model b753LS Mack truck.

Right: 1926 Mack AC (BORO, sand and stone truck).

Like the AACA Museum, America on Wheels in Allentown also has a lot to offer.

“Museums are for lifelong learners; when visitors come in, they learn something. At America on Wheels, we focus on creating exhibits that are not only educational but also entertaining as we offer a glimpse into the past, present, and future of transportation,” says Executive Director Linda Merkel.

America on Wheels celebrates its sixth anniversary this year. Merkel says it is part of Allentown’s effort to revitalize the riverfront area, and the museum is built on the site that formerly housed the Arbogast & Bastian (A&B) meatpacking plant.

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Most of the plant was demolished to make way for the museum, but a brick structure that had housed the plant’s business office remains and now serves as museum offices and houses the HubCap Café, a café that pays tribute to soda fountains of the ’50s.

To keep it fresh, exhibits in the 43,000-square-foot museum change every six months, and some of the displays feature automotive artwork and/or interactive components.

“It’s a big effort, but it makes people want to come back,” she explains.

The exhibit “Gone But Not Forgotten: ‘Orphan’ Cars of the 1950s to Today” will run through October.

Merkel says it features vehicles from manufacturers or brands that are no longer produced, including Pontiac, Mercury, Studebaker, Edsel, and the exotic-looking Delorean (perhaps best known from the Back to the Future movies). Guests can also view microcars such as the Vespa.

“Romance of the Road” is a permanent exhibit in the main lobby of the museum, which changes the featured vehicles to reflect the season.

It is currently showing wheeled vehicles for recreation, such as bicycles and Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as road-trip memorabilia—the things that families did to pass the time on the road. This

display runs through August, so get there soon.

One of the games families played on road trips involved license plates of passing vehicles. For those with fond memories of this game, a permanent exhibit of Pennsylvania license plates from 1908 to 1958 may spark some interest. Another display features patches for various police and fire departments.

A Mack truck exhibit presents an array of trucks produced by Mack throughout its 68 years. An interactive component of this exhibit allows visitors to practice driving one of the trucks and to hear Mack employees and drivers talk about their experiences.

America on Wheels also hosts a number of special events as well as holiday events, such as holiday trains from November through New Year’s Day. “Our trains chug their way through the vehicles that we have on display,” Merkel says. “With all that we offer, we’re definitely worth a drive.”

Also worth a drive is 3Dog Garage in Boyertown. Founded in 2005, the museum’s collection of Fords spans six decades and features 40 historic racecars and historically significant hotrods, each with its own story.

Vehicles in the collection include Ricky Nelson’s ’32 roadster, the colorful Crawford-Ford prototype driven by Paul Newman in the 2005 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, and some racing Mustangs.

Admission is by invitation or arrangement. ) ) )

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WRITTEN BY Lee Dussinger

Image from the National Archives and Records Administration

anniversary

the rise and fall of a president

Richard Nixon gives his trademark "victory" sign while in Philadelphia during his successful 1968 campaign to become president of the United States.

RICHARD NIXON’S LEGACY AS THE 37TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED States is far from certain. As it stands, his legacy is completely obscured by controversy.

His decisions and accomplishments, his presidency and personality are marred by one of the most monumental scandals in United States political history: Watergate. To many Americans, of all political affiliations, Watergate is synonymous with Washington deceit and political cynicism.

If Nixon hadn’t been complicit to the break-in at the Watergate Hotel during his bid for reelection in 1972, the perception we have of him today may be different. If he had faced George McGovern openly, incumbency on the line, and earned the landslide victory he received, his legacy could have resembled that of other great American presidents.

One’s political legacy lives in the minds of the citizens.

Alan Foster, a journalist and adjunct professor of English at Millersville University, was part of the first generation to vote at age 18,

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casting his first ballot for Richard Nixon.

Foster was a teenage Republican and shared Nixon’s conservative beliefs, even though those ideas placed him outside those of the majority of young people. Furthermore, Nixon promised to end the draft as part of both his 1968 and 1972 campaign platforms.

“The draft was pervasive. It was all we thought about, at least for my peers,” Foster recalls. “It was a constant threat. It was a real, scary thing.”

Nixon’s promise for an all-volunteer army especially resonated with Foster as he was designated at position No. 2 for Selective Service. Even though he was enrolled in college, he would still be required to serve.

“At the time, because of that decision, Nixon was my favorite president,” Foster says.

Then the Watergate scandal broke.

The chronology of incidents designated as the Watergate scandal is as follows: On June 17, 1972, police arrested five men in the middle of the night for breaking into and wire tapping the Democratic National Headquarters located in the Watergate Hotel. Later, evidence, including funds earmarked for Nixon’s campaign, tied the burglars to the president’s administration.

At first the break-in appeared inconsequential, and Nixon triumphed in the election. Throughout 1973, more information surfaced connecting White House senior staff to the breakin at the Watergate Hotel, resulting in a series of dismissals and resignations.

Additionally, the Watergate Senate Hearings were televised in their entirety, comprising more than 300 hours of courtroom footage. Decisively, federal prosecutors called for the complete audio tapes from Nixon’s office. On Nov. 17, 1973, Nixon

Documents of the government of the United States.

Executive Office of the President files.

Image from the National Archives and Records Administration

Documents of the government of the United States. Executive Office of the President files.

famously declared, “I am not a crook.”

In 1974, after pressure from the Supreme Court and the House Judiciary Committee, Nixon released the tapes but was unable to explain an 18-minute gap in content.

