b magazine Fall 2015

lee majors living the good life GRANDPARENTS’ RIGHTS in Custody Matters top

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PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson EDITORIAL V .P. & Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor Megan Joyce Editorial Intern Pete Wisniewski CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jason Alderman Stephanie Kalina Metzger Rich Bimler, Ph.D. Lori M. Myers Claire Yezbak Fadden Mary Jo Peterson Leslie Feldman Jason Tabor Rebecca Hanlon Allen Taylor Jeff Hoenshell Steven J. Triantafyllou, M.D. Wilson Jackson, M.D. Robert D. Wilcox Carmen Kitts Sylvester E. Williams, IV Stephen Kopfinger ART DEPARTMENT Production Coordinator Janys Cuffe Production Artists Renee McWilliams Lauren McNallen SALES Account Executives Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller Account Representatives Christina Cardamone Robin Gamby Jennifer Schmalhofer ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall Marketing Coordinator Mariah Hammacher Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer Project Coordinator Loren Gochnauer Sales & Event Coordinator Eileen Culp

Copyright Š 2015 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.

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from the editor ...

Many of you know someone who is either a veteran or is actively serving in the military. It is through their self sacrifice that we enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States. We consider it a privilege to feature a Vietnam veteran in each issue of b magazine.

However, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ending of World War II, we thought it appropriate to also recognize area veterans who served in the global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. We are proud of them and their great sacrifices.

I know you don’t want to think about it, but cold weather will soon be creeping into our homes. Want to save money on home energy costs? Consider new windows and/or doors.

Learn what’s new and what you should know before you go shopping.

September is National Prostate Awareness Month.

Gentlemen, about 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It’s beatable, so don’t delay in getting tested if you experience any of the symptoms talked about in the article included in this issue.

I have always had a fascination with castles, and our travel article features Germany, which is famous for its castles. Within the pages of the article, you’ll see the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. I would absolutely love to take a tour of that! How in the world was it even built?

Check out the Checkpoint Charlie photo in that same article. See anything very American?

Caregiving is a hot topic with many baby boomers, and rightly so. Each issue of b magazine offers important information you should be aware of. Please take time to read these articles even if you aren’t currently a caregiver. You never know when the information may be helpful to you or to someone you know.

There is a lot more within these pages and many of your friends and neighbors are featured. Recognize anybody?

Happy reading!

Vice president and managing editor

bmagazinepa

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features 14

A TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR II World War II was the most widespread war the world has ever seen.

Just about every baby boomer has a family member or relative who served, and many of them did not return. It is fitting that we remember the ending of that horrendous nightmare and the formal signing of the surrender of the Empire of Japan 70 years ago. The article is written by Col. Robert D. Wilcox, USAFR (Ret.), a local World War II veteran, writer, and regular columnist in 50plus Senior News.

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PSST … WE’RE TALKING PSAS AND PROSTATE September is National Prostate Health Month. Prostate cancer is a major health issue for all baby boomer men. With proper screenings and early detection, 90 percent of prostate cancer is detected in its early stage before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body.

Men, do you have some of the warning symptoms? Make an appointment today!

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MEDICARE’S ‘OBSERVATION’ REGULATIONS Medicare patients should know how they are “labeled” when taking up a bed in a hospital. It may seem like you are actually an admitted patient, but you may have been classified as “under observation.”

Medicare pays “under observation” patients through their Part B coverage, which covers doctors’ services, not as Part A coverage, which covers hospital costs. The cost difference may be your responsibility. This article is not intended to alarm you but to make you aware enough to ask questions.

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cover story 6 LEE MAJORS

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We girls loved watching Lee Majors, whether it was with his cowboy hat and sitting on top of a horse in The Big Valley, as a secret agent with a bionic right arm, legs, and left eye on The Six Million Dollar Man, or as the rough-and-tumble stunt man on The Fall Guy. Fortunately for us, he is still starring on TV and in films.

You can catch him in his recently released comedy, Almosting It, or see him in person at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention (see page 9).

cover photo property of Lee Majors

caregiving 55

GETTING THE BEST CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE Determining an appropriate venue and how to pay for it.

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MASTERING THE MAZE OF HOUSING CHOICES The first step is assessing your loved one’s needs.

financial 30

INVESTING IN A VOLATILE MARKET Looking at the market from a short- and long-term perspective.

health 26

FACT OR FICTION Common beliefs (or wives’ tales) clarified by the experts.

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MEDICARE PART D, ADVANTAGE PLANS Weigh your choices carefully.

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THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE Local Parkinson’s disease sufferer talks about his therapeutic implant.

home 20

WINDOWS, DOORS, AND MORE

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This not-so-old house needs a facelift.

housing 52

TOP 10 TRENDS FOR AGING IN PLACE What to consider when moving or remodeling.

lifestyle 32

GRANDPARENTS’ RIGHTS IN CUSTODY MATTERS Yes, you do have some.

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AGING IS THE ONLY WAY TO LIVE! We’re just finally “coming of age.”

people 42

DISCIPLINED, ENTHUSIASTIC, AND EAGER Local retired teacher scales new heights.

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INSPIRED BY THE SIMPLE THINGS A passion for art helped her navigate through a challenging time.

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travel 36

GERMANY Where to go and how to get there.

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HE TYPED THE WORDS OF WAR A local veteran tells his story.

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WE ARE A GRATEFUL NATION A special thanks to local World War II veterans.

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cover story

life – it’s all good Written by LORI M. MYERS

Majors and his wife, Faith, at their home in Houston.

AFTER DECADES OF SERIOUS ROLES IN SUCH ICONIC SERIES AS The Big Valley and The Six Million Dollar Man, it’s hard to believe that Lee Majors can be such a kidder.

His wife, Faith, had warned me beforehand that I’d be interviewing Majors on his birthday, so when I called him, I was all set to blurt out “Happy birthday, Lee!” But just like the characters he’s portrayed, he beat me to

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the punch.

“It’s my birthday today,” he says, even before I could say hello. “I’m 67!”

Well, that was a surprise to me as I’d done my research about Majors’ life and career beforehand and knew his

real age.

“Last year, I was 57,” he continues with some mischief in his voice. “Next year I’ll be 77.”

Was this the new math and no one told me?

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cover story ) ) ) lee majors

Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man.

“I just inverted the numbers,” he explains with a laugh.

“Ah, OK,” I say, now in on the joke.

“I see what you did there.”

No matter what sort of arithmetic you choose, Majors’ life and career all add up to success and being able to work alongside some of the best actors in the business: Joan Crawford, Robert Mitchum, and the unequaled Barbara Stanwyck, who was a mentor to him during the show The Big Valley, which ran from 1965–69.

“She taught me the discipline of acting,” Majors recalls. “She was small yet strong.”

Stanwyck’s strength and feistiness came to the surface one day when she and Majors disagreed on a scene. The scene included an earthquake; Charles Bronson was a guest star on that episode, and Majors remembers that Stanwyck insisted she’d drive a buggy away after the quake.

Majors told her it didn’t make sense; that her character, under those circumstances, would have someone else handling the buggy. Majors’ agent told him he was wrong to insist such a thing with Stanwyck.

“I apologized,” Majors says. “For two or three days she hardly spoke to

me. Finally, I heard her say, ‘Heath, come here’—she always called me Heath—and she asked me: ‘Have you learned your lesson?’ She taught me to be on time, learn my lines, and keep your mouth shut.”

About two years after the series ended, Majors and Linda Evans—who played Audra on the show—met Stanwyck for lunch at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. When Evans showed up late, Stanwyck’s first remark was, “Audra, you’re late!”

“The Big Valley was my first series,” Majors says. “We had so many great guest stars that came through—Richard

Majors in The Fall Guy (left) and The Big Valley (right).

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Most of my work has been family fare.

I could sit down with my dad and watch and there was no violence, no bloodshed.

Dreyfus was 18 years old at the time.

Ellen Burstyn was a guest star, and I killed Bruce Dern three or four times.”

Majors is hard-pressed to pick one favorite series or film he’s done in his 52 years in the industry. He calls them “his children” and loves them all. The Big Valley was one of his choices, but so was the 1980s show The Fall Guy, where Majors portrayed a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter.

“That role was the closest to me,” he says. “It was the most fun. Everyone— the actors, the crew—got along so well.”

Another favorite was The Six Million Dollar Man, where he starred as Col. Steve Austin, an ex-astronaut with

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bionic implants.

“It was a tough show to do,” Majors recalls. “We shot in secluded places.”

Born Harvey Lee Yeary in Wyandotte, Mich., Majors played football while attending Eastern Kentucky University, but a serious back injury forced him to the sidelines. He then took an interest in acting and performed in plays.

After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, where he went to acting school and began his professional career playing against Joan Crawford, appearing in a Gunsmoke episode, and on The Alfred Hitchcock Hour before series television found him.

Along with his popular television characters, Majors was also known for

his nine-year marriage to actress Farrah Fawcett. In 1976, the couple made television history as a husband and wife each starring in separate top-rated shows: he in The Six Million Dollar Man and Fawcett in Charlie’s Angels.

Majors admits that the way the industry was in the 1970s and ’80s is vastly different from how it is today, a fact that is troubling to him.

“I’ve noticed how corporate it’s become,” he says. “Back then, everything was done on a handshake. It used to be one-on-one. I was so pleased with my career. Now there are so many reality shows. I’m glad I’m not starting out today.” (continued on page 10)

(continued from page 8)

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He may not be starting out, but Majors continues appearing in films and episodic television. In 1988, he had a cameo in the holiday classic Scrooged and continued to be busy through the 2000s in television series such as According to Jim, Weeds, and Community.

His latest film, the faith-based Do You Believe? was released in 2015.

“They’d asked me to do the film,” he said. “I got on a plane on Sunday and filmed it on Monday. I loved the part.”

Along with Majors, Do You Believe? stars Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin, and Ted McGinley.

Majors also recently appeared in the lowbudget film Almosting It, where he plays a retired playboy in a retirement community.

Majors attributes his longevity in show business to another lesson taught to him by Stanwyck.

“Her advice was that your reputation precedes you,” he says. “Most of my work has been family fare. I could sit down with my dad and watch and there was no violence, no bloodshed. Superman was good because he did good things. Roy Rogers was a boyhood idol of mine and he did a Fall Guy episode.”

At the pinnacle of his career, Majors lived in Los Angeles where the studio work was, but in his words he “got tired of it and the cost of living was high.” Nowadays, he calls Houston, Texas, home, where he does a lot of reading and goes fishing once in awhile.

Majors will be making an appearance at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention (www.midatlanticnostalgiaconvention.com) Sept. 17–19 in Hunt Valley, Md., and greeting fans—of which there will be many, I’m sure.

Before we finish up our phone conversation, I ask Majors about celebration plans for his 76th (or is it 67th?) birthday today.

“We’re just going out for a nice dinner with a few friends,” he says. “I don’t like birthdays.

But I have a wonderful life and a wonderful wife. It’s all good.” ) ) )

Written by STEPHEN KOPFINGER

veteran

he typed the words of war, and saw his share of it

CLYDE SNYDER WAS FORTUNATE to not experience field combat during his 13 months and three days in Vietnam.

Clyde Snyder founded the Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard in 2010, an organization that provides military honor rifle salutes for veterans of all branches, year round.

“Thank God, no time in the rice paddies,” says Snyder, saluting his fellow soldiers.

But the Lancaster native saw more than enough death and destruction as a teletype operator with the 335th Radio Research Company of the United States Army. Stationed at Dong Tam, a then-new Army-Navy base Snyder helped to build in 1968, it was Snyder’s job to type and relay translated information regarding the movements of the dreaded Viet Cong enemy.

“I could type so fast, the keys would jam!” Snyder says of his duties.

But where Snyder worked and lived was within walking distance of where military dead were flown in by helicopter. It was a place that came under fire and where Snyder experienced a close call with a mortar.

It was where an ammunition base was destroyed.

And Snyder’s time at Dong Tam coincided with a time when both North and South Vietnam were reeling from the effects of the 1968 Tet Offensive in which North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces swarmed into South Vietnam in a series of surprise attacks.

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veteran veter

All this was a world away for the 1966 graduate of McCaskey High School, where Snyder admits he preferred sports to schoolwork. Upon graduation, the draft beckoned.

“My mom said, ‘It would be a good idea if you joined,’” as it offered Snyder a chance of landing a better occupation during his tour, even it if meant an extra year of service. It also meant a chance of avoiding field combat, though “it doesn’t mean 100 percent,” Snyder says.

Snyder soon found himself assigned a score through Military Occupation Specialty, which determined what job was best suited to which man. His own score directed him to teletype communications specialist; he trained for that at Fort Gordon, Ga. Before that came basic training in Fort Knox in Kentucky, where “you had hand-to-hand combat [training] and all of that crazy stuff.”

Snyder then spent a year and a half at Fort Lewis in Washington state, “waiting for my clearance to come through.” There, he saw “guys coming home from ’Nam and guys leaving for ’Nam.” In May 1968, Snyder finally received his overseas orders: Vietnam.

“I didn’t like that at all,” he remembers.

But his introduction to Vietnam involved more muscle power than military.

Dong Tam was built on the My Tho River branch of the Mekong River Delta in South Vietnam. It served as a headquarters base camp of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division and it was a huge

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place, with a heliport, a landing strip, and all kinds of amenities for American forces.

That included barracks. Lots of them. Snyder, who had learned construction and carpentry skills from his father, was pressed into helping to build them. “‘They say you know a little about construction,’” Snyder remembers somebody telling him.

As it turned out, a construction accident resulted in both of Snyder’s thumbs being broken—not a good thing for someone who was supposed to become a teletype operator.

But teletype work did have an advantage. You didn’t really need your thumbs. Snyder says he could type “three rows, everything with your fingers.”

Snyder received translated information on such matters as Viet Cong movements, and it was up to Snyder and his fellow teletype operators to relay that to superiors.

“We supported the 9th Infantry Division in communications,” he says.

Though the job did not involve direct combat, it wasn’t cushy. At his Lancaster home, Snyder points to a backyard tree, noting that was about as far as he was from the helipad where copters landed bearing the bodies of those who died.

A close brush with death came during the aftereffects of Tet, which technically took place in January and February 1968, though there were repercussions that lasted into the year.

Snyder remembers sleeping in “this little sandbag bunker.” One night, a

veteran

War II to Vietnam to America’s present conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Last year, Snyder, who today serves as president of the group, notes that Vet 21 presided over 380 military ceremony funerals at Indiantown Gap and 177 in Lancaster County alone. Snyder points out that “90 percent of our veterans do not get full military honors.”

Vietnam maintains a personal connection for Snyder. In 2014, he lost a cousin, Walter Hudson, due to the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used to clear out Vietnamese jungles that caused illness among many American servicemen.

“Vietnam veterans are dying at the rate of Korean War veterans”—a much older generation—“due to Agent Orange,” Snyder says.

Several Vietnam veterans, including Sen. John McCain, a prisoner of war, have revisited that country as a way to connect with their time of service.

Snyder has no desire to go back. He prefers to honor those who served in all conflicts with his involvement in Vet 21 (www.vet21salute.org) and a simple message: “Thank all of your veterans,” he encourages Americans.

“And welcome home.” ) ) )

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mortar landed directly overhead.

“It never went off, thank God,” Snyder says.

Another time, the enemy struck an ammunition base.

“That was maybe two blocks away,” Snyder recalls. “It sounded like the end of the world.”

Uncertainty was always in the air at Dong Tam. One never knew who was friend and who was foe.

“We had civilians working on our base,” Snyder says. He jokes that some were “best friends during the day and at night they would turn into VC. But the majority were OK.” He has high praise for the Vietnamese women who carried out work at the base without complaint.

Snyder remembers other lighter moments, such as Bob Hope’s shows for the troops, often starring Hollywood beauty Ann-Margret.

But he then recalls fallen comrades, such as Tom Jennings, another Lancaster boy. He fell in battle.

“We played baseball together,” Snyder says soberly. “He was a Marine.”

In the years after Vietnam, Snyder ran a construction company, Snyder & Snyder Construction. He spent “29 years and three months” with the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire, serving as “first driver, truck one,” Snyder says.

Yet the link with Vietnam remained.

In 2010, Snyder founded Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard. Along with a large squadron of supporters, it provides military honor rifle salutes in Lancaster and Berks counties and at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Lebanon County, for veterans of all branches, year round.

That can include anyone from World

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a tribute to those who served in world war II Written by COL. ROBERT D. WILCOX

SEVENTY YEARS AGO, ON SEPT. 2, 1945, WORLD WAR II, THE MOST widespread war the world has ever seen, came to an end with the formal signing of surrender by the Empire of Japan. World War II was a global war that involved most of the world’s nations, including all of the world’s great powers. It resulted in an estimated 50 to 85 million fatalities, making it the deadliest conflict in human history.

It had begun in 1939 when German troops attacked Poland. But we were not to formally enter that war until Dec. 8, 1945, the day after Japanese carrier aircraft attacked us at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The sneak attack sank four of our battleships and damaged four others.

Also sunk or damaged were three cruisers, three destroyers, an antiaircraft training ship, and one minelayer. One hundred eighty-eight U.S. aircraft were destroyed, 2,403

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Americans were killed, and 1,178 others were wounded. It was an unbelievable disaster.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who was then appointed admiral of the Pacific Fleet, told in his memoirs, however, of three great blunders the Japanese had committed in their attack: First, they had attacked on a Sunday, while nine out of every 10 crewmen were ashore on leave.

Second, they didn’t bomb the dry docks that we would later use to quickly

repair three of the four battleships that had been sunk. And third, they failed to attack the storage tanks that held the Pacific Navy’s entire fuel supply.

That permitted our rebuilding our naval strength until the epic Battle of Midway, which many consider the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

Unknown to the Japanese, we had cracked their code; thus, we knew of their plan to attack our fleet at Midway Atoll, and we were ready for them. We sank four Japanese aircraft carriers—

feature

all part of the six-carrier force that had attacked Pearl Harbor only six months earlier—and a heavy cruiser, while we lost the carrier Yorktown and a destroyer.

Another key battle of the Pacific War was the Battle of Leyte Gulf, thought of by many as the greatest sea battle in history. It was fought in waters of the Leyte Gulf, near the Philippine islands of Leyte, Samar, and Luzon, from Oct. 23–26, 1944. The Imperial Japanese suffered very heavy losses and never sailed to battle in comparable force thereafter.

We suffered the loss of one light carrier, two escort carriers, two destroyers, and one destroyer escort. The Japanese lost one fleet aircraft carrier, three light aircraft carriers, three battleships, six heavy cruisers, four light

cruisers, and nine destroyers. The majority of their surviving heavy ships, deprived of fuel, remained in their bases for the rest of the Pacific War. Meawhile, on the other side of the world, our troops were massing to engage the German war machine. Germany and Italy had declared war against us on Dec. 11, 1941, and only hours later, we had declared war on them, as well.

Our Air Forces pounded them with raids of up to 1,000 planes at a time.

And on D-Day, June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of the beaches of Normandy, France. More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, gaining a foothold on the continent in the largest seaborne invasion in history.

) ) ) world war II

Clockwise, from top left: Japanese surrender; Submarines at Midway Atoll base in May 1945; USS Intrepid during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 1944; Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler.

The cost in lives on D-Day was high.

More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice permitted other soldiers to continue the fight that carried them across Europe as they pushed back the retreating German troops.

On Dec. 16, the Germans caught our forces in near-complete surprise with a major offensive against the weakest part of our lines. It became known as the Battle of the Bulge, where the German force of 200,000 men and 340 tanks attacked through the densely forested Ardennes region of Belgium in an effort to recapture the important harbor of Antwerp.

In order to reach it, German mechanized forces had to seize the roadways through eastern Belgium.

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Because all seven main roads in the Ardennes mountain range converged on the small town of Bastogne, control of its crossroads was vital to the German attack.

When they had the town surrounded, they sent a team to accept the surrender of our forces, and they instead got our General McAuliffe’s curt reply, “Nuts.”

When the weather cleared, our aircraft were able to attack their tanks, and our forces were relieved by elements of General George Patton’s Third Army.

However, our forces incurred their highest casualties for any operation during the war.

The battle also had severely depleted Germany’s armored forces on the western front, which Germany was largely unable to replace. Survivors had lived through the biggest land battle of the war. By war’s end, we had won the unconditional surrender of Italy,

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Scarce were the persons who had not had a loved one who served in our Armed Forces. And those who remained behind knew well that a war was going on.

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Germany, and Japan. And what had happened to those who had started the war?

Benito Mussolini was executed by Italian partisans on April 28, 1945.

Adolph Hitler committed suicide in his Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945.

Hideki Tojo was the army general and prime minister who led Japan through much of World War II. He was convicted of war crimes after the war and was hanged.

World War II was truly the war where everyone was involved. Scarce were the persons who had not had a loved one who served in our Armed Forces. And those who remained behind knew well that a war was going on.

Everyday life across the country was dramatically altered. Food, gas, and clothing were rationed. Communities conducted scrap-metal drives. Women helped to build the weapons of war, finding jobs as electricians, welders, and riveters in defense plants. People were asked by the government to plant

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“victory gardens” to grow more food.

The nation had gone to war, and that meant the folks at home, too.

As a result, the quantities of rifles, tanks, ships, planes, and other war material that the U.S. produced were staggering. But in the end, it was the brave men who used them that brought about the successful end of the massive war effort.

We see pictures now and then of the many cemeteries in our country and throughout the world that hold the remains of our warriors. The survivors are now in their late 80s or 90s. How lucky we are to be able to say “thank you” as we extend to them the honor they so richly deserve. ) ) )

Col. Robert D. Wilcox, USAFR (Ret.)

About the author: Col. Wilcox flew his B-17 crew to England in World War II and was shot down in combat. Wilcox returned to Europe after the war and flew the first two weeks of the Berlin Airlift. He stayed in the Air Force Reserve and, at the Pentagon, his mobilization assignment was director, internal information, USAF. Wilcox retired as a colonel in 1974.

As membership chairman for his Lancaster, Pa., Military Officers Chapter, he grew membership from 73 to 597.

He has written for a local newspaper (50plus Senior News) for 15 years, during which time he has written the stories of 187 veterans from all services in World War II and in later wars.

Theseare events

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Veterans (of all ages) and the military community and their families are invited to join us!

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Lancaster

August 20, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Radisson Hotel Harrisburg 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill

November 13, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim

At the Expo

At the Job Fair

Veterans Benefits & Services Community Services Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services

Employers Job Counseling Workshops/Seminars Resume Writing Assistance

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Resumé Reviews ! (see we

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veteran 18

AS WE CELEBRATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENDING OF WORLD WAR II, IT IS FITTING that we thank all of the men and women who served in any branch of service during that time. It is also an opportunity to recognize some brave local service persons, including members of the Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable who fought to preserve the freedom we enjoy today. We are a grateful nation.

For more information about the Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable, visit www.centralpaww2roundtable.org.

Steven Bosan

U.S. Army WWII – Korea – Vietnam Camp Hill, Pa.

Richard E. Boyd

Jacob Downey

U.S. Army 8th Infantry – 121st Regiment Rifleman – Europe – WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Russell Grubb

Walter Hauser

U.S. Navy – Sub Chaser 1372 V-12 Program – South Pacific WWII Palmyra, Pa.

Alvin Kemble

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R.A.F. Lancaster bomber pilot U.S.A.A.C. Flight Instructor Europe – Texas – WWII Willow Street, Pa.

Floyd Demmy

U.S. Third Army – 10th Armored Division Europe – WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

U.S. Third Army Military Policeman Africa – Italy – Europe – WWII Palmyra, Pa.

Fred Gunn

U.S. Navy New Guinea – South Pacific WWII Palmyra, Pa.

U.S. Navy – Armed guard merchant ship torpedoed by U-boat; spent 34 days in lifeboat North Atlantic – WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Charlie Kercher

U.S. Army Air Forces Troop Carrier Europe – WWII Palmyra, Pa.

veteran

Thank you!

) ) ) grateful nation

David Klinepeter

U.S. Navy Base personnel Norfolk, Va. – WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Donald Knadler

U.S. Navy Electrical engineer WWII – Korea Camp Hill, Pa.

Cliff Kreiser

U.S.A.A.F. 5th Air Force Recon Asia – Alaska – WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Charles Lapinsky

U.S. Army – 49th Field Artillery Okinawa – South Pacific WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Frank Lashinsky

U.S.A.A.F – 15th A.F. 454th Bomb Group B-24 Tail Gunner – Shot down – Captured – Flew out of Italy – WWII Cornwall, Pa.

Bob Lorenz

U.S. Navy – USS Saratoga – CV-3 Battle of Iwo Jima – 8 Battle Stars Served on destroyer during Korea WWII – Korea Hershey, Pa.

Al Richwine

U.S.A.A.F. – 5th Air Force Headquarters Squadron New Guinea – South Pacific – WWII Palmyra, Pa.

Carrol Smith

U.S.M.C. – 2nd Marine Division South Pacific island landings WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Charlie Micelli

U.S. Navy – CVL 28 USS Cabot – Light Carrier WWII Harrisburg, Pa.

Dylan Kriner

WWII re-enactor, age 10 Attends meetings regularly Palmyra, Pa.

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home

what to do when a loved one dies Written by JASON ALDERMAN

Provia Signet fiberglass door with direct set sidelites and custom transitions.

WHETHER IT’S EXPECTED OR accidental, the death of a loved one can shake you to the core.

when it comes to your home,

it’s windows, doors, and more Written by STEPHEN KOPFINGER

IT MIGHT BE A CASE OF THIS OLD HOUSE, TO QUOTE THE TITLE OF THE iconic Public Television show. Or it might be a case of “this not-so-old house needs a facelift.”

Or maybe you’re just losing too much darn energy efficiency thanks to something you take for granted: your doors and windows. Products are always changing, so maybe your

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current windows and doors could be better energy savers.

According to the United States government website www.energy.gov, windows alone account for 30 percent

of an average household’s heating losses. Your front door—we open and close it every day!—can leak interior air, even when shut.

That’s where home improvement

home

Elegant bay window features golden oak woodgrain and brassbeveled leaded glass.

sells windows, doors, and sunrooms from its headquarters in Carlisle, comes in handy. He explains that the U.S. Department of Energy divides the nation into several climate zones and “we’re set up in the northern zone,” he says.

That means be ready for anything from extreme heat in summer to snowy winters—remember last year?—and anything in between. Thomas recommends looking for a .30 U-factor, or even below.

If you are shopping for windows, you might be familiar with such terms as single pane, double pane, and triple pane. These terms indicate how many panes of glass come between you and the world outside your windows.

“Nobody uses single pane anymore—maybe once in a blue moon,” Thomas says.

Single-pane windows are mostly found in old homes, but energy efficiency can be gained by storm windows, which don’t hide vintage looks in historic district neighborhoods.

“Mostly, we pushed for double pane for years and years,” Thomas notes.

“You can get triple pane, if you want it, but that might be a bit of overkill.”

What’s in between those panes of glass? It’s not air but gas, usually argon or krypton. Don’t worry; krypton is not to be confused with kryptonite, the stuff that disables Superman.

“It’s like insulation between the panes, but you can see through it,” says Thomas.

Both argon and krypton occur naturally in our environment, though if you opt for a krypton gas fill in your

) ) ) replacement windows and doors

comes in handy. You can get a new look, and, although you have to spend money, you could end up saving some cash. But be warned: There is some science involved.

Do you know what a U-factor is? As summed up by the National Fenestration Rating Council (yes, there is such a thing; fenestration means anything applied to windows and doors), U-factor is the rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts nonsolar heat flow. For windows and glass doors, a U-factor may refer to just the glass or glazing alone, says the NFRC. NFRC U-factor ratings, however, represent the entire window performance, including frame and spacer material. The lower the Ufactor, the more energy-efficient the window or door.

OK, too much science here. This is where guys like Ralph Thomas, president/owner of Better View, which

The composite window uses a frame made of synthetic and natural materials, held together by epoxy resin.

Aluminum clad windows are low maintenance, energy efficient, and thermally stable.

This triple-pane window combines Low-E glass with two chambers of argon gas fill and spacer options to meet specific heating and cooling needs.

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home

An insulated door with threshold and sweep. Bulb and blade sweeps virtually eliminate drafts.

This is the core of a fiberglass door.

Stiles and rails are dovetailed and glued at each corner creating a structurally solid integrated frame.

Craftsman Style fiberglass door with Santa Fe leaded glass.

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windows, it might be a little more expensive, according to the Department of Energy. Krypton is more expensive to produce, according to the DOE. Well, now that we have dispensed with window science—and before we move on to doors—what style of fenestration (design and usage) appeals to customers at places such as Better View? Double-hung, the kind you slide up and down, remains an American classic, Thomas notes.

Casement windows, the version you crank open, are popular as well. They have sort of a European look, and Better View offers a “European InSwing Sliding Window,” which, as described in its name, both slides and swings open.

When people think of the term replacement window, they think of white vinyl. They are still around, but today’s vinyl can come in colored wood finishes that give a classic look but offer tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning.

If you are feeling artistic, windows can come with a leaded-glass look, where the “lead” is between the dual panes, Thomas says.

Let’s open the front door, or even the back door. Even the mundane task of coming and going can be upgraded with a portal that literally serves as the gateway to your house.

And if you are a traditionalist, you need not shudder at the thought of something made of synthetic materials.

Doors not made of wood have come a long way, notes Bob Schmidt, sales manager at West Shore Window & Door, Mechanicsburg.

“

According to the United States government website www.energy.gov, windows alone account for 30 percent of an average household’s heating losses.

”

“Some [buyers] are looking for a facelift, or more light, or security sometimes,” Schmidt says of his clients.

These days, fiberglass doors are popular and look anything but plastic.

Instead, they are now produced with the appearance of wood graining and paneling. Round it off with a brass kick

home

those Brady Bunch suburban days.

“Now you can [have] a mini-blind between the glass panes,” Schmidt notes. “And energy efficiency has changed quite a bit.”

Even a classic French door can be efficient, with one half being the door you use every day and the other half locked with a pin until you need to move a big piece of furniture in or out of the house, Schmidt says.

As with windows, the leaded-glass look is popular with some customers who want an artsy touch to their sidelights or overhead transoms, the window above the door.

Whatever your decision, “do your homework,” advises Thomas. He even encourages potential patrons to shop around for second and third and even fourth opinions.

Home renovation projects are not cheap, ranging anywhere from $2,500 to five figures. And Thomas warns people not to be fooled by those TV commercials offering so many windows for such-and-such a price; they often come with high-pressure sales techniques, he says.

“Shop! Get three or four estimates.

We encourage it,” Thomas says. “And never sign a contract the first time, no

) ) ) replacement windows and doors

plate and handle, and your home would not be out of place in Colonial Williamsburg, despite the material.

The Craftsman style, which takes its inspiration from the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is also popular, Schmidt says. The early 20thcentury design, with its geometric forms in the sidelights (the vertical windows that flank a door), looks particularly handsome in houses of rough-hewn wood or stone.

Most people have patios, which means they also have sliding doors.

These doors have also changed since

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feature

psst ... we’re talking PSAs and prostate!

Written by JASON TABOR

FOR MOST MEN ENTERING THEIR BOOMER YEARS, it is a time of looking forward to planning their retirements and ensuring that their financial houses are in order. During this period of transition, men should also be aware of a major health issue that they could soon be facing: prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer afflicting American men, second only to lung cancer. The statistics are stark: According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes; in 2015 alone, there will be approximately 221,000 new cases diagnosed and 28,000 men will die from it.

There is some good news, however: The survival rates for prostate cancer are excellent with early detection, and with proper screening, 90 percent of prostate cancer is detected in its early stages before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body.

So what is the prostate, anyway? The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located near the urinary bladder that produces seminal fluid. As a man ages, the prostate may become enlarged—a common problem that may result in an increased need for urination, a weak or slow urinary stream, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. There is no link between prostate enlargement and cancer, however.

Like most cancers, prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate become

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abnormal, growing and dividing more rapidly than normal cells. They continue living after normal cells would have died, accumulating into tumors and invading nearby tissue.

The cancer may metastasize into nearby organs or the bladder, or it may travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, it can be treated and controlled but it can’t be cured, which is why early detection is so vital.

It is not clear what causes prostate cancer, although the chance of diagnosis increases with age. Men over 65 with a family history of prostate or breast cancer are most susceptible, while African-American men are at a higher risk for more aggressive and advanced forms of the disease. Obesity, smoking, and a diet deficient in lycopene and vitamin D all appear to increase risks as well.

In its early stages, prostate cancer often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends men go for

screenings and checkups as they reach age 50. As the cancer becomes more advanced, it may exhibit the following symptoms: • Trouble urinating • Blood in urine or semen • Decreased force in stream of urine • Pain in lower back, hips, thighs, and pelvic area • Erectile dysfunction If you’re over 50 and suffering from these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your family doctor or general practitioner.

feature

Many times men resist the “dreaded” prostate exam for a variety of reasons.

They may find the exam uncomfortable or embarrassing. In fact, prostate screenings are brief and may include mild discomfort, but they may also prevent a lifetime of bad health and disease.

There is also a less invasive screening technique available called the prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test, in which protein levels in the blood are analyzed to detect abnormal prostate function.

A PSA test isn’t foolproof, and the results can read as a “false positive” in some cases if a person’s PSA level is high but is due to other conditions not related to prostate cancer. But the PSA test is deemed a good tool in determining if other screenings should be considered.

There are pros and cons to both types of screenings, and you should discuss with your doctor which option might be right for you.

When visiting your doctor, it’s a good idea to write down a list of any symptoms you have, how long the symptoms have been present, and a list of questions for your doctor, including: • Do I have prostate cancer?

• Are they continuous or occasional?

• Are you dealing with any new stresses or life changes?

• What medicines, vitamins, or supplements are you currently taking?

Make sure to take any informational materials your doctor may provide, and review them again at home. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend or family member to your appointment. Your doctor may present you with a lot of information, and sometimes it’s helpful having two sets of ears to remember all of the details.

Your doctor may refer you to a cancer

specialist (oncologist) for treatment options, which may include active surveillance, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery, depending on your general health and the stage of the cancer if present.

It’s important to remember that prostate cancer has a favorable survival rate due to its slow-growing and slow-tospread nature. Early detection is the key to recovery, so when making plans for the future, don’t forget to pencil in regular visits with your doctor. ) ) )

) ) ) psa’s and prostate

A less invasive screening technique is available called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, in which protein levels in the blood are analyzed to detect abnormal prostate function.

DEDUCTIBLE MET?

Schedule your colonoscopy before the year ends.

Colon cancer is the third leading cancer killer in the United States, yet preventable and treatable with early detection.

Contact your primary care physician or call RGAL at 717-544-3400 to discuss a screening colonoscopy.

• Has it spread beyond my prostate?

• What are my treatment options?

• Is there one treatment you think may be best for me?

• Do I need treatment right away and what are the side effects?

Your doctor may also have questions for you that you should be prepared to answer, including: • When did your symptoms begin?

Four Convenient Locations Lancaster Health Campus Oregon Pike-Brownstown Women s Digestive Health Center Elizabethtown www.RGAL.com 717.544.3400

Remind your loved ones: Screening Saves Lives! fall 2015 |

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health

fact or fiction: common beliefs clarified by the experts

Eating spicy foods will give you an ulcer. Is that true?

Highly seasoned foods in and of themselves do not cause ulcers. Ulcers are most often caused by certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) or a bacterial infection called H. pylori.

However, spicy foods can cause indigestion in some people. In these

Ginger ale settles an upset stomach.

But what might the upset stomach be, and when should they contact their gastroenterologist?

Yes, ginger can settle one’s stomach. Ginger root is an old home remedy for spasms in the intestinal tract. Everyone gets occasional cramps in the abdomen, and ginger in the form of ginger ale can help.

If these symptoms persist, worsen, or are new, then they should be evaluated by a physician to be certain there is no more serious problem.

Other causes of an upset stomach

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circumstances, it may be the total fat of the meal and not the spice that provokes the symptoms.

For example, it is not the Tabasco sauce on chicken wings but rather the fat content in the wings that causes the indigestion.

Treatment for stomach ulcers consists of eliminating any medication that may have caused the ulcer and reducing the acid production to enable the body to heal the ulcer. There are a number of antacid medications called proton pump inhibitors that effectively reduce production. These are usually taken for

anywhere from two to eight weeks.

If the ulcer is caused by the infection H. pylori, then antibiotics are typically given. It is important to take these as prescribed. Sometimes a repeat exam is done to confirm full healing of the ulcer.

that last for more than a week can be inflammation or ulcers of the stomach, food allergies such as gluten (Celiac) disease, and gallstones.

An endoscopy procedure where a scope is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach while a patient is sedated is sometimes done. Your physician and help sort out these various possibilities.

WILSON JACKSON, M.D., FACP, FACG, AGAF has particular interest in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology

Smiling causes wrinkles. Does it?

Since we are animated human beings, repetitive motions such as squinting and smiling could be considered responsible for the fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes, more commonly known as “crow’s feet.”

Botox® and Dysport® are the treatments of choice for prevention and correction of the nagging lines at our delicate eye area.

As we age, we naturally

lose collagen and hyaluronic acid in our face. This volume loss includes areas such as under the eyes, cheeks, the lines from the corner of our nostril to the corner of our mouth (smile lines), and jowls.

Rather than smiling, these lines are more often caused by sleeping on our sides and habits detrimental to our skin’s elasticity such as smoking.

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Radiesse® provide a youthful appearance by adding natural contours back to the face with immediate results. These treatments are clinically proven to last a year or more in some patients with little to no down time.

Be sure to seek out a qualified injector such as a registered nurse or medical doctor. Your skin-care professional may

We believe that each face is different and should be treated as such.

Together, we will customize a treatment plan to meet each individual clients needs. Our expert staff will educate you on the most current and advanced skin care techniques available on the market.

) ) ) fact or fiction

associated with sun damage with little to no down time.

Melasma is caused by pigmentation generated in response to hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy, menopause, and oral contraceptives.

Considered a chronic condition, melasma

will need to be managed more than cured.

Treatment regimens may include lightening agents as well as exfoliating treatments like glycolic acid chemical peels.

With even the most mindful prevention, the appearance of any increased pigment can greatly affect one’s self-esteem. The good news is there are many treatments available today.

Keep in mind that the best prevention for excessive pigmentation is to diligently apply a medical-grade sunscreen. Be sure to seek out a skin-care professional who believes in a results-driven approach to help you achieve a beautiful, even skin tone!

health

“Liver spots.” What are they really?

It is common for the majority of patients to be confused about different types of pigment that appear on their skin.

The term liver spots is a familiar name for light to dark-brown raised skin lesions associated with changes in skin color that occur in older skin.

Increased sun exposure or ultraviolet light are known to cause other discolorations such as solar lentigines, seborrheic keratosis, and freckles. These areas lie closer to the surface of the skin and tend to be less challenging to treat.

Medical laser technology is very effective at breaking down the pigment

review additional services like chemical peels, fractional laser, and preventative measures for healthy skin regimens.

CARMEN KITTS Specializing in custom facial aesthetics and advanced skin care technologies TRU’ Identity Skin Aesthetics

Our services include: • Micro-Needling • DYSPORT® • Vein Therapy • Laser Hair Removal

• Permanent Makeup • Botox® • Juvederm® XC • RADIESSE®

fall 2015 |

• Microdermabrasion • Chemical Peels • Custom Skin Care • Latisse®

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Knuckle cracking will give you arthritis. Really?

Our joints can snap, crack, and pop with different motions. There are three reasons why our joints do this.

Joints contain synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant to allow for smooth movements. Synovial fluid also contains nutrients for the cartilage, the smooth

portion of joint.

There are a number of gases also dissolved within this fluid, including nitrogen.

When one begins to “crack” a joint, the capsule that contains the synovial fluid is stretched, resulting in the lowering of the hydrostatic pressure inside the joint.

This creates a vacuum within the joint that is temporarily filled with gas bubbles. These bubbles can either quietly dissolve back into the fluid when the joint relaxes, or some of these bubbles can burst and make the familiar popping sound one hears when one cracks their knuckles.

Everybody shrinks as they get older.

Is that true?

There are a number of reasons why we “shrink,” or lose height, as we age.

Some of the height loss occurs as part of the normal aging process and some because of disease (e.g., osteoporosis or thinning of bone).

People typically lose 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) every 10 years after age 40 and more rapidly after the age of 70.

The loss of a total of 1 to 3 inches is common.

Our spine is a major area of height loss. The spine is made up of two major components: 24 bones called the vertebrae (seven in the neck, 12 in the mid-back, and five in the low back) and our discs, the “cushions” sandwiched between the bones.

With aging, our discs deteriorate and lose height. Even a 1-millimeter loss in each disc can result in significant height loss since we have so many discs.

Also as we age, our bones thin out and become brittle. Some people lose more significant bone strength and develop the disease osteoporosis.

Compression fractures (collapse) of the vertebrae are common in people with osteoporosis and are another major reason for loss of height. With each compression fracture, significant height loss occurs.

Furthermore, as we age our posture changes and we become more hunched over (kyphosis), which results in more

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There is no evidence that cracking your joints will result in arthritis.

Repetitive, voluntary cracking of the joints can stretch the ligaments, however, and make the joint looser.

The second reason joints make noise happens when tendons and ligaments that span joints move abnormally and make a snapping noise.

The third reason joints make noise is due to “worn out” arthritic joints. When joints become arthritic with aging, the normally smooth surfaces of the joints become irregular, and the joint space also narrows. With movement of an arthritic joint, cracking, grinding, and popping can be felt or heard.

height loss. This condition may be due to either weak bones with compression fractures and/or due to weak muscles.

People can minimize height loss by eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help maintain strong muscles and bones.

Maintaining an active lifestyle (exercising regularly) also helps keep muscles and bones strong.

Avoidance of smoking and drinking alcohol (only in moderation) also helps.

STEVEN J. TRIANTAFYLLOU, M.D. Specializes in surgical and non-surgical treatment of back and neck problems Orthopedic & Spine Specialists

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TOP 1% OF ALL HOSPITALS NATIONALLY PinnacleHealth is among the best at hip replacement, knee replacement, heart bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and COPD. Among 4,600 hospitals in the U.S. rated by U.S. News & World Report, PinnacleHealth was one of only 34—less than 1%—that were rated high-performing in these five areas. As the only Pennsylvania hospital to make the list, PinnacleHealth assures our patients of the highest quality and safest care.

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financial

investing in a volatile market

INVESTING MONEY REQUIRES A strategy, and the investor should be looking at the market from a short- and long-term perspective. Investing for the long haul always means waiting out periods of violent price swings and fluctuations in the market.

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Written by SYLVESTER E. WILLIAMS, IV

Sticking to your plan can be difficult when the market becomes unstable. In the short term, the investor has to look for opportunities to exploit shifts in various investing instruments based upon the current market conditions.

For example, if the economy is not doing well and stock prices drop, that might be a good time to invest money in firms.

However, this is a short-term approach to managing investments. It is always smart to pay very close attention to leading indicators in the market to stay on top of shifts that can impact investing decisions.

Additionally, your strategy might change somewhat depending upon where you are keeping cash. Try to maintain at least 12 to 18 months of liquid cash in a money market or in short-term bonds. Use that cash to address anything that arises, and stay away from liquidating long-term assets.

This is true especially during volatile market changes.

When considering a more fundamental or disciplined approach to investing, many investors turn to what is commonly known as growth investing or value investing. Growth investors are people that invest in companies that

have consistently beat their earnings estimates in previous quarters.

The expectation is that those companies will continue to outperform in the future. Everything is tied directly to the performance of the firm and whether it can meet or exceed market expectations. This information can be obtained online or through one of the many news services.

Conversely, value investors are more interested in the fundamentals of companies. They are more likely to identify companies that have a low price-to-book ratio, little if any debt, a low price-to-earnings ratio, and possibly high-dividend yields.

In most instances, people are looking for these firms to deliver potential income through the consistent dividend payout. Purchasing stock in companies that are currently under public scrutiny and are out of favor but have good fundamentals is typical for a value investor. Once the company is no longer under scrutiny, the value of the firm should increase.

Likewise, make sure that balance is part of your long-term plan. Don’t be overly confident in the approach you choose. There is no magic strategy that works every time and in every economic environment.

Therefore, spreading your cash between stocks, bonds, real assets, and mutual funds is a great way to diversify risk and maximize returns over the long term. Also, spreading cash amongst these various forms of

financial

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As an investor, it is always smart to diversify your income stream as much as possible.

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off has made global equities an attractive valuation to accompany strong fundamentals. Certainly, this will benefit investors once the markets are restored to original levels.

It is still a good time to add domestic large-cap stocks to your portfolio. With the news of continued economic growth in the United States, large-cap stocks are regaining ground and appreciating in value. Also, there are several firms in this category that offer attractive dividend income for an investor.

As an investor, it is always smart to diversify your income stream as much as possible. In fact, look for firms that

both pay dividend and are seen to be growing their dividend.

As for bonds, one might consider high-yield bonds, global high-grade corporate bonds, or dollar-denominated currency for lower volatility. Again, the focus is on growth and minimizing risk at the same time.

The key to addressing volatile markets for investing centers around your investment strategy. You have to determine what your goals are for investing, and then build your fundamentals around those goals.

The information provided herein will help you think about what your goals might be and consider certain investment fundamentals. Consult an investment counselor to help you build a long-term plan of action. It never hurts to have someone rebalance your portfolio every so often to take advantage of changes in the market.

This is an important part of your life plan, so don’t delay seeking assistance in getting your investing strategy in place. Every day you delay is a dollar missed from being added to your portfolio. ) ) )

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investing can reduce the noise that comes from short-term volatility in the markets.

In some scenarios, stocks are down, while bonds are up. Conversely, within the stock market, consumer staples are down, but the financial sector is up. In commodities, energy is down, but industrial metals are up. The key factor with using a diversified portfolio is to balance the uncertainty that comes from the markets.

Although the United States makes up 5 percent of the world’s population, much of the world’s economic growth is coming from countries outside of the United States. Consider investing in international funds and markets for the long term.

There are several international bond funds that perform nicely over the long term. Think about including some of those funds in your investment portfolio. Furthermore, consider investing in assets that are not dollar denominated, such as commodities, including but not limited to oil, gas, gold, silver, copper, etc.

Seeking assets that have stable growth over the long term is prudent.

Being overly risk-sensitive to the U.S. market can hurt you in the long term.

Diversification even with U.S. assets is wise in the long term.

As you look at the global market to invest in long term, don’t forget about the global equity markets. The performance to date is still better than the 2009 levels. In fact, average index returns are up significantly from their 2009 lows.

The draw down from the 2009 sell-

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lifestyle

grandparents’ rights in custody matters Written by SYLVESTER E. WILLIAMS, IV

ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT things to do is figuring out the best custody arrangement for children when parents are contemplating divorce or parents are already involved in a custody dispute.

The law in Pennsylvania states that parents (and even grandparents, in certain circumstances) can develop a custody plan together, through mediation, or through their attorneys. If a plan can’t be developed voluntarily between the parties, the court will then step in to set up the plan for you.

To begin the custody process in Pennsylvania, a parent must file a custody complaint in the state and county where the child has lived for the past six months.

In Pennsylvania, there are 67 counties and each has its own rules.

Therefore, before scheduling court dates, it is important to understand the technical guidelines for the county that you will be using to initiate a custody proceeding.

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lifestyle ) ) ) grandparents’ rights

Some counties in Pennsylvania require that both parents attend court, sometimes with the child, to attend a seminar that explains the court process with extreme emphasis on protecting your child’s emotional health during the process.

In most counties in Pennsylvania, parents can expect to be part of a mediation session with a courtappointed mediator. This process is used to expedite finding a resolution that both parties can agree to as part of the custody plan.

Conversely, if the parties are unable to reach an amicable solution through the mediator, then the parties would have to move to a formal hearing before a judge.

If the parties still have not arrived at an amicable solution for custody using the hearing, then the court may order home studies and psychological evaluations of the parents and children.

The court will review the evaluation reports and then hold a trial to determine the custodial arrangement that would be in the best interests of the child.

Of particular interest is how grandparents are treated in these custody proceedings. More specifically,

“

The good news is that grandparents can have rights of both visitation and guardianship depending on the circumstances with the parents.

a court may grant visitation if at least one of the child’s parents is deceased, the parents are divorced or separated for more than six months, or the child has lived with the grandparent for more than 12 months.

Determination of grandparent visitation must include consideration of the best interest of the child, potential interference with the parent-child relationship, and the contact between the grandparent and grandchild.

Adoption cuts off visitation rights of grandparents unless adoption is

”

granted to a stepparent or grandparent.

In Pennsylvania, grandparents can request physical or legal custody of a child if they already have legal status that allows them to act as the child’s parent (loco parentis) or under specified other circumstances.

Legal custody, which can be sole or shared, gives the right to make decisions affecting the child, including medical, religious, and educational decisions.

The law defines physical custody as the actual physical possession and

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control of a minor child. There are five types—primary, shared, partial, sole, and supervised—and below are the details for each: • Shared physical custody, also called joint physical custody, gives both parents significant periods of custodial time with the child, including overnights.

• Primary physical custody means the child lives with you a majority of the time.

• On the other hand, partial physical custody means you spend less than 50 percent of the time with your child. Partial custody may include the right to have overnight custody.

• Sole physical custody means you do not share physical custody with the other parent. It is your right alone.

• Visitation is the right to spend time with a minor child, but not the right to remove the child from the custodial parent’s control.

The specific circumstances in these delicate situations involve the grandparent-child relationship

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beginning with a parent’s consent or order or under a court order, the grandparent’s willingness to assume responsibility for the child, and one of the following conditions exists: • The child is a dependent child • The child is substantially at risk due to parental abuse, neglect, drug or alcohol abuse, or incapacity • The child has resided with the grandparent for at least 12 consecutive months, excluding brief temporary absences of the child from the home, and is removed from the home by the parents, in which case the grandparents’ action must be filed within six months Additionally, in Pennsylvania grandparents may request partial physical custody or supervised physical custody where the parent who is your child is deceased, the parents have either been separated for at least six months or initiated petition for divorce, or the child has lived with the grandparent for a minimum of 12 months.

In this unique setting, the court may decide a grandparent’s right to custody based on the level of personal engagement between the child and grandparents and whether custody to the grandparent would interfere with an existing parent-child relationship.

Ultimately, the court will determine what is in the child’s best interest.

So in Pennsylvania, grandparents do have some limited right to custody, but the rights are triggered by the parents.

It is safe to say that any rights afforded the grandparents are predetermined by the circumstances surrounding the parents.

Become familiar with your county’s rules and what options might be available to you as grandparents.

The good news is, however, that grandparents can have rights of both visitation and guardianship depending on those circumstances with the parents.

In these situations, consult with a lawyer to get the best advice in putting a custodial plan together. This is not a task that you will want to try to handle on your own. ) ) )

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germany: where to go and how to get there Written by ALLEN TAYLOR

GERMANY IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES IN EUROPE. Its history is rich, with many cultural and historical developments taking root there.

Before the first century, Roman rulers had conquered Germany and made it a part of its empire.

Charlemagne united Germany with France in his conquest to subdue the Saxons. The Protestant Reformation rose up from its soil. And Germany was a key player in both world wars.

All of this history is documented

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within the archives of the nation’s cities and museums, which you can catalog in your own memory with a self-directed tour by rail.

Traveling in Germany by Train One of the greatest joys of European tourism is being free from riding around on four wheels. Germany has

one of the most efficient rail systems in the world. All the trains arrive on time and rarely are down due to prolonged maintenance. If you’re not driving, you can focus on the beautiful scenery and on seeing the sights.

Before leaving the States, purchase a rail pass. You can get a pass for up to 15 consecutive days of travel, and it

travel ) ) ) germany

will save a bundle on fares. You’ll want to get them before leaving the States because they’re hard to find once you arrive in a country, but you’ll need to allow up to 30 days for your passes to be mailed.

Another benefit to traveling by train while touring Germany: All the trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi. Take your laptop or tablet because you’ll be booking your nightly accommodations on the run. It’s actually a part of the fun.

Besides incredible views of historic castles and awe-inspiring mountain scenery, you can spend your traveling time doing something useful like searching for places to go and things to see at your next stop.

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

How to Book a Train for Your Germanic Travels The best way to buy a rail ticket for European trains is online. However, you should be aware that there are different types of rail tickets. If you are planning to travel only within Germany, then you’ll want a German rail pass. If you want to travel between countries, you’ll need a Eurail pass.

There are two types of German rail passes. The first type of pass is one where you plan to move about daily.

You can choose between five, 10, or 15 consecutive days of travel.

The other type of pass allows you to travel three, four, five, seven, or 10 days within one month, consecutively or not. If you are planning on extended stays over several days in some cities, then opt for the second type of pass so you can do your sightseeing and travel

when it suits you.

If you’ll be traveling by regional train, you won’t need reservations. If you’re traveling on high-speed ICE trains, however, you should plan on reserving your seats in advance even if you do have rail passes. They tend to fill up quickly.

As I mentioned, be sure to order your rail passes far enough in advance that they can be mailed to you prior to leaving for Europe.

How to Book Accommodations on the Fly Travel in the 21st century is a snap since most businesses now have websites. In Germany, you can stay in hostels, hotels, or bed and breakfasts, which can be a lot of fun. And the best part is, you can book your accommodations on the fly.

Deutsche Bahn trains have free WiFi access on most intercity trains.

When booking your travel, be sure to look for those trains with Internet hotspots so you can search for the type of accommodations you want at your next destination in transit.

You can search for hospitality services, book them online, and have your room keys waiting for you when you arrive—all from the comfort of the train seat.

Search Google.de for the city and the type of accommodations you are looking for (hotel, bed and breakfast, hostel), and when prompted, allow the search engine (or company websites) to translate into English for you. Many German websites offer an English alternative as a service.

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Clockwise, from top left: Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin; Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany’s medieval walled city; Heidelberg Castle near the Black Forest region; Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

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Then again, book a night train and forego overnight accommodations by sleeping on the train.

Top Places to Visit in Germany Germany consists of six primary regional states. These are Bavaria, home of the German Alps; Black Forest; Eastern Germany; Rhine Valley; Ruhr Valley; and Northern Germany. Each region is unique with stunning sights and a rich cultural history.

Bavaria – Your trip to Bavaria must include a tour of Neuschwanstein Castle. Its spectacular artwork and history is a memory you’ll want to keep.

Bavaria is also home to Germany’s tallest mountain, Zugspitze.

Another historic site you won’t want to miss is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany’s medieval walled city. Be sure to take a walk with the Night Watchman.

And, of course, the beer. Try the local beer.

Black Forest – The Black Forest region borders France and Switzerland.

Known for its woodlands, there are some interesting museums and magnificent historic sites in the area.

You’ll want to stop in to the Folk Costume Museum in Haslach, which features the world-famous Bollunhut hat, and the Clock Museum in Furtwangen. The Triberg waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in Germany.

While Heidelberg Castle isn’t technically in the Black Forest, it’s just a hop and a skip away, and you’ll get a kick out of walking the same ground American author Mark Twain wrote about after his visit.

The Holocaust Memorial, Berlin.

Your vacation includes: • Exclusive Insider Experiences as detailed in the dayby-day itinerary.

• First Class hotel accommodations with all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.

• Welcome Reception, 14 Breakfasts and 6 Dinners including Be My Guest in Budapest and Farewell Dinner in Frankfurt.

• Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and restroom on board.

• Round-trip transfers between airports and hotels (conditions apply).

• The services of one of Trafalgar’s expert Travel Directors.

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Finally, take an excursion to BadenBaden, Germany’s luxurious natural spa.

East Germany – Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig are all located in East Germany. You’ll want to see the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint

Charlie in Berlin, both of which are some of the most visited attractions in the country.

The Holocaust Memorial is also located in Berlin.

Rhine Valley – There’s nothing more romantic than a riverboat ride on the

river Rhine. There are so many stories to tell there’s no good place to begin.

The mountaintops are crested with historic castles and gorgeous landscapes. Incredible cities to visit include Koblenz, Trier, Worms, and Mainz.

Ruhr Valley – The Ruhrpott is the location of one of the most intriguing anthropological finds in history.

Nineteenth-century scientists discovered a prehistoric man in the Neandertal Valley.

One of the most historic cities in Germany, Cologne, is located here. The city was established in the first century and is home to the famed Cologne Cathedral with its incredible Gothic spires.

City of Koblenz, situated on both banks of the Rhine in Ruhr Valley.

Northern Germany – Germany’s coastlines bordering the North Sea and Baltic Sea are lovely sights on their own.

Hamburg is also a huge aerospace industry hub and a media center, with half of Germany’s newspapers and magazines rooted there.

All along Germany’s coasts are beautiful beaches and gorgeous cliffs.

Bremen and Hanover are two other great cities to visit in this region, but you won’t want to miss Germany’s island resort destination, Rügen.

The best thing about traveling in Germany in the fall is the season. It’s simply stunning, and touring the country by train is itself a leisure pursuit you’ll enjoy. ) ) )

Helpful websites: www.bahn.com www.eurail.com/eurail-passes

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ROME AND THE AMALFI COAST April 28 - May 7, 2016 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Rome, Ravello, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Paestum, Pompeii, Naples

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people

disciplined, enthusiastic, and eager to scale new heights Written by STEPHANIE KALINA-METZGER

JAMES BECKERICH IS A RETIRED TEACHER, VOLUNTEER, MOUNTAINclimbing adventurer, and raconteur. Catherine Quillman, a neighbor of Beckerich, marvels at his energy and discipline.

“I don’t know many high school teachers, but a friend introduced me to him at his retirement party. He’s the kind of baby boomer that is really into goals. He’s a high achiever,” she said.

“I grew up in the ’50s with a brother and a sister and as the firstborn, my mom and dad gave me that little extra push,” said Beckerich, reflecting back on his early years and why it’s always been important for him to excel.

“Mom and Dad told me that teachers are important people,” said Beckerich, who enjoyed school. “It was more than just the education; it was having fun in the classroom.”

Beckerich, who played bass clarinet in school, says a highlight of his high

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school years was having the opportunity to play in the 1961 Tournament of Roses parade.

“Every family had to kick in $100 for the trip, and when I told my dad it was like I said a million. I have no idea where we got the money,” he said.

He tells of taking the train to New Mexico the day after Christmas.

“We practiced down the main street of an old town and visited the Grand Canyon and Disneyland along the way. It gave me this wanderlust.

We received complimentary tickets to the end zone to see the Rose Bowl Game. The trip was eye opening and mind bending,” he said.

Beckerich went on to continue his education at Juniata College, where he

played baseball and studied to be a math teacher. By age 22, he found himself teaching high school students not much younger than himself.

“My first year was not easy; I made a lot of mistakes. After that, I came back, tweaked my weaknesses, and became pretty much the teacher I would be for the next 35 years,” he said.

He spent the final 26 years of his career at West Chester East High School, where he viewed his students and colleagues as family.

“I did homework every night of my career. I am my own toughest critic and came to class over-prepared, while at the same time giving the appearance of spontaneity. The rapport

people ) ) ) james beckerich

Beckerich climbing Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of Asia and the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere.

among students, colleagues, and administration was very important,” he said.

After retirement, Beckerich looked forward to spending more time hiking—a pastime he enjoyed during his summer vacations throughout the years starting in the mid-’70s, when he had the opportunity to hitchhike around the United States.

“I left the day after school [ended] and traveled to Philly, Miami, New Orleans, and Denver. At each one of those places, I got a job lasting a few weeks. It could have been scary, but I had this cockiness about me that nothing was going to go wrong. I met some weird people, but I stayed true to my moral compass,” he said.

The year Beckerich visited Denver, he saw the Rockies and was smitten.

He reports spending the next two summers doing as he pleased—hiking,

climbing, and meeting stray people, but things changed when he had a daughter named Sarah.

“For 20 years, I didn’t leave the East Coast,” he said.

By 1993, with Sarah grown, Beckerich felt it was time to go back and visit his beloved Rockies, which he has done every summer since.

“Every year I pack my vehicle and drive out to the mountains of the West to backpack, climb peaks, and see America.”

After tackling Mt. Whitney, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, and 40 summits in Colorado, Beckerich was ready to expand his horizons beyond the U.S., taking an Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu in Peru, journeys to Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Everest base camps, and an expedition to high camp of Aconcagua Peak, Argentina.

“When I retired, I never thought I’d

“

You reach a certain age where you start looking back and seeing what you’ve done, assess where you are, and look ahead to where you want to be.

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Above: Aconcagua camp with a beautiful full moon in the sky.

Right: Beckerich acknowledges his supporters.

leave the country, but I met some people who were talking about the ‘Top Seven Summits on the Planet,’ and I thought summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro would be the perfect way to celebrate my new lifestyle—a five-day climb to 19,000 feet, the roof of Africa,” said the intrepid traveler.

His success during his expeditions just fuels his thirst for more.

“My spirit and my confidence continue to expand and grow. Right now in my apartment, I can view 20 collages of summits and trips I’ve taken around the world, and I get to relive all these magic moments and add to them.

It’s quite an empowering feeling,” he said.

Beckerich spends his spare moments enjoying time with his daughter, addressing groups about his adventures, and volunteering for organizations like

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Safe Harbor and Communities that Care, while training in between hikes.

“I eat well, make good decisions, and every day I power walk an hour to the gym and back and work out 45 minutes when I’m there. I practice Bikram Yoga and guided meditation to achieve the necessary stillness needed to remain focused.

“You reach a certain age where you start looking back and seeing what you’ve done, assess where you are, and look ahead to where you want to be.

I’m a lucky man to have the opportunity to do a lot of stuff and meet a lot of people and try to make myself a better person. Enriching my soul and spirit is a reward in itself,” he said.

Beckerich is available for group presentations on his many adventures and can be contacted at james_beckerich@yahoo.com. ) ) )

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health

weigh 2016 medicare part d, advantage plan choices carefully Written by JASON ALDERMAN

IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN MEDICARE, WHAT YOU DO OR DON’T do over the next few weeks could determine whether you can secure the best, most affordable coverage next year.

Here’s why: Medicare Part D prescription plans frequently change premiums, drug formularies, deductibles, and copayment amounts for specific drugs from year to year. Medicare Advantage plans often make similar changes; plus, doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies may drop out of their preferred provider networks.

Thus, by simply choosing the same options for 2016 without investigating alternatives, you could wind up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars more for similar healthcare services.

Medicare’s annual election period (a.k.a., Open Enrollment) to make coverage changes for 2016 runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2015. For most people, this is the best—and sometimes only— opportunity to make coverage changes.

(Exceptions are made for people who qualify for a special enrollment period; see “Medicare & You” at

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www.medicare.gov for details.)

If you already have traditional Medicare Parts A and B, you needn’t make any changes; however, if you also have Part D, you must either reenroll in your current plan or choose another.

During open enrollment you can: • Switch from Medicare Parts A, B, and D to Medicare Advantage or vice versa • Switch from one Advantage plan to another • Switch from an Advantage plan offering drug coverage to one that doesn’t or vice versa • Join a Part D plan, switch from one plan to another, or drop coverage altogether Current Advantage plan enrollees can also use the Medicare Advantage disenrollment period (Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 2016) to switch back to Medicare Parts

A, B, and D, but they cannot: • Switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage • Switch from one Advantage plan to another • Switch from one Part D plan to another When choosing next year’s Part D plan: • Carefully review your plan’s “Annual Notice of Change” for substantive changes to premiums, deductibles, copayments, covered drugs, participating pharmacies, etc.

• Notice whether they’ve changed copayments/coinsurance for your medications or possibly dropped some altogether. Ask your doctor whether comparable, covered drugs will work; otherwise, you could pay much more next year.

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substantially, it’s still wise to use the

or PPO-type alternatives to Medicare

Medicare Plan Finder at

Parts A and B. Most cover drugs and

www.medicare.gov to compare all

some include extra benefits like vision

available plans. You’ll be prompted

and dental coverage at additional cost.

to enter your medications and

They usually have lower deductibles and

dosages. The calculator then ranks

copayments but require you to use the

plans by “star rating” and overall

plan’s provider network. A few tips:

cost.

• If your Advantage plan includes drug coverage, you don’t need Part D.

• Note: The lowest premium may not

• Carefully review the “Annual Notice

be your best bet—sometimes plans with higher monthly premiums have

of Change” from your plan for any

a lower overall cost due to their

substantive changes.

more favorable deductible,

• Even if your plan hasn’t changed

copayment, and coinsurance

substantially, you can use the same

amounts.

Medicare Plan Finder as above to

review available plans. As with Part D plans, an Advantage plan with a lower premium might have a higher overall cost, due to various restrictions.

) ) ) medicare choices

Medicare Advantage plans are HMO-

• Even if your plan hasn’t changed

Bottom line: Reviewing your Medicare options each year is complicated and time consuming. But if you don’t and your plans change significantly, it could cost you a bundle next year. ) ) )

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney

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the tortoise and the hare

Written by JEFF HOENSHELL

ASK ANY KID WHO HASN’T YET READ OF THE LEGENDARY TORTOISE AND hare, “Who should win?” and they’ll pick the hare every time. I know I did. Speed is cool. Faster is always better.

In my youthful enthusiasm, that was my satisfyingly wise perspective on things. If you gotta do something, at least do it fast. So I walked fast. I worked fast. I ate fast. I slept fast.

Fast meant accomplishment. Fast meant impact. OK, so it didn’t always mean accurate. But what I couldn’t do well, I at least got through in a hurry.

And so I was just breezing—fast— through life, when along came age 49.

Really? 49? Most people sail right past 49 without even noticing. I thought I would.

Generally, 49 means you’re still active, still busy as ever. For me, though, it was about to mean something entirely different.

Middle age may have already been quietly decelerating the general pace of things, which was bothersome enough.

But a few months into age 49 a doctor’s perspective was about to make a huge impact on mine. And whether I liked it or not, his diagnosis was about to throw me into low gear for good.

Parkinson’s disease. Like I said, low gear. That degenerative disease that eventually saps all strength from even the most physically fit was now to define me, Mr. Happier-if-it’s-Faster.

Deep groan.

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Oh, I knew a number of folks who’d had Parkinson’s “for 20 years.” And if it now had to be true of me, I was counting on it not to surface for at least that long.

But it’s funny how things slap you back to reality. I happened to be

“

Parkinson’s disease. That degenerative disease that eventually saps all strength from even the most physically fit was now to define me, Mr. Happier-if-it’sFaster.

”

working where I constantly crossed paths with many older adults, and of course, among them many wellseasoned PD sufferers. At first, I intentionally ignored the obvious. But I couldn’t help noticing how slowly some moved. How rigid some were. How they shook as they shuffled along.

Low gear clearly meant slow gear. I secretly determined that I wasn’t going

to be like that. I wasn’t going to slow down. At least not for a very long time.

Now, to be fair, Parkinson’s wasn’t exactly a death sentence for me. In fact, I had already been there. Age 34.

Malignant melanoma. “Stage 4,” a lab technician quietly gasped.

But, whatever that meant, I was still young. It really never hurt, and barely any time had passed between receiving the diagnosis and being tossed onto a surgical table. I recovered amazingly well—and fast!— well, some days I almost barely remember it.

Those were still my high-speed days.

Everything was happening fast.

Cancer—wham! Surgery—bam! No chemo or radiation—zing! Get outta here, kid. Go get healthy again. And so, by the kindness of the Great Physician, I got back into enjoying my fast-paced life.

But like I said, when age 50 was in sight, and with a seriousness I wasn’t quite ready for, Parkinson’s forced me to properly slow down and take things more carefully. To consider things more fully.

At least PD was the explanation for a few unknowns—the twitching and trembling in my left arm and hand; the

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Well, to qualify for this device, it had to be shown that my medications were really not working well. Not giving sufficient relief. If that didn’t define my experience, I don’t know what else could.

The very first pills I took did virtually nothing for me except produce troublesome side effects. Whoa! Were some of those nasty! Those were replaced with another type of medication, which did actually diminish the tremors for quite a while.

But remember that part about taking them several times a day, at specific intervals? Yeah. That wasn’t a real successful time for me. Along the way, I even tried a patch version of

meds. However, I’m convinced I can still show you faint shadows from all the red spots they left on my skin.

More than two years ago, now!

All right. So that was probably an unfair, if not hasty, summation. But the partial bottles of pills that remain in our cupboard stand as testament to the fact that while this disease definitely

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loss of some dexterity in my fingers; and eventually the trembling and cramping in my legs and feet.

Thankfully, it was all minimal at first.

However, pills were suddenly coming at me. Disappointingly and annoyingly fast, I might add. And the only thing worse than having pills slow down your daily routine is having to remember to take them at specified intervals.

Impossible, I still contend.

But if nothing else, my vocabulary was increasing. Words that don’t even show up on spell-check (try dopamineagonist, dyskenesia, and dystonia, for example) made me sound like a scholar! And along with them came a few recognizable words, specifically “deep brain stimulation.”

I had learned early on that PD basically meant stuff was diminishing in the brain. Important stuff. (My children had long been accusing me of losing plenty of brain cells over the years. But that’s for another discussion.)

Anyway, I learned of a type of therapy that involved putting electrical leads deep into the brain. Something that would stimulate the brain and help it deal with the deterioration of PD and possibly lessen the number of pills.

Now, that I was eager to consider.

In my imagination, I could readily see how this therapy might help me keep on moving and remain tremor-less for years to come. OK, so maybe five. But five years, I reasoned, would at least put me closer to retirement. And then, I begrudged, I might be ready to slow down.

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slowed me down, I had been one actively busy man, working hard trying to figure this all out.

Finally I underwent “The Brain Surgery,” as we call it, in the spring of 2014. And to everyone’s immediate surprise, there was instant relief from the tremors. Like flipping a light switch, I went from shaking to calm.

However, I was reminded that to get the settings just right for me would require time. And, in short, they weren’t kidding. “Nine months at least,” echoed in my head when, after a few months, the tremors returned and systematic visits to the neurologist

became my new normal, as they say.

At this writing, nine months are in the rear-view mirror and have resulted in plenty of visits, but fewer pills! And for that I remain grateful and hopeful.

So the adventure continues. Just not quite as quickly.

I’ve picked up on a few things, though. Fast-paced people are also often impatient people. We want completion. Instant results. I mean, Creation took a week. Why can’t we produce the same?

The cane I occasionally use to maintain balance answers that one, rather graphically. I can also see that

hurrying to a destination pretty much leads to just hurrying on to the next one. And the next. And the next. And so far, there’s never been anyone standing at the end handing out awards. Not yet, anyway.

So, high speed is basically now just a setting on our blender—and speaking of blenders, did I mention how much of a mess I can make with a cup of coffee? You might as well laugh. I do.

Otherwise, the tortoise continues to remind me of important lessons I’m finally slowing down enough to learn.

Although, I still pick the hare to win. ) ) )

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Innovation

has always been at the heart of Willow Valley Communities’ success.

With the opening of The Clubhouse, Willow Valley breaks through convention to create something that once again helps redefine senior living. Every amenity in this 30,000-squarefoot building illustrates the spirit of “agelessness” that guides the philosophy of development at Willow Valley. The building is also a reflection of our organization’s commitment to intergenerational engagement. The Clubhouse opens a new world of possibilities for those who live at Willow Valley and creates a spirit of vibrancy compelling to people of all ages.

Life Lived Forward 866.500.1904 | WillowValleyCommunities.org | LifeLivedForward.org | Lancaster, PA

housing

top 10 trends to follow for aging in place Written by MARY JO PETERSON, CKD, CBD, CAPS

TOP CLIENT REQUESTS

1.

First off, although the link to the kitchen and bath is more global than specific, it seems worth mentioning that people are looking at ways to create a level entry and generally more open plans with clearer floor space for easier maneuvering.

The newest international residential code allows for the change in level from garage to home to occur without a step, so in many cases this can be the level entry. In a current project, my office is working on a renovation that includes installation of a ramp from garage to kitchen to make transport of groceries easier, as requested by the client.

It’s worth noting that while current access standards allow a 1:12 gradient for a slope on a ramp, there is a movement to decrease that slope, and if you wonder why, try propelling yourself up or down that pitch safely on wheels.

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2. The ability to live on one floor is frequently cited as a reason to move from an existing home or to remodel.

While many regional vernaculars include two-story designs, people are asking for plans that include a master suite on the main floor, so “upstairs” becomes guest or other flex space.

This does impact the space available for and the orientation of the kitchen and the master bath when all of this is being fitted onto one floor.

3. Easy maintenance is cited as a top priority, which is no surprise as we all know easy is good. However, it becomes a stronger trend when cited as a main reason for moving from an existing home (57 percent, according to an ASID Aging in Place Survey).

After outdoor upkeep, the kitchen and the bath are the two areas most mentioned when looking for improvements. As designers of these

spaces, we need to take this into account.

Antibacterial materials and finishes, cleaner lines, appliances that report trouble back to the manufacturer, selfregulating ventilation or lighting—all the ways we can streamline the care of our spaces—become tipping points for our clients.

4. In the kitchen, fewer wall cabinets is key. Fortunately, design trends toward more open spaces and generous daylight have forced us to use fewer wall cabinets, and the response is tremendous.

At 5 feet, 5 inches, I can reach no farther than the front of the second shelf on a typical-height wall cabinet.

With today’s accessories for drawer storage of those items traditionally stored in wall cabinets, plus the use of furniture pieces in the kitchen, people are beginning to let go of wall cabinets in exchange for storage within easy reach.

housing

comfortable heights. I used to be a lonely voice encouraging splitting double ovens so each might be placed at a more accessible height, but today, clients are asking for them.

It’s interesting to note that while the original reasoning behind a raised dishwasher or right-height oven was for use by a person in a wheelchair, today it is more often a benefit to a standing person who would choose not to bend.

Another caution: This is one of those universal design concepts that only works when it fits into the design. A raised dishwasher at the end of a generous counter stretch separating the kitchen views from the adjoining space might be great, but that same raised unit in the middle of a U-shaped kitchen would be all wrong.

6. Drawers could be called th the great equalizer. All of equa uuss benefit from bringing things b closer to us c without w straining.

Even s most m moderately ppriced ric cabinetry offers offe ers drawers.

Today’s drawer appliances, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and refrigerators, to name a few, are in demand and particularly from those in the boomer segment.

7. In both the kitchen and the bath, not only drawers, but doors that also go away are a strong trend. Whether they fold to the side, swing up, recess in, or otherwise open, getting them out of the way while one is accessing what’s behind them is good. Hardware has been created ed andd improved so that there have never been more options.

8.

In the bath, let’s start with the vanity area and talk knee spaces. P People l are requesting designs that include the option of sitting for at least some of the tasks at hand. Today’s lavatory designs invite an open knee space and they are, at last, a strong trend.

9.

Have you ever seen more choices in toilets? The trend is

definitely toward comfort or rightheight seats and, given the choice, I plan more than one height to accommodate changing needs and varied user heights when doing a whole house.

Although this trend is still designerinstigated, clients are responding strongly to the many additional options becoming available, including heated and self-closing seats, personal hygiene, dual-flush, etc.

) ) ) top 10 trends

5. We are placing appliances at

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No-threshold showers have begun to take hold with not just designers, but with builders and des consumers as well. When c containment of water is planned c ccarefully based on the size, position, direction, and amount of p water flowing; the extent of the w waterproof layer; the slope of the wa floor; type and location of drains; and the pla plan for doors, curtains, or open entries, t i this is a wonderful choice. ) ) )

Mary Jo Peterson, president of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc., is a designer, consultant, speaker, and writer. She employs the universal design concept and has helped many clients, with and without disabilities, improve the access to space in their homes. www.mjpdesign.com

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caregiving getting the best care for your loved one and paying for it Written by LESLIE FELDMAN

MANY OF YOU LIKELY HAVE ELDERLY PARENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF physical care or assistance in their daily lives. If you are not already dealing with the intricacies of providing this support (both from financial and logistical standpoints), you may be preparing for your own future.

Determining the Appropriate Venue for Care While it is understandable that a person wouldn’t want to leave the comforts of his or her home, there are many factors to consider when deciding if a nursing facility or if in-home care is the best choice.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer a full range

of housing services—independent, personal care, assisted living, nursing/rehab, and memory impairment—most often on one campus. Residents move between levels of care as their mobility and health change. Some innovative communities allow residents to age in place, without requiring incremental moves.

There are also freestanding

nursing/rehabilitation facilities that provide nursing care and related medical or personal health services 24/7. Nursing facilities offer skilled medical care under the supervision of licensed nurses, and at least one registered nurse must be on duty during the day.

It is important to consider how much assistance the patient really

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needs. Attorney Clayton Lingg of Mooney and Associates, LLP, points out that “skilled nursing care is only advantageous when the person’s medical needs reach such a level as determined by a qualified physician.”

Attorney Craig Hatch of Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, LLP, stresses “the principal consideration for looking to care in the home versus care in a facility is the safety and care of the patient.”

He notes that in-home care is a great choice if family members are around to provide support, but he points out that if the caregiver is unavailable or an emergency occurs, problems can arise.

Hatch explains that “with institutional care, there are support systems and the availability of trained medical personnel if there is a sudden health crisis.” Lingg explained that institutional-based nursing facilities are re designed to tackle health needs and reduce the burden on family members to provide medical care. It allows the family to concentrate, instead, on providing emotional support and patient advocacy.

Covering the Costs As you might guess, utilizing skilled nursing care comes at a cost (approximately $8,600 to $10,000 per month in a facility, according to Lingg). While the family or patient may choose to pay privately, there could be other options. These alternatives, predominantly Medicare and Medicaid, carry strict legal guidelines in determining who qualifies.

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Medicare is a federal program that provides funds for patients requiring care in order to maintain their condition or prevent further deterioration.

Medicare typically pays for nursing care immediately following a three-day hospital stay and only for a limited number of days.

Medicare does not come without some costs, though. Hatch shares that the patient may be responsible for a coinsurance payment of up to $157.50 per webpage on skilled pe dday. ayy. Medicare’s ed caa

“

Th principal The consideration consid for looking to care in the home hom versus care in a facility is the safety and care of the patient.

”

nursing care (www.medicare.gov/ coverage/skilled-nursing-facilitycare.html) provides more information about coverage.

Although there is no “new” law, due to a class action lawsuit in Jimmo v.

Sebelius, the federal government modified Medicare coverage for skilled nursing and therapy services.

“Prior to the settlement, Medicare implemented an ‘improvement standard,’ which required a patient’s health to continually improve for Medicare to cover the costs,” says Lingg. “Those patients whose health remained static or deteriorated were forced to find alternative means of paying for the costs of care.”

The new interpretation of the law requires the federal government to provide Medicare coverage to patients regardless of their “potential for improvement, but rather on the beneficiary’s need for skilled care.”

For individuals with fewer financial resources, Medicaid may be an option.

Medical Assistance (MA) is Pennsylvania’s version of the federal program. MA will cover skilled-care expenses for those deemed medically and financially eligible.

While there are clear guidelines used to determine financial eligibility, medical eligibility is determined via certification from a physician who is not employed by the facility. This is outlined in detail via Title 55 of the Pennsylvania Code.

Eligibility precludes facilities and agencies from charging children for additional costs. It is only when the patient does not meet MA requirements or in other unusual circumstances related to money previously spent that they are allowed to pursue family members financially.

Lingg stresses the importance of patients and family members working with an attorney experienced with Medicaid in order to avoid mistakes related to applications and filing. Errors

caregiving

three of their daily living activities) may be eligible to receive funds to manage with non-service related disabilities.

Lingg shares that veterans can receive as much as $25,000 annually in tax-free income to pay caregivers to provide home care for non-serviceconnected disabilities. There are stipulations, though, related to assets and how medical expenses compare to monthly income.

Additionally, Lingg cautions that the pension benefits often conflict with Medicaid, so individuals must understand, and perhaps work with a

) ) ) get the best care

iinn the enrollment process that th can lead to delays, denials, and discontinuation of deni which bbenefits, enefits, wh hicc could ultimately make tthe he ppatient atient oorr family liable for costs.

The Aging T he A ging Waiver Program is means aanother nother m ean through which in-home ccare are ccan an bbee pprovided to eligible those meeting iindividuals ndividuals ((again, a certain t i age, ffinancial, and medical or physical requirements). Visit www.portal.state.pa.us for more information about the program.

Wartime veterans and spouses meeting particular guidelines (serving 90 days and needing assistance with

professional, when planning and enrolling.

Final Words It can be overwhelming to determine the appropriate level of and venue for care for a loved one. The high costs of that care can create even more confusion and difficulty in the process. Fortunately, there are many programs designed to financially help people obtain the necessary care.

Likewise, there are many resources available to help navigate the course for making arrangements and covering the costs. ) ))

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feature

patients foot the bill under medicare’s ‘observation’ regulations Written by REBECCA HANLON

MANY HOSPITAL PATIENTS UNDER “observation” look the same as any other patients. They wear hospital gowns, eat hospital food, and receive treatments just like numerous other patients.

But when observation patients are discharged, they can end up with outof-pocket bills that can cost thousands of dollars.

The high-cost consequences are common for Medicare patients who

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might not know the difference between being labeled “under observation” versus “being admitted.”

“If we go back to around 2010, we can trace the root of the problem,” said Joanna Kim, vice president of

payment policy at American Hospital Association. “No one was disputing if these treatments were medically necessary; they were just disputing if it could be done outpatient or not.”

The changes began with the

feature ) ) ) observation regulations

“

recovery audit contractors program, which gives Medicare a financial incentive to deny as much as possible, Kim said. The program went after patient status reviews and started aggressively second-guessing physician recommendations to admit patients, she said.

Observation status is usually used to assess or evaluate a patient, such as if someone comes in with chest pains. In that case, the patient could be experiencing a heart attack or just heartburn from a spicy meal, Kim said.

A provider might place that patient under observation to run the necessary tests, such as an EKG, to find out what’s going on. Observation allows doctors to determine the next step and if a patient needs to be admitted.

In the past few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have denied reimbursement for cases in which it doesn’t see admission as necessary.

Recently filed lawsuits argue patients should at least be reimbursed for treatments received under observation status. Patients listed as observation don’t fall under Medicare’s

Informing f patients o s their statu g would brin ncy transpare s and to patient ies. their famil

”

Part A coverage, which covers hospital costs, but under Part B, which usually covers doctors’ services. This means patients can end up paying a lot more out of pocket.

Medicare also will only pay for skilled nursing care if a patient was a hospital inpatient for at least three days. Those in the hospital under observation don’t qualify for the same reimbursement.

Many hospitals also are inclined to list patients as under observation versus admitting them because of Medicare’s plan to crack down on hospitals that readmit patients in 30 days, Kim said. It’s a system that’s meant to ensure better patient care but is causing more of a problem than a solution for some hospitals.

“We hear a lot from our hospitals

that they are really concerned about this trend on behalf of their patients,” Kim said. “The hospitals are really caught between a rock and a hard place. If Medicare says the patient isn’t appropriate for admission, then denying the entirety of a reimbursement isn’t sustainable either.”

Despite the struggles with the system, hospitals are striving every day to provide the right care, Kim said. Additional administrative work has been added because of the increase in observation statuses, but doctors are very concerned about still providing the best care, she said.

Many patients don’t even know they are under observation status in the hospital, Kim said. Doctors and hospital administrators are working hard to make sure Medicare beneficiaries are told within 24 hours if they have been admitted or are under observation status, and some states, including Pennsylvania, have laws enforcing that timeline.

“Communication with patients is really key,” Kim said. “Patients should never hesitate to ask what their status is, and we encourage more hospitals to

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be proactive about starting the conversation. Patients can be informed by talking to the clinician, the hospital staff, and their own physician to make the best decision for their care.”

Pennsylvania Act 169, introduced by Rep. Stan Saylor and enacted this year, requires a hospital to provide that status information to a patient.

The legislation requires “the hospital to provide oral and written notice to the patient of their outpatient status after they have spent a full day in the hospital outside the emergency department,” Saylor said in a news

release. “Informing patients of this status would bring transparency to patients and their families. Considering our rapidly aging population, this would greatly assist patients and their families with critical healthcare decisions.”

In the long run, though, you need to be aware of the difference and importance between being under observation and being admitted.

Kim said she believes the underlying problems could be solved if Medicare realigned the overwhelming financial incentives to deny claims. Because of

contingency-fee structures, she said, Medicare has become a “bounty hunter” and goes after hospitals impudently. A backlog of denied claims forces hospitals to go through the appeal system, she said. While Medicare tries to reduce the backlog, many believe the real answer is in reform.

“We hope something is done soon,” Kim said. “Hospitals can’t provide the necessary care if questions like this continue. It’s been a problem that’s gone on long enough and relief should be coming.” ) ) )

Your guide to choosing the right living and care options for you or a loved one.

The go-to guide for two decades!

Call today for your free copy!

(717) 285-1350 • • • • • •

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Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community.

We’re here for you!

Online at www.onlinepub.com and in print.

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mastering the maze of housing choices for seniors Written by CLAIRE YEZBAK FADDEN

OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, while caring for my aging mother, I’ve learned a lot about in-home services for seniors, assisted living residences, as well as board and care homes. This maze of housing options for the elderly is an enigma at best. The alternatives are varied. They range from minimal help at your parent’s home to full-time nursing-home care.

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Before you start your walk through this labyrinth of housing, your first step should be to assess your parent’s current needs. Don’t focus solely on what she may need today. Keep an eye on the future and to what level of care she may need in the future months and years.

Before You Move Dad and Mom Any lifestyle change is difficult. It is especially hard for older adults who have spent years and possibly decades in the same home in the same neighborhood.

For many, there is a fear of losing their independence—of not being in control of their lives anymore. But starting early on and visiting various types of communities before the actual need presents itself is the best course of action.

Taking time to familiarize yourself with housing options before a crisis will minimize some of the stress and help you to avoid making a “hurried-up” decision.

caregiving

This region is rich in housing options.

The better you and your siblings are informed, the easier it will be when the time comes to talk with Mom and Dad. Residential Living is for individuals who are responsible for their own basic needs. Nursing services are not available on site nor are residential communities affiliated with nursing care providers. No meal service or activity programs are offered.

CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities) are facilities offering a variety of residential living options in addition to comprehensive medical and nursing services. Many CCRCs are selfcontained communities offering educational and recreational activities, dining accommodations, banking facilities, transportation services, etc.

Residents move between independent living, personal care, assisted living, and nursing care based on changing needs.

Retirement Communities are planned for those who are able to care for their own basic needs (or almost so) and who choose to live in a community with other seniors. Organized social programs, meal service, transportation, recreational activities, and access to health and shopping are typical amenities.

Nursing care is not usually provided.

Some do offer personal care designed for individuals who function on their own most of the time but may require assistance with medications, bathing, or dressing.

Retirement communities can be

) ) ) housing choices

What Are the Housing Options?

“

Before you start your walk through this labyrinth of housing, your first step should be to assess your parent’s current needs.

”

freestanding or affiliated with a complex offering nursing care services.

Personal Care Homes offer food, shelter, and personal assistance or supervision. They are ideal for people who do not want to forfeit independence and do not require the services in or of a licensed long-term care facility but do require assistance or supervision in activities of daily living (ADL).

Some ADL provided are transferring in and out of a bed or chair, toileting, bladder and bowel management, personal hygiene, securing and managing healthcare, self-administering medication, and proper turning and positioning in a bed or chair.

Assisted Living Residences are designed to provide an environment that combines housing and supportive services to allow residents to “age in place” without having to move to a licensed long-term care facility when their care needs increase.

ALRs will have living units with kitchen capacity and private bathrooms

and only one person per unit. An ALR may provide services that otherwise would be provided in a long-term care facility (Personal Care Homes may not).

As of January 2011, changed regulations regarding licensure for assisted living communities became effective.

Nursing/Rehab Facilities provide nursing care and related medical or other personal health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to individuals who require full-time care or supervision but do not need more intensive, hospital-based care.

Nursing/rehab facilities may be independent or part of another community. Individuals may be temporarily placed for rehabilitation following an illness, injury, or surgery or reside long term due to illness or aging. Nursing facilities offer skilled medical care under the supervision of licensed nurses, and at least one registered nurse must be on duty during the day.

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Points to Ponder Before You Go Shopping Keep an Eye to the Future – Don’t choose a facility for your parent based solely on their care needs today.

Consider how your parent’s needs may change in six months, a year, or more.

Take a Tour – Call first and arrange a tour of the facility. You’ll get all the information from the administrator. If that facility is in the running, plan to drop by unannounced later, to get a less formal look at the residence.

How Does It Feel – Not Look? You want your parent cared for in an attractive, clean, and safe environment. Remember, however, that your ultimate goal is to provide excellent care for your parent. The place with the fanciest décor may not employ the most attentive, competent staff.

Speak to the Staff – Pay attention to how the staff interacts with other residents. Note how residents interact with each other. Ask about staff levels.

Speak to some of the residences and get a feel about how they like living there. The quality of life your parent will enjoy is determined largely on how the staff members treat each resident.

Doing the Best You Can – Because of the wide range of housing choices for seniors, the more you understand about what each option offers, the better prepared you will be to make an educated choice—one that will help you sleep easier at night.

e Caregiver caretaker will take its toll. Here th r fo g n ri a C time ren, being a full-

your child ur parents and yo ve lo u er yone else! yo h uc m n take care of ev ca u yo No matter how tr ying to do too at th so ed, maybe you’re of yourself, ss re re st ca d ke an ta , to ed s erburden else? Will are some way ne by someone ing resentful, ov el do fe be re or u’ y yo da If . r othe ur feelings them wait for an Acknowledge yo day. Can any of ur yo in ” ts us the “m or having your much. Reassess icken for dinner ne altogether? ch do e t th no t e os ’r fr ey de th to anyone notice if add up to big asking your teen ple requests can m hing as simple as et Si m e. so or st be e ay th m at Ask for help. It to have picked up items he needs of t lis en tt ri w parent keep a ns. Your mate is tween generatio be d ith he ic w . nd ns sa being a weekly date w solutio get done. Make not the only one to re s u’ ed Yo ne e. us at o do th sp our ething time to Take time for y going to be som for you to take There’s always rtant and good . po ad im lo e ’s It th k. of e oc e bl shouldering som e walk around th s just a 20-minut it’ if en ev , se pe of elder care your spou oviding some ty pr y. tly jo en en rr u cu . yo .S the U igate all things the two of million people in whelming. Invest 7 er ov an is th e er si or m ea e ving n. There ar ake elder caregi Learn, learn, lear n available to m io at rm fo in of rd d the ha way.

The wealth done. There’s hers have learne ot to a loved one. t ha w of e never get it all ag ll nt u’ va yo ad e, ar ke u ta d yo d an these resources ter how organize ize that, no mat al Re fe. li ur yo njoy Make time to e e in your heart. else to do. and giving plac ng ng hi vi et lo m a so om be fr doing is self by giving always going to ng. Accept your at what you are ri th ca ct d fa an e th n, in tio vo ke comfort ith affection, de Love yourself. Ta s. mplish is done w co ac do u and your parent yo , t ds ha ki all, but w ouse, your sp ur yo to ve You can’t do it gi you can It’s the best gift yourself a break.

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In the Meantime If you’re not quite ready to make the move, you and your siblings might try some of these accommodations to extend your parent’s time in their current home.

Home modifications: Survey his home to determine if some modifications may improve the situation.

Get involved: Are you able to do his grocery shopping? Is there a neighbor who can take out the trash or a teen who can mow the lawn? Consider how much involvement on your part it would take to keep Dad safely in his home.

Home care: Maybe Dad just needs some help with showering and cooking.

There are many programs that provide services to seniors in their homes. In Pennsylvania, both medical and nonmedical agencies require licensure.

Adult day centers/LIFE care: Investigate centers that offer social activities, supervision, and assistance with daily-living activities. LIFE care (referred to as PACE nationally) offers assistance to allow your loved one to continue to live at home. This includes medical care, rehabilitation, assistance with medications, personal care, social interaction, and transportation. They also provide a wonderful respite for a caregiver. ) ) )

Freelance writer Claire Yezbak Fadden is a Pennsylvania native. Follow her on Twitter @claireflaire.

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people

inspired by the simple things Written by JASON TABOR

“I BELIEVE THERE ARE AS MANY reasons to create art as there are ways to make art,” says Central PA-based artist Susan Darling. “Many people create to tell a story, or invite us to look at social injustice, or want us to stop and feel wonder at the landscape.”

Darling, who is the manager of mail services at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pa., resides in Marietta, Pa., with her husband, George, and Jack Russell terrier, Buddy. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening, knitting, and walking on trails by the river near her home.

Art remains one of her great passions, however. She has been creating it for most of her life.

As a child growing up in Warwick, R.I., she learned about composition and design from her father, a professional photographer. She remembers him teaching her to take pictures with her Kodak Brownie camera and developing them in her family’s basement darkroom.

“I will always love photography, but my current focus is on painting and collage,” says Darling, who attended Pennsylvania School of Art & Design (now PCAD) and graduated from

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people ) ) ) susan darling

Susan Darling surrounds herself with her art, even at work

Millersville University with a degree in commercial art in 1991.

Having concentrated on realism in watercolor painting for a number of years, she now focuses on collage and mixed-media painting.

“Most of my art now is very abstract, and that is how I would describe it to anyone who has not seen my work before,” she says. “I do not have a scene or person or still life in front of me to rely on information. I am forced to work from within.”

Darling feels there is an underlying theme of joy imbued in most of her work, and much of her art is inspired from enjoyment of the simple things in life.

“Little things like dinner with my family and friends, and taking a walk and feeling the sun on my face” all inspire her to pick up a brush or pencil and begin to create.

“I think that the most exciting way to paint is intuitively. The painting itself can inform and direct me,” she says.

Her passion for art eventually came to help her navigate the period of her life marked by unforeseen illness— Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system (part of the immune

system) that originates in the white blood cells and compromises the body’s ability to fight infections.

It is considered a curable malignancy, but therapies for this disease can have significant long-term toxicity, making recovery difficult.

She was diagnosed in 1983, coinciding with her family moving to Harrisburg for her husband’s new job and her pregnancy with her daughter, Casey.

“Most of the symptoms of the cancer were masked by the pregnancy.

Two weeks after our daughter’s birth, I started chemotherapy,” says Darling.

During this time she found comfort and strength by continuing to be active with her art while caring for her newborn child.

“Art definitely saved me, along with my daughter. I was creative during my treatments. Focusing on my daughter kept me on my toes. I painted, stitched, and quilted my way into recovery.”

After her treatment and recovery, Darling decided to take classes to study art, enrolled at PSA&D, and later graduated from Millersville.

After graduation, Darling worked at the United States Postal Service as a relief postmaster.

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) ) ) susan darling

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Right: Mixed media of discarded CDs, beads, buttons, checker pieces, and feathers that have been painted, drawn, and stamped. Far right: Watercolor of iris.

Below: Darling in her home studio. The canvas she is currently working on sits atop a stool also brightly painted by her.

“It was very part-time and easy to have time to make art and be home for my daughter.”

Darling was then hired by Elizabethtown College, where she still manages to find time for her art while running a busy college mailroom with the help of “an amazing staff.”

She has had the opportunity to exhibit some of her art on the Elizabethtown campus, and two of her pieces are in the college’s permanent collection.

“My process for making art is to go into my studio and play,” says Darling.

“I think that dry spells are best dealt with by taking time to look at art or trying a new medium. I have dabbled in mosaics and tried my hand at pottery and papermaking.”

Because she works full time, she keeps a notebook where she records painting and collage ideas that she would eventually like to try.

Local wine enthusiasts may have seen Darling’s artwork adorning the labels on bottles for six of Nissley Vineyards’ wines, including their latest, “Masquerade.” Her work is featured at Lynden Gallery in Elizabethtown and

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people ) ) ) susan darling

Darling’s artwork, in a range of media, graces her studio walls. She designed the shirt she is wearing for a local winery.

Garth Gallery in Columbia and has also been published by Syracuse Cultural Workers in calendars, datebooks, and greeting cards.

Darling’s advice for aspiring artists is to join local art associations and

meet other artists. She belongs to the Art Association of Harrisburg and the York Art Association, where she has taken classes and taught as well.

“There are group shows to participate in and the opportunity to be

around others that share your love of art,” she says. “I think the biggest lesson that I have learned is stay open and keep learning, and that all there is work. In other words, the journey is the reward.” ) ) )

Please, Join Us

omen’s Expo Cumberland County

E

FREE

advance guest registration online.

October 3, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lebanon Expo Center 80 Rocherty Road Lebanon

Sponsored by: 717.285.1350

($5 at the door.)

Sponsor and exhibitor applications now being accepted.

November 7, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Carlisle Expo Center

Health & Wellness Finance • Home • Shopping Technology • Beauty • Nutrition • Fashion and more!

100 K St. Carlisle

Carlisle Regional Medical Center • Freedom Auto Group • Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School • Tanger Outlets at Hershey

To reserve space or for more information, call 717.285.1350, or visit:

aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com fall 2015 |

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lifestyle

aging is the only way to live!

WRITTEN BY Dr. Rich Bimler

IT OFTEN SEEMS THAT IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, PEOPLE TEND TO “LOSE their significance” as they age because they are perceived as “over the hill.”

However, in reality, we aging adults are finally “coming of age.”

The good news about aging is that we’re all doing it together!

It is a gift to be celebrated, and it provides more opportunities to serve, to be served, and to be encouraged to celebrate life. In reality, it’s the only way to live.

So, in this “age of aging,” I suggest that we join together and show the world that life is indeed worth living— especially now that we’ve experienced it at its best and at its worst!

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A Blessing, Not a Burden Regardless of what greeting cards proclaim about the aging process, it’s important that we let others know that aging is a blessing, not a burden. One great way to do this is by laughing out loud and even laughing at ourselves.

Sure, there are many challenges for each of us as we age, but there are obstacles for people of every age!

Do not approach life like W.C. Fields suggested long ago. He said,

“The first thing you should do in the morning is laugh … and get it over with!” Instead, look at life through laughter all day long.

A New Attitude My goal in life is to live forever— and so far, so good! I call that outlook “joyfully aging” because I strongly believe that we can age joyfully each day; in the midst of our worries, woes, and wars, we know that life is a gift

lifestyle

Aging Joyfully Joyfully aging simply means that it is not that we have to be happy and joyful, but rather it is that we get to be happy and joyful because we acknowledge life as a gift.

In the end, aging is truly the only way to live. Live life with gusto!

Celebrate the good times; deal with the down times; live life as a gift to share rather than a burden to endure.

There’s no guarantee that everything will work out well, but I am convinced that seeing life as a blessing will enable us to see any burdens as little speed bumps on our

journey through this ever-laughing

) ) ) aging joyfully

given to us to be shared and celebrated with others.

It is all about attitude. If we see ourselves as victims in life, then life will never be as good as it “should be.” If we see life as a gift to be enjoyed, affirmed, and accepted joyfully, we can then accept aging as a positive process to embrace, to accept, and to grab on to for the wild ride ahead!

By accepting the “new normal” in our lives, we can live with an “attitude of gratitude”—one that is thankful for who we are and for what we can still accomplish in life.

life.

So watch for the wit, the wisdom, the wrinkles, and all of the wows that come your way in life … and give thanks! Because, as a Japanese saying beautifully puts it, “The setting sun is no less beautiful than the rising sun”! ) ) )

Rich Bimler, Ph.D., has authored Joyfully Aging and 17 other books and continues to write, laugh, speak, and consult with nonprofit organizations throughout the world. www.cph.org/joyfullyaging

fall 2015 |

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Christianne Rupp ))) Age: 60

Chris and Grandma,1955.

))) Resides in: Lancaster, Pa. ))) Profession: Managing Editor ((b)) magazine (

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))) Hobbies: Reading, gardening, and needlepoint WHAT WAS YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY TRADITION AS A CHILD? DID YOU CARRY THAT ON WITH YOUR FAMILY? On Christmas Eve, our family of eight would get together at the McEntee’s house. They were a family of seven.

Other families would stop in from time to time, but we were the constant.

Everybody had a great time and we’d eat dinner and then the dads would pile the kids into a station wagon and go look at Christmas lights. We’d sing songs and have a blast.

We carried that tradition on with our kids, albeit not on Christmas Eve. We’d hop in the car with snacks and I’d sing songs while Randy, my husband, drove us around. Next thing I knew, one of the munchkins was asking, “Are we done yet?” Since we had probably only been out for about 15 minutes at that point, the answer would be no. They did not see the fun in it that Randy and I did, so one by one they went to sleep.

Over the years they became old enough to stay home and “miss the fun.” The kids are all adults now but my husband and I still go out and enjoy the “exterior illumination” every year.

)))

IF YOU HAD MADE A TIME CAPSULE WHEN YOU WERE A KID, YOU WOULD OPEN IT NOW AND FIND (WHAT) INSIDE? Inside my time capsule you would find a basketball and a pair of Converse high-top sneakers. I loved playing basketball and played for the schools I attended from grade 6 up through college. When my husband and I were dating, our dates often included a game of “one-on-one.”

When I started playing basketball, there were three girls on each side of the floor; one was a “rover” who could go full length. In 1971, when I was in 7th grade, the rules changed and girls’ basketball caught up to the boys’ version and it became five players and full-length court.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Of course, my husband and my kids!

My husband of 40 years (in October 2015) has loved me and given me a wonderful life. Our boys have given us so much joy — Chad and his wife Erin have two energetic and terrific sons, Caleb and Tanner; Jarod and his wife Michele just had their first beautiful son Ethan; Austin, who enjoys his work and the great outdoors; and Colin and the love of his life, Kylee.

First communion, with sister Kathy, 1962.

High school prom with beau, 1972 Just before putting on graduation gown,1972.

College graduation with Mom and Dad. The bunch: Son Jarod’s wedding, 2014.

Bottom left: Chris and Kylee having fun.

Bottom right: Grandson Ethan.

Read more of Christianne Rupp’s story online at www.bmagazinepa.com/goodvibrations.

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