Chester County 50plus Senior News July 2013 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Chester County Edition

July 2013

Vol. 10 No. 7

Life’s Second Draft Widowed Journalist Encourages Healing with Writing Circle By Chelsea Peifer Sometimes you create a life you’ve dreamed of and worked for, and something comes along that changes everything. In the aftermath, a person can choose to give up and stay put or to keep going forward, to find new meaning in a life with different circumstances. As a writer and journalist, Susan Weidener, of West Chester, had not only heard the stories of people from all walks of life, but she had also articulated and retold their stories so others could hear and understand. Writing had always been a way for Weidener to connect with others and to nurture her own soul. So when Weidener was 44 and lost her husband—and love of her life—to a seven-year battle with cancer, she turned to writing as she chose to move forward. Weidener and her husband, John Cavalieri, had two sons, who were ages 7 and 11 at the time John passed away. “There were all of these messages then—and still are—that a single woman can’t raise boys alone,” said Weidener. “It’s not true. All a child needs is one charismatic adult in his or her life.” Weidener’s perspective on single parenting might sound like effortless perseverance, but she applies her hard work ethic to whatever she approaches, please see DRAFT page 14 Susan Weidener, creator of the Women’s Writing Circle, inside the bookshop where the group meets monthly.

Inside:

Chester County 50plus EXPO Highlights page 8

Local Man Celebrates 100 Years page 13

Advertise in the Most Comprehensive Directory of Its Kind

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• Most comprehensive directory of its kind • Links consumer with the appropriate information and resources • Supports local agencies and promotes efficient coordination of services • 400+ informative listings (FREE expanded listing with display ad) • Complementary online e-dition – FREE • Matte, full color for easier readability • 8,000 free copies distributed throughout the county, including government offices, CVS/pharmacies, doctors’ offices, 50plus EXPOS, and wherever 50plus Senior News is distributed

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July 2013

50plus SeniorNews

Salute to a Veteran

From His Cruiser, He Saw Hundreds of Bodies Floating on the Sea Robert D. Wilcox hen Vernon Barker was still a they struck at Tarawa Atoll in the first junior in high school in offensive in the critical central Pacific 1943, he enlisted in the Navy. region. His brother had joined the Navy earlier It was also the first time in the war and had told him about the high that the United States faced serious adventure of life aboard ship. Japanese opposition to an amphibious And we were at war, and everybody landing. The 4,500 Japanese defenders else seemed to be were well supplied going, so he and well prepared, couldn’t wait to and they fought become a sailor almost to the last himself and see man. some of that action. Barker He sure got his remembers it best wish, since he later for the shock that served in most of came to him one the major invasions morning when he of the war in the went to go on Pacific. deck for a little His boot camp fresh air. was at Naval Station “All I could see Great Lakes in was bodies northern Illinois. floating all over Then he was sent to the place,” he said. Newport News, “Tarawa was so where he was small that they Vernon Barker in boot camp at assigned to a brandhad no place to Naval Station Great Lakes. new light cruiser, bury the Japanese, the USS Mobile. In so they took the those days, the Navy was scrambling to bodies out to sea 5 or 6 miles and build and man the hundreds of ships it dumped them into the sea.” would take to stand up to the powerful Barker manned a 40-mm gun position Japanese navy. So crews were being sent that helped defend his ship from air into combat as quickly as combat ships attack, and in all the campaigns they were could come on line. involved in, air attack was continuous. After a shakedown cruise in the His ship’s major responsibility was to Chesapeake Bay to check out the ship’s soften up the Japanese defenses against guns, radio, and many other systems, the amphibious assault. After Tawara came Wake, Mobile sailed through the Panama Canal Bougainville, and Kwajalein, where the to Hawaii, arriving there in June 1943. Mobile performed fire support and After a month of training, they were carrier-screening duties. Joining Task deemed ready for combat and joined Task Force 58 for a July 4 raid on Marcus Force 58, she pounded major enemy bases at Eniwetok and Rabaul, and then Island, an isolated Japanese coral atoll helped devastate Truk, the base of the some 1,150 miles southeast of Tokyo. It Japanese combined fleet. was the easternmost territory belonging Then they sailed for the Marianna to Japan. Islands, where they struck Saipan, Tinian, And, although it was small, it was of and Guam. By March 24, Mobile’s first extreme importance to Japan. Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey had spurred his anniversary, she had steamed more than 70,000 miles and participated in 11 men on by saying, “We’re going to show the Japanese what the Fourth of July is all major operations against the enemy. But after having supported Allied about.” And they did, pelting the island landings in New Guinea and shelled with everything they had. Wake Island, they were to face something The Mobile then joined the fifth fleet new and deadly. While raiding in the for the Gilberts campaign. There, she Philippines and Peleliu, they, for the first screened the ships of Task Force 15 as

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time, were attacked by kamikazes, day and night. They were the aircraft that unskilled Japanese pilots tried to fly into American ships and installations. Later, the Mobile faced the Kaiten one-man submarines, which, like the kamikazes, were guided by their pilots to certain death. They were launched from larger submarines, and once in the Kaiten, the pilot could not unlock the hatches. He was to exchange his life for whatever damage he could do. Japan produced several hundred of those death traps during the war. The last action for the Mobile was the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Barker remembers seeing the famous flag raised on Iwo Jima and the particularly savage battle for Okinawa, where some 100,000 Japanese troops were dug-in in

caves, cement tombs, campaign was officially and fortifications, well declared over on July 2, protected from the pre1945, but to achieve that, invasion bombardment. more ships were used, The invasion would more troops put ashore, see the assembling of the more supplies greatest naval armada transported, more bombs ever. In total, the dropped, more Naval The light cruiser USS Mobile, on guns fired against shore American fleet of more which Vernon Barker served in than 1,300 ships targets than in any other World War II. gathered for the naval operation in the Pacific. bombardment of the On both sides, nearly island. 170,000 died. The Japanese lost 7,800 During the invasion, nearly 1,500 aircraft and 16 combat ships. And we kamikaze flights were flown by the now had a base for the planned invasion Japanese to sink 34 American ships and of the Japanese mainland. damage 164 others. But naval gunfire Then the U.S. dropped the two Awas used longer and in greater quantities bombs, and the war was over. than in any other battle in history. Barker says, “Truman was right to After 82 days, the Okinawan drop the A-bomb, because the projected

Resource Directory Cemeteries Valley Forge Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum 325 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills 352 S. Gulph Road, King of Prussia (610) 265-1660 Dental Services Family Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry 1646 West Chester Pike, Suite 1,West Chester (610) 692-8454 Disasters American Red Cross Greater Brandywine (610) 692-1200 Chester County Emergency Services (610) 344-5000 Salvation Army Coatesville (610) 384-2954 Salvation Army West Chester (610) 696-8746 Emergency Numbers Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Office of Aging (610) 344-6350/(800) 692-1100 Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-3676

Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.

This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being.

Funeral & Cremation Services D’Anjolell Memorial Homes & Crematory 392 Lancaster Ave., Frazer (610) 356-4200

Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213

Health & Medical Services Advanced Hearing Aid Audiology Locations in Exton, Honeybrook, Kennett Square, Malvern, Pottstown, and West Grove (610) 781-9001

Housing Eastwood Village Homes, LLC 102 Summers Drive, Lancaster (717) 397-3138

Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900 American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345 American Heart Association (610) 940-9540 Arthritis Foundation (215) 665-9200 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (888) 232-3228 Coatesville VA Medical Center (610) 383-7711 Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233

Southeastern PA Medical Institute (610) 446-0662

Office of Aging Chester County Department of Aging Services (610) 344-6350 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Physicians

Housing Assistance Community Impact Legal Services (610) 380-7111 Housing Authority of Chester County (610) 436-9200 Housing Authority of Phoenixville (610) 933-8801 Legal Services

Gateway Medical Associates Locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Lionville, and West Chester (610) 423-8181 Senior Centers Coatesville (610) 383-6900 Downingtown (610) 269-3939

Lawyer Referral Service (610) 429-1500

Great Valley (610) 889-2121

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (610) 436-4510

Kennett Square (610) 444-4819 Oxford (610) 932-5244

Nutrition

National Osteoporosis Foundation (800) 223-9994 PACE (800) 225-7223

loss of life in attacking the Japanese mainland was monumental.” The Mobile returned to San Diego, and Barker was discharged at Great Lakes on Feb. 23, 1946. He later came to Central Pennsylvania to visit his sister, Eileen, and there he met his future wife, Gloria. He liked Central Pennsylvania, too, so he decided to stay. Thinking back over his days in the Navy, he says he saw more combat than he could ever have imagined. That had earned him the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 12 Battle Stars and the Philippines Liberation Medal with two Stars. He’s proud of that … and truly thankful that he came through it all in one piece.

Meals on Wheels Chester County Inc. (610) 430-8500 Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (800) 366-3997

Senior Healthlink (610) 431-1852

Phoenixville (610) 935-1515 Wayne (610) 688-6246 West Chester (610) 431-4242

Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

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50plus SeniorNews

July 2013

NurseNews Corporate Office: 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240 Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 E-mail address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson

EDITORIAL VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR Christianne Rupp EDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS Megan Joyce EDITORIAL INTERN Jessica Johns

ART DEPARTMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Renee McWilliams PRODUCTION ARTIST Janys Cuffe WEB DEVELOPER Kahla Livelsberger

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Karla Back Angie McComsey Jacoby Valerie Kissinger Doug Kline Susan Krieger Ranee Shaub Miller Lori Peck Sue Rugh SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp

CIRCULATION PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall Member of

Winner

50plus Senior News is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. 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. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.

July 2013

50plus SeniorNews

Hospital Gowns Get a Redesign Gloria May, M.S., R.N., CHES K, maybe it isn’t in the the lower back. The current tie-in-the-back design same league as the The particular gown I saw and goes back to the early 20th century, invention of the and while they were a great idea in a read about was created at the Henry microscope, the discovery of time when patients stayed flat in the Ford Innovation Institute and is penicillin, or the formulation bed much more than they do today, of vaccines, but the creation they haven’t changed much since of the hospital gown that then, and they certainly don’t offer closes in the back will certainly any measure of privacy. be applauded by every patient And here’s another benefit of the who has ever had to wear one spa-like gown, beyond preserving and who has had to reach, patient dignity: The new gown is pull, or twist it just so he can made of a thicker fabric, so using get to the bathroom without two gowns on patients who are cold exposing his rear end to the (in addition to world. being When I was caring for embarrassed) patients in the hospital, we would no longer often used two of those be necessary, flimsy, thin cotton gowns on thus saving on our patients, one tying in the the number of back and the second one over gowns the it, tying in the front. hospital needs The patients were not as to purchase. The exposed as they were when manufacturing they were forced to wear the cost of the new single gown, and in addition, gowns is wearing two gowns made comparable to Photos courtesy of Henry Ford Innovation Institute them feel a bit warmer. those of the old Sometimes we would let the patients currently being used ones, and yes, bring pajama bottoms or boxer the new gowns at a hospital in shorts from home and wear them launder up well. Detroit. So far, under the gowns. So, while it patient reviews have The tie-in-the-back version of the been positive. The goal now is may not win the Nobel Prize, a gown is handy for nurses and gown that closes in the back will be getting the design licensed and sold doctors, as it provides easy access to dearly loved. Way to go, designers! to a manufacturer who can get this the patient’s back and makes it quick going on a grand scale. (I did a little Gloria May is a registered nurse with a and simple to, for instance, listen to research on the Internet and found master’s degree in adult health education a patient’s lungs or heart or to give that other designers and companies and a Certified Health Education an injection. And it makes it easier are working on this issue as well.) Specialist designation. for the patient to use the bedpan if necessary. However, patients hate those darn gowns. And with good reason. And although 5 lots available ... going fast! they have provided fodder for Please join us at our cartoons for years, it’s time for them to go. I saw pictures of one kind of newly designed gown, and • Spec home and pre-owned Sunday, July 14th homes available to inspect • it looks more like a wrap1 to 3 p.m. around spa bathrobe. It has a crisscross V-neck closure in the Eastwood Village front and elbow-length sleeves. Homes LLC There are snaps instead of ties *Details available at Sales Center. 102 Summers Drive and, while it does close in the Lancaster, PA 17601 Directions: Rt. 30E – Greenfield Road exit, back, it also has an “access Right onto Greenfield Road to Fallon Drive. 717-397-3138 www.eastwoodvillagehomes.com Right onto Fallon Drive; follow signs to Sales Center. flap” from the neck down to

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CDC Urges You to Stay Cool When Temps Soar The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people to prepare for extreme heat this summer by staying cool, hydrated, and informed. “No one should die from a heat wave, but every year on average, extreme heat causes 658 deaths in the United States— more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and lightning combined,” said Robin Ikeda, MD, MPH, acting director of the National Center for

Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, and even death. People suffer heatrelated illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and cool themselves properly. Extreme heat affects everyone, but the elderly, children, the poor or homeless, persons who work or

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Rod Muthard Rod Muthard Muthard’s other and his wife, Mary activities that Jane, joined Tel Hai support this fund Retirement include Community four volunteering for the years ago from annual Tel Hai Cup Reading, Pa. golf event and the A retired business creation of owner and handcrafted pens, woodworker, one of which are sold in Muthard’s volunteer the general store on Rod Muthard, formerly of Reading, activities involves campus. was recently honored for his sharing his musical Muthard also varied services to others. skills with participates in participants of Tel Hai’s Adult Day activities with nearby Amish Services Center. schoolchildren. For Mother’s Day, he He has also been the “muscle” provided wooden trivets, puzzles, and behind preparations for the annual tiny wheelbarrows that the children book-sale fundraiser and restores then finished and gave as gifts. donations to the re-sale shop. Proceeds “I just can’t stay still,” Muthard said. from these donated items benefit the “I am happy when I am busy!” Care Assurance Fund, which supports His version of “keeping busy” has residents who are no longer able to resulted in countless benefits to Tel Hai shoulder the full cost of their care. and his neighbors on and off campus. Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’ Volunteer Spotlight! Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

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50plus SeniorNews

July 2013

Calendar of Events

Chester County

Chester County Department of Parks and Recreation

Senior Center Activities

www.chesco.org/ccparks

Coatesville Area Senior Center – (610) 383-6900 22 N. Fifth Ave., Coatesville – www.cascweb.org

July 6, 6 to 11 p.m. – Freedom Fest, Nottingham County Park July 26, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. – Stargazing, Nottingham County Park July 27, 8 to 10 a.m. – Birding at Black Rock, Black Rock Sanctuary

Support Groups Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Wellness Community of Philadelphia: Support Group for People with Cancer The Cancer Center at Paoli Hospital 255 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli (215) 879-7733 July 2, 2 p.m. Grief Support Group Phoenixville Senior Center 153 Church St., Phoenixville (610) 327-7216 July 3, 6 p.m. Memory Loss and Dementia Support Group Sunrise Assisted Living of Paoli 324 W. Lancaster Ave., Malvern (610) 251-9994

Free and open to the public July 8 and 22, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Caregiver Support Group Adult Care of Chester County 201 Sharp Lane, Exton (610) 363-8044

July 10, noon Family Caregiver Support Group Sarah Care 425 Technology Drive, Suite 200 Malvern (610) 251-0801

July 9 and 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Bereavement Support Group Main Line Unitarian Church 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon (610) 585-6604 phoenixbereavement@yahoo.com Nondenominational; all are welcome.

July 16, 6 p.m. Family Caregiver Support Group Sunrise of Westtown 501 Skiles Blvd., West Chester (610) 399-4464

July 6 and 20, 5 to 10 p.m. Bingo Nights Marine Corps League Detachment 430 Chestnut St., Downingtown (610) 431-2234

Great Valley Senior Center – (610) 889-2121 47 Church Road, Malvern Kennett Area Senior Center – (610) 444-4819 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square – www.kennettseniorcenter.org July 9, 10 to 11 a.m. – Book Club: The Racketeer by John Grisham July 10, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Presentation, Q&A, and Book Signing: Carol Metzker, Facing the Monster: How One Person Can Fight Child Slavery July 11, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screening Oxford Senior Center – (610) 932-5244 12 E. Locust St., Oxford – www.oxfordseniors.org Phoenixville Area Senior Center – (610) 935-1515 153 Church St., Phoenixville – www.phoenixvilleseniorcenter.org

Community Programs July 2, 11:30 a.m. West Chester University Retirees Luncheon For restaurant location, please email darsie@verizon.net

Downingtown Senior Center – (610) 269-3939 983 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown – http://home.ccil.org/~dasc

Free and open to the public July 13, 8:30 a.m. Busy Buddies: Widows & Widowers Social Group of Chester County Dutch Way Restaurant 365 Route 41, Gap Reservations required (484) 667-0738

July 31, 10 a.m. to noon Medicare 101 Presentation Brandywine Hospital 201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville (610) 383-8001

July 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Medicare 101 Presentation Downingtown Area Senior Center Ashbridge Commons, Condo 3A 983 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown (610) 269-3939

West Chester Area Senior Center – (610) 431-4242 530 E. Union St., West Chester – www.wcseniors.org Please call or visit the centers’ websites for additional activities.

If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

Give Us the Scoop!

Chester County Library Programs Atglen Library, 413 Valley Ave., Atglen, (610) 593-6848

Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Chester County!

Avon Grove Library, 117 Rose Hill Ave., West Grove, (610) 869-2004 Bayard Taylor Library, 216 E. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 444-2702 Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, (610) 280-2615

Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com

Chester Springs Library, 1685-A Art School Road, Chester Springs, (610) 827-9212 Downingtown Library, 330 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 269-2741 July 9, 6:30 p.m. – Film Forum July 18, 6:30 p.m. – Writer’s Group July 23, 1 p.m. – Senior Book Club Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli, (610) 296-7996 Mystery Book Club – Call for dates/times

July 2013

50plus SeniorNews

(610) 675-6240 (717) 285-1350

Let Help you get the word out!

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The Way I See It

Birthday Thoughts Mike Clark celebrated my 62nd birthday on April 29, and I am still having trouble understanding how I could be two years immersed in my sixth decade. When I think about birthdays, I can’t remember a time when I said, “I wish I could be in my 60s.” I do remember saying that I wish I could be 21, for all the obvious reasons. I even thought that 30 was pretty good. By then I had a good job; I was married; I had a newborn son and a daughter two years later; I had a house and an inexpensive new car; and I felt that things were going well. It was hectic and chaotic, though. When I hit my 40s, things had begun to go wrong. I mean, I had been in my job for 12 years and I was actually making some money. A couple of bucks left over after household expenses were paid hinted that I was getting somewhere. But some serious health problems interfered with our lives by the time I was 43, and a couple of years later, the teenagers living in our home were overcome by hormonal madness and an omnipotent wisdom of all things that ever were and ever shall be. Controlling the demonic forces turned me into an unrecognizable figure of a man. Did I say there was anger? Oh, yes, and it was a righteous anger. With the patience of a saint, I taught both of my children to drive. And when each one passed their driver’s test, I was almost willing to buy each a good car and provide a year’s rent somewhere on the opposite side of the country. “Get there safely but get there as fast as you can,” I wanted to say, “and don’t come back until you realize how smart your mom and I actually are.” I remember when I was a teenager

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how folks who were the age that I am now would say, “Enjoy being young. Each new year flies by faster and faster.” And I would say, “Blah, blah, blah and blabbity, blabbity, blabbity.” Just like my teenagers, I knew everything. How frivolous and carefree and invincible I was. It’s the universal story of youth, isn’t it? I told my brother the other day that my new favorite song is “Yesterday, When I Was Young” by Roy Clark. Listen to it; you’ll see what I mean. A faded celebrity singer said one time on a talk show that there wasn’t one darned thing that was good about getting old. I suppose that’s true for once-famous people who have lost their luster and have been forgotten by the public. But I have never been famous or widely known by the public. Getting older for a regular guy like me is just routine; I have no delusions or flashbacks of glory. Look, I’m not saying that getting older is a dream. The inevitable loss of youth can be difficult. Many of you already know it; many more soon will. In sad resignation, I have often said good riddance to much of the foolishness and turmoil of that earlier time, while in my heart I yearn for one more stab at it. I don’t ever remember saying that I wish I could be in my 60s, but I sure hope I can be in my 70s. The alternative is difficult to ponder. Mike Clark writes a regular column for The Globe Leader newspaper in New Wilmington, Pa. He lives outside Columbia, Pa., and can be contacted at mikemac429@aol.com.

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50plus SeniorNews

July 2013

Caption

50plus EXPO Promotes Active Minds, Bodies By Megan Joyce A steady stream of baby boomers, seniors, and caregivers filed through the doors of the gymnasium at Church Farm School during the recent Chester County 50plus EXPO in Exton. The free, one-day EXPO, which provides information and resources for the area’s 50+ community, was presented by OLP Events and cosponsored by 50plus Senior News. More than 80 exhibitors were on hand representing travel, housing, medical services, health and wellness, home improvements, finances, and more. Visitors to the 10th annual event had access to free health screenings for memory, vision, hearing, blood pressure, pulse oxygen, and others. Kelly Yetter of Newark, Del., had

traveled north to the EXPO mainly because of her role as a caregiver. But while there, she took advantage of a free health screening or two for herself, including a weight-distribution screening that tests how evenly (or unevenly) we lean on each of our feet. “I’m a little off balance, but not much,” Yetter laughed. “I came because I’m my grandmother’s primary caregiver; she doesn’t really leave the house, so [the EXPO] is helpful.” The EXPO blended these informational resources with active

guest participation. Attendees joined Going Fit, Inc. for several lively fitness demonstrations, such as Zumba, line dancing, low-impact cardio exercise, strength training, seated yoga, and balance and core training. Betsy Speakman of West Grove said she heads up a senior group called The Brown Baggers, and she was at the 50plus EXPO hoping to find some information on identity theft that she could share with her fellow members. “We are a gullible bunch at our age,

and what we can learn to protect ourselves is just power in our hands,” Speakman said. EXPO attendees were eligible for more than a dozen door prizes, as well as free product samples and promotional items from vendors—but it was the one-stop information shopping that had most visitors headed toward Exton that day. “We wouldn’t drive all the way over here just for freebies,” Speakman said. “We’re picking up other good information along the way.” The 50plus EXPOs, brought to you by OLP Events, will return in fall 2013: Sept. 18 at the York Expo Center, York; Oct. 24 at the Carlisle Expo Center, Carlisle; and Nov. 6 at Spooky Nook Sports, Manheim. For more information, call (717) 2851350 or visit www.50plusExpoPA.com.

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July 2013

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The Search for Our Ancestry

DNA Interrupted Angelo Coniglio

Mormon researcher must be organize them (labor and equipment), FamilySearch Center. prepared to dig out etc. Shouldn’t everything whatever sources are Recently I was I pay for an online service for no small helping a patron available that apply annual fee. Using that service, I have concerning genealogy with an online to his or her unique found dozens of images of original birth, be on one of the search for ancestry. marriage, and death records for my information about I believe another ancestors, as well as for my wife’s. foremost online the death of her widely held Much as I love visiting Sicily, If I had genealogy sites? grandfather. When I misconception is had to travel there to collect the same suggested that we try that, because many information, my family tree would be Not quite! the subscription site of the records we bare indeed. Fold3 pursue are public Next time, I’ll review previously (www.fold3.com), she referred to documents, they should be available free analyzed online sources, covering changes FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org) of charge. Folks object to paying for and additions to their sites. and asked, “Doesn’t FamilySearch have copies of birth records or paying Write to Angelo at genealogytips@aol.com or everything?” subscriptions to online venues before visit his website, www.bit.ly/AFCGen. He is In this day and age of information, I they can access information. the author of the book The Lady of the Wheel suppose it’s easy to fall into the notion This philosophy ignores the fact that (La Ruotaia), based on his genealogical that everything about everybody is even with public records, someone has to research of Sicilian foundlings. See somewhere online. So, shouldn’t find them (labor), copy them (equipment www.bit.ly/ruotaia for more information, or everything concerning genealogy be on and material), mail them (postage), and, order the book at www.amzn.to/racalmuto. one of the foremost online genealogy in the case of online venues, digitize and sites? Not quite! FamilySearch has millions of records ADVERTISEMENT of all sorts on microfilm, and it is diligently indexing its images of original records so that they will be viewable online. However, I venture to state that Finally End Denture Discomfort, Frustration, “everything” will never be online, neither there nor at any other site. and Embarrassing Denture “Malfunctions!” Some sites will have voluminous numbers of ships’ passenger manifests “I suffered 10 years with ill-fitting bottom but nothing else. Some will have Civil dentures and broken upper teeth. Dr. Stall War pension records but no passenger made a new bottom denture held in by mini manifests. Some will have Irish records implants and fixed all my top teeth. I now but no German records, and so on, and have a mouth full of teeth that do not hurt and so on. look great. Thank you, Dr. Stall, and your Just as every family is different, its wonderful staff.” — Jane T., Coatesville, PA history is different, and a genealogy Actual Patient Who Discovered

“

n my June column I described how I had sent a third DNA sample to AncestryDNA (a subsidiary of Ancestry.com), after being notified by them that the first two were not adequate. Since then, I received a third rejection email, asking me to send still another sample. The original order was about $100 for Ancestry.com subscribers, and although there was no extra cost for sending in the additional samples, I decided that three tries was enough. I asked for a refund. Ancestry’s first response was “that is not our policy,” and they suggested I have someone else’s DNA tested on my dime. That was not acceptable, as I want my DNA tested, not someone else’s, not even my son’s, whose DNA would contain genetic material (his mother’s) that is different than mine. When I explained this to Ancestry, they graciously agreed to refund my money. Unfortunately, this episode throws a monkey wrench into my plan to give a commentary on these pages about my DNA testing and its results. I’ll take a moratorium on DNA columns and resume them when I have decided which DNA testing venue to use from the many available candidates. Instead, I’d like to revisit a subject I have addressed previously: online genealogy resources. My reason for returning to this topic is a conversation I had recently. I volunteer as a librarian at my local

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July 2013

Concession of a Novice e-Book Reader By Evelyn Merriam My husband and I now have a small, lightweight, basic e-reader. Although we were not excited about the prospect, we decided to try one because it seemed it might be convenient at times. With some coaching, we figured out the gadget sufficiently and then tentatively borrowed a few books from our library system’s collection. The lending period was brief, the books not compelling, and our library’s e-books not renewable, so they disappeared before we finished them. Not a very good start. Technical or scholarly e-books of sorts were available through libraries as early as the 1990s. But in 2003, U.S. libraries began to offer free, downloadable popular fiction and nonfiction to the public. However, a librarian tells us that the restrictions and expense of acquiring e-books limits libraries’ collections. We attended a brief class about using e-readers and learned the lingo (Adobe EPUB, Adobe PDF, Kindle e-books, “downloading from the cloud,” etc.). As we found our way further along, we purchased three books we actually wanted to read: Francona, a baseball

autobiography; Life after Death, a book about a believer’s response to his personal grief; and Maggie’s Tale, a historical novel about the adventures of a young Irish girl earning her keep in England in 1900. Although we share the device as one would a daily newspaper, we are enjoying the books and find that reading without worrying about the books evaporating (as the library books did) more satisfactory. According to studies done in Germany, young adults show no difference in reading speed or brain activity when reading pages on an electronic device versus a traditional book. However, the backlit screens of ereaders (providing more contrast) are easier on elderly eyes than traditional books. Older eyes read more quickly and with less effort via e-readers.

Nonetheless, perhaps it is no surprise that traditional books are still twice as popular as digital devices with people over 60. Previously, British researchers found that, although mature users of ebooks found them more convenient, up to date, and easily available than traditional books, they believed them harder to read. The researchers concluded that reducing the pleasure of reading was not a cognitive phenomenon, but a cultural one. That may be so, but I would still rather turn paper pages, use actual bookmarks, and put the books in their places. Nonetheless, I concede that for travel, it is convenient to have a number of books and even a complete Bible at hand in a wafer-thin notecard size. It is also pleasant to have the options of reading books we do not necessarily

plan to keep. But for me, the best thing about an e-reader is being able to access titles that are only available in electronic versions. More than a year after two writer friends in London told me about their ebooks, I am able to read them. One of them, Maggie’s Tale by Peter M. Cooke, is not exactly Downton Abbey, but fans of that PBS series would easily be able to visualize the lives of servant girls in a big, English house. The girls face unexpected, life-altering choices when lively evangelistic meetings and colorful characters stir up their formerly unassuming, orderly town. Wouldn’t it astound Victorians of all stations, most of whom had yet to see an electric toaster, to find me claiming to read about their lives while silently turning pages on a small, muted-gray tablet called an e-book? Before Evelyn and her husband recently retired, they worked in Christian ministry for 40 years (including five years in Japan and eight in Pennsylvania). She has published educational and inspirational articles, book reviews, poetry, and Bible reading guides and is working on a collection of personal essays.

Wills ~ Trusts ~ Elder Law 11th Annual

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Tinseltown Talks

Tales of Glenn Ford Nick Thomas f you’re a fan of old movies, you’ll Glenn Ford was also a packrat of recognize what the classics Gilda, monumental proportions. When Ford Blackboard Jungle, The Courtship of died in 2006, Peter says he donated Eddie’s Father, and Fastest Gun Alive all many of his father’s personal items to have in common: Glenn Ford. Oddly charities. Other items he sold, including enough, though he a piano given to Ford appeared in around by Judy Garland, a 100 feature films, slot machine from the first biography Frank Sinatra, and a on Ford was only couch on which he published in 2011. “entertained” Monroe. Ford’s son, Peter, In fact, an auction authored Glenn house hauled off two Ford: A Life and 26-foot-long trucks talked about his filled with “stuff ”— dad and the book, and that still barely Photo credit: Peter Ford which is an touched the surface of Peter Ford, center, with his parents, Eleanor Powell and Glenn Ford. insightful the contents of Ford’s Hollywood bio 9,000-square-foot filled with stories of home in Beverly Hills. one of film’s most “He saved underappreciated everything,” said actors. Peter. “I have every In addition to letter he ever received acting, Ford had a and copies of letters number of other he wrote. I have his interests, including baby teeth, the lock of a great fondness for hair from his first women, which haircut, the dish he Ford with Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946). Peter approaches used as a baby, and with objective every report card candor without ever from school. There [were] turning the book into also thousands of a trashy memoir. photographs and “He’s perceived by thousands of books. the public as a Jimmy “Wherever he went, he Stewart—a would take scraps of wholesome, allpaper and write his American guy,” Peter thoughts. Often, he told me. “He was that, would stick these but he also had a lot randomly in books, along of Errol Flynn in him. with letters, Christmas Photo credit: Peter Ford In reviewing all my cards, and even money.” Ford, right, with Peter Ford on the sources, I counted 146 Peter donated set of Heaven with a Gun (1969). women he had a hundreds of those books dalliance with, to libraries but had to including Marilyn Monroe.” check each one in case his father had left Those sources included Ford’s own some long-forgotten treasure within its writings. pages. In one, he found many letters “My father kept a diary every day of from singer Sophie Tucker. his life since 1933, and I have every one Another Ford “hobby” was to secretly of them. So there was an enormous record telephone conversations. In the amount of material there,” explained late 1950s, Ford, unbeknownst to his Peter. “If you picked any day since then, family and friends, installed a phone tap I could tell you what he had for on the family’s phone. After his father breakfast, where he went, what he did, died, Peter discovered hundreds of old what he thought, who he talked to, etc.” reel-to-reel and cassette recordings of

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celebrities and politicians. “He has some of President Richard Nixon,” said Peter with a chuckle. “Isn’t that ironic? The most infamous taper himself getting taped!” Maybe we now know where Tricky Dick got the idea! Peter also recalls childhood Sundaymorning walks with his dad along Santa Monica Boulevard. The two would often stop under a leafy fichus tree, and Ford would ask his son if he wanted some chewing gum. Adept at sleight-of-hand tricks, Ford would appear to pull some chewing gum from the tree, leading young Peter to believe there really was such a thing as a “gum tree.” In another story, Peter remembers flying in a private plane with his dad to Cody, Wyo., for the dedication of the Buffalo Bill Museum. The ceremony culminated with a live buffalo dangling

in a harness from a helicopter, flying over the crowd. But as the pilot hovered above the assembled dignitaries, the terrified animal’s bladder and bowels proved somewhat unstable. When combined with the downward force of the chopper’s rotor blades, Peter says it was a most memorable event! Glenn Ford was a complex man, which led to difficulties and intricacies in his professional and personal lives. Peter’s revelations about his dad—as well as his mom, the great dancer Eleanor Powell— provide a fascinating glimpse of the golden age of Hollywood. Thomas’ features and columns have appeared in more than 300 magazines and newspapers, and he is the author of Raised by the Stars, published by McFarland. He can be reached at his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com

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July 2013

The Green Mountain Gardener

A Garden Worth 10 Scents Dr. Leonard Perry ow do you describe scents or fragrance in flowers? There are probably as many ways as there are people, scent being very subjective. It was in the Victorian times at the end of the 19th century that fragrance in the garden became really popular for just that, not for any functional use. Prior to that time, fragrance was used medicinally and to mask unpleasant odors. It was also at this time (1893) that scents were first categorized by Count von Marilaun into six groups. Since then, these have been expanded to 10 scent groups, all of which are used for flowers. These groups are based on common essential oils for each group of plants. It is the volatile compounds from these oils that our noses register as “scents.”

1. The indole group has flowers smelling like and resembling decayed meat or

carrion, such as the skunk cabbage (Lysichiton) and a wake-robin (Trillium erectum), and attracts dung flies for pollination. 2. The aminoid group also smells unpleasant to attract flies, smelling of decayed fish or ammonia, and includes many umbel flowers, such as giant fennel. 3. The heavy group smells similar to the last, only

sweeter, and includes some of the oldest known fragrant flowers, such as some lilies and narcissus.

moss, it attracts no insects, as the flowers are self-pollinating.

4. The aromatic group has some of the most pleasantly scented flowers with scents of vanilla, balsam, almond, and cloves, such as in some primroses, peonies, stocks, and pinks.

7. The lemon group is more often found in leaves but also in some water lilies and evening primroses.

5. The violet group and smell is, of course, present in violets. Smelling of damp woodland

6. The rose group is pleasant and found in roses in addition to some peonies and scented geraniums.

8. The fruit-scented group includes many roses and some minor bulbs. 9. The animal-scented group usually is unpleasant and may smell of musk, as in some roses; human perspiration, as in valerian and ox-eye daisy; and animal fur, as in crown imperial. 10. The honey-scented group is similar to the last, only sweeter and often more pleasant. Some examples are the butterfly

A Taste of Intergenerational Italy The Kennett Area Senior Center recently sponsored a “Taste of Italy” spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Students from Kennett and Unionville high schools greeted and served the attendees, in addition to clearing the tables after the meal had concluded. KASC staff created “Italian villa/restaurant” decorations, mustachioed appearances, and costuming in the presence of “Chef Vinny Vincenzo” (portrayed by Kennett Square Resale Book Shoppe Manager Harry Wackerman). The evening was another opportunity for the seniors and students to strengthen their intergenerational bonds.

“Chef Vinny Vincenzo” (Harry Wackerman) with students.

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bush (Buddleia), showy stonecrop (Sedum spectabile), and meadowsweet (Filipendula). As seen in most of these flower-scent groups, insects or pollinators are the main reason for scent. It basically attracts pollinators specifically needed to pollinate a flower, and at the right time. Usually if a flower is not ready or is past the time for pollination, or has been pollinated, it won’t have much fragrance. If a flower is fragrant at night, odds are that it is pollinated by moths or even bats. Sweet scents generally attract bees and flies for pollination, while those with fruity or musty-smelling flowers may attract flies or beetles for pollination.

While a species of plant may have fragrance, some of its highly bred offspring may not. These cultivars (cultivated varieties) may have been bred for other traits instead, such as flower size, shape, or disease resistance. Roses are a good example of such a plant. Often, where there are many cultivars to choose from—as with roses, peonies, daffodils, or crabapples—only some will have fragrant flowers. Fragrant summer perennials include bearded iris early in the season, tall garden phlox later on as well as some of the oriental lilies, and lavender (where hardy). Dr. Leonard P. Perry is an extension professor at the University of Vermont.

Local Man Celebrates 100 Busy, Remarkable Years Art Colley, a World War II veteran, a was my life.” South Philly “kid,” a university educator, Born to Italian immigrant parents in and a longtime camp director for South Philadelphia, Colley describes underprivileged kids, turned 100 himself as a “streetwise kid” who had an recently. early goal to attend college. Colley moved only eight years ago to “I didn’t get a scholarship because I Ashbridge Manor, a retirement was making too much money,” Colley community in Downingtown. Until said of his sports career, which included then, he competing lived and as a semiraised a pro football family at and nearby basketball Paradise player, as Farms well as a Camp. boxer. The He camp was enlisted in founded in World War 1875, and II as a in recent private in years, Colley the U.S. liked to say infantry and that it was spent five the oldest years as an camp in officer in the America and 3rd Fighter Art Colley of Downingtown, 100, Command he was the with his children. of the U.S. oldest Air Force. director. He was stationed in Tampa, Fla., but Colley first worked at the camp as a visited 13 airbases in eight countries as junior counselor in 1932 (during an officer in charge of advanced combat summers off from studying at Temple training of fighter and bomber units University) and returned in the late 1940s to serve on the board of directors. prior to their deployment to combat theaters. He became a director in the early In addition to the five years Colley 1960s. His primary job was teaching spent as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, and coaching—both at the high school he served 27 years as a reservist. and college levels—but he says, “Camp www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Who Has the Best Bites in Central PA? 50plus Senior News readers have spoken! Here are the Chester County dining favorites for 2013! Breakfast: Happy Days Diner

Fast Food: Wendy’s

Lunch: Beaver Creek Tavern

Seafood: Red Lobster

Dinner: Mendenhall Inn

Steak: Texas Roadhouse

Ethnic Cuisine: The Olive Tree

Outdoor Dining: Thorndale Inn

Celebrating: Kimberton Inn

Romantic Setting: Ship Inn

Bakery: Giant Food Stores

Smorgasbord/Buffet: Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Coffeehouse: The Coffee Cup

Caterer: Pronto Bistro Italiano

Winner of $50 Giant Food Stores Gift Card: Linda Farley of East Berlin Congratulations!

50plus SeniorNews

July 2013

DRAFT

from page 1

embracing the reality that one person can make a difference in a person’s life. Her positive mind has forged the way for a positive life. And her natural charisma may be what prompted so many women to join the Women’s Writing Circle that Weidener began in November 2009. The Women’s Writing Circle began out of Weidener’s hope and dream of finding kindred spirits who could connect as a community of writers. “It is very important when you are a writer to ease the loneliness and isolation of the work and find a community of likeminded souls,” Weidener said. “All of these women have given me a new lease on life.” The group of women meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Wellington Square Bookshop in Exton. They share their writing with each other and offer support and validation—things essential to any writer’s success, both in their careers and as individuals. “The emphasis is on how writing can lead to healing, self-discovery, and empowerment,” she said. To merely say that Weidener loves writing would be an injustice to her true feelings, as she loves every aspect of it—

“even the blood, sweat, and tears” that go and alchemy of writing. into it. The group recently published an “I found that writing was a journey anthology of stories and poems, called into the soul—a path to self-discovery, as Slants of Light: Stories and Poems From the well as a way to Women’s Writing develop Circle. The understanding and anthology can be empathy for purchased in some others,” she said. local bookstores or “When you put at Amazon.com, on paper what has and it will be tormented you, you available as an etake away the power book on Aug. 1. of painful memories Weidener and put them brought in outside behind you.” workshop Weidener is instructors to teach quick to point out Books authored by Weidener as well as on topics like that the group fiction and memoir the entire Women’s Writing Circle have meets to connect writing and been featured at the bookshop where not only as writers, journaling. She they meet monthly. but also as wives, shares her own skills mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends and experiences as well. Weidener sharing their journeys. worked as a news and feature writer for The group has since evolved into a The Philadelphia Inquirer before leaving monthly critique session with a the paper in 2007. concentration on developing pieces of While she is committed to freely writing for potential publication, cheering others on in their journeys—no explains Weidener. Workshops have also matter what age they may be—Weidener been formed from the Women’s Writing has also been so bold as to share her own Circle, where the focus is on the craft life journey in its rawest form in two memoirs. Her first book, Again in a Heartbeat, was published in 2010—the same year that she turned 60. It is a memoir of love, loss, and dating again. Weidener has not remarried since losing her husband but still dates occasionally. “I never met a man as strong or as confident, as kind and as honorable as John,” said Weidener. “What has kept me going since John’s death is the memory of how he believed in me, my Send us your favorite smile—your children, strength as a woman, and he never grandchildren, friends, even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus Senior News’ next Smile of the Month! from page 5 You can submit your photos exercise outdoors, and those with chronic (with captions) either digitally to medical conditions are most at risk. mjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to: An analysis of 2012 data indicates 50plus Senior News that deaths are on the rise. In a twoSmile of the Month week period in 2012, excessive heat 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 exposure resulted in 32 deaths in four states, four times the typical average for Digital photos must be at least 4x6'' with a those states for the same two-week resolution of 300 dpi. No professional photos, please. period from 1999-2009. Please include a SASE if you would like to have your More than two-thirds of the deaths photo returned. (69 percent) occurred at home, and 91 percent of those homes lacked air conditioning. Most of those who died were unmarried or living alone, and 72 percent were male. CDC recommends that local

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doubted for an instant that I could raise his sons on my own.” She learned a lot about herself as she wrote Again in a Heartbeat and hopes the book can help anyone who is going through the loss of a loved one. “When a person we love has cancer, or any chronic illness, we may not always live up to our own set of personal standards,” she explained. “My anger and grief should not have been directed at my husband for dying but at the cancer and how the disease impacted our family, our two little boys, and my own naïve dream of a happily-ever-after.” She points out in the book that when a person you love is dying, they will often distance themselves from you. “It would have helped me at the time if I had had someone to talk about it and why I felt so abandoned by him.” Weidener’s second memoir, Morning at Wellington Square, published in 2012, is the story of a woman’s search to find herself beyond traditional roles. She discusses the beginning of the Women’s Writing Circle and the end of her career as a journalist. Leaving the newspaper was painful in its own way; her time in the newsroom was so rewarding and felt like more of a calling than it did a job. “I am always amazed when I think of how an idea to start a writing circle has turned into a place where, over the last three and a half years, more than 200 women have read their work,” Weidener said. “Some come once or twice and don’t return to the circle, while others have been coming steadily for a year, two years, even three.” To follow the happenings of the Women’s Writing Circle, you may visit their blog at www.susanweidener.com.

COOL

July 2013

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governments engage in advanced planning, such as increasing access to air conditioning, cooling stations, or other public locations that can be used by residents for temporary relief from heat, particularly when temperatures are elevated for several consecutive days. CDC is offering new resources, including a new website to prepare for extreme heat, new data on heat-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and a Climate Change and Extreme Heat Events guidebook. For more information on extreme heat and heat safety, call (800) CDCINFO or visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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50plus SeniorNews

July 2013

You bring the talent, We’ll provide the stage! Do you dance … sing … play an instrument … perform magic … do comedy? Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be called PA STATE SENIOR IDOL? Then we’re looking for you!

Pennsylvanians over 50 are invited to audition for the eighth annual PA STATE SENIOR IDOL competition at one of these locations:

Tuesday, August 27

Thursday, September 5

Holiday Inn Harrisburg East

Heritage Hotel – Lancaster

4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111

500 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

(Morning/Early Afternoon Auditions)

(Afternoon/Evening Auditions)

Win a limousine trip to New York City with dinner and a Broadway show! Finals to be held on October 14, 2013 at: Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 • (717) 898-1900

For more information, updates, or an application:

911 Photo Graphics

717.285.1350 • www.SeniorIdolPA.com

July 2013

50plus SeniorNews

Emcee:

Diane Dayton of Dayton Communications