On July 27, 1974, the first articles of impeachment were filed against the president, citing a charge of obstruction of justice. On Aug. 8, 1974, after his guilt was apparent, Richard Nixon resigned, becoming the first American president to do so.

The shockwave of this was felt through the strata of American society.

The president had cheated in a national election and had been forced into resignation, the first time either had ever occurred; that was stunning in its own right.

Furthermore, nearly all of it was televised. Every American had his or her own reaction.

Rich Schramm, a retired

professional in the field of communications, disliked Nixon anyway and recalls returning home from his first post-college job and watching the hearings.

“It was history happening in real time. I probably got more pleasure out of it than I should have. It’s almost as if it was a form of entertainment, like a modern gladiatorial exhibition, especially since you knew that some of the parties were doomed.”

Foster, who appreciated Nixon and voted for him, remembers being demoralized and disenchanted.

“His campaign against McGovern was flawless; [McGovern] never stood a chance. Nixon went ahead with Watergate anyway. It was hard to believe this kind of thing could happen to someone you liked,” Foster says.

“As the hearings went on and everything was revealed, I realized that this was simply not the way a democracy should function.”

) ) ) nixon resignation

President of the United States Richard M. Nixon's resignation letter, Aug. 9, 1974.

anniversary

Nixon meets Leonid

Brezhnev June 19, 1973, during the Soviet leader’s visit to the U.S.

Nixon resigns as president.

With time, the perception of Nixon might broaden to expand from the single focus of the scandal alone to a more complete picture of his accomplishments and may positively impact his legacy.

Schramm concedes, “I’ve gained respect for Nixon’s accomplishments as time has passed.”

Foster, too, has opinions on the subject.

“When I think of Nixon, I think of the opening of China and that he created the Environmental Protection Agency,” he says. “Of course I think of the bad: his paranoia and Watergate.

Had it not been for Watergate, though, he would have been a highly thought-of president.”

Richard Nixon is a complex and enduring figure; no one who lived through his presidency will forget him.

His image—and his voice, his deeds, and his scandal—are immortal in American politics. ) ) )

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good vibrations ( meet a fellow boomer )))

((

Bill Desenberg ))) Age: 55 ))) Resides in: Red Lion, Pa. Photo by Jean Sardou Studio Photography

))) Profession: Warehouse supervisor ))) Hobbies: Home improvements, gardening, collecting sports memorabilia

3 years old.

High school prom.

WHAT IS THE BEST MEMORY YOU HAVE FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? My best memory was when I went camping with my parents.

We would roast marshmallows and catch crabs in the bay.

There is nothing like fresh-caught steamed crabs with Old Bay. WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES K–8)?

My fondest memory from school was working in shop class.

We made a cast-iron gun. I still have the gun on my desk and use it as a paperweight.

WHAT OR WHO WAS ON YOUR LUNCHBOX? I didn’t use a lunchbox when I was a kid. I was part of the “brown bagger” kids. My favorite sandwich was cheese and mustard.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY DISH? There was nothing like my mom’s turkey and stuffing with mashed potatoes.

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3 years old.

Bill and his puppy Sophie.

WH HAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PRESENT (CHRISTMAS, HANUKKAH, BIRTHDAY)?

My favorite Christmas present was a green John Deere pedal tractor. I loved it.

WHAT POSTER DID YOU HAVE ON YOUR BEDROOM WALL? The posters on my walls were the psychedelic glow-in-thedark posters. They were the “in” thing at the time.

WHAT DID YOU HAVE AS A KID THAT YOU WISH YOU HAD TODAY? I wish I had all of my baseball cards instead of using them as noisemakers in the spokes of my bicycle.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am most proud of my family. My wife and daughter work in the medical field. My son works as a truck mechanic. I have two beautiful granddaughters, ages 2 and 3 years old.

What memories would you share? To be considered for a future good vibrations column, please visit www.bmagazinepa.com.

TODAY

Affiliated with Simpson Senior Services

isn’t just another day.

Today I will...

Freedom—experience it at a whole new level when you choose retirement living at Jenner’s Pond. Here, you can free yourself of the burdens associated with home upkeep and maintenance. Here, nothing is dictated and opportunities for fun, creativity, learning and socializing abound each day. Our friendly staff is always ready to serve you and you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing health care services will be available, should you ever need them. Make the most of today. Call to schedule a personal visit.

2000 Greenbriar Lane • West Grove, PA 19390 • 888.536.6377 • 610.869.6801 • www.jennerspond.org

A diagnosis of blood cancer.

And a new reason to live.

Tom Garrett lived an active lifestyle, biking over 100 miles in an event just a month before he was diagnosed with the blood cancer that would change his life.

Tom trusted Good Samaritan Oncology & Hematology Associates to treat his very rare form of leukemia. He was reassured that while his blood cancer was uncommon, the team at Good Samaritan had treated patients with it previously with very good success.

Along with Good Samaritan’s expertise in treating his cancer, Tom also valued their caring approach.

“They treated me not like a number, but someone they sincerely cared about,” said Tom. “I really felt they were fighting this battle with me.”

Tom has now been cancer-free for a decade, but his experience with leukemia gave him a new reason to run and bike again – to raise money and awareness of blood cancer. “It’s the least I can do since I am so grateful for the excellent care I received at Good Samaritan,” said Tom. Good Samaritan offers expert oncology and hematology services by a compassionate cancer care team.

Powerful medicine and comforting care. Only at Good Samaritan.

comfortingcare.org

Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence