Chester County Edition
July 2015
Vol. 12 No. 7
Jim Breslin Has Stories to Share Story-Sharing ‘Competitions’ Draw Local Storytellers By Jason J. Tabor It may be a family member’s old yarn about growing up in a bygone era, repeated at every family gathering, or the knee-slapper of a tale that a friend proudly recites at parties. Everyone has at least one good story to tell, pulled from those funny, poignant, meaningful moments that happen in life. West Chester-based writer Jim Breslin has created a forum to bring together storytellers and those who like to hear them. The West Chester Story Slam is a live storytelling competition inspired by events such as the Windy City Story Slam, the Philadelphia First Person Arts Story Slam, and NPR’s This American Life program. During the Slam, participants get up on stage and share their stories in front of a live audience. “It’s fun. We don’t take the competition too seriously; it’s more about sharing stories,” says Breslin. “I held the first West Chester Story Slam at my house in November of 2009,” he says. “We heard 13 stories and had so much fun that I went to a local pub and asked about using a room on Tuesday nights. The first two years we had a cult following, but then as word spread, the audience grew.” In its five-year run as a monthly event in West Chester, the Story Slam stage has been home to more than 550 personal stories, some touching and some hilarious. The event now has its own YouTube page and podcast and please see STORIES page 14 Photo courtesy of Michelle Johnsen Photography
Jim Breslin on stage during a Story Slam storytelling event.
Inside:
50plus EXPO Highlights page 6
Share Your Memories of V-J Day page 8
Savvy Senior
How Seniors Can Tame Pet Care Costs Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend to help senior pet owners with their veterinary bills? I have two cats and a dog that are family to me, but their vet bills have become unaffordable. – Fixed-Income Frankie Dear Frankie, The high cost of veterinary care has become a problem for millions of pet owners today, but it can be especially difficult for seniors living on a fixed income. Routine medical care can cost hundreds of dollars, while urgent/specialized treatments and procedures can run into the thousands. But it is possible to reduce your pet care costs without sacrificing their health. Here are some tips that can help you save.
Shop around: If you’re not attached to a particular veterinarian, call some different vet clinics in your area and compare costs. When you call, get price quotes on basic services like annual exams and vaccinations, as well as biggerticket items, like repairing a broken leg, so you can compare. Also, check to see if you live near a veterinary medical school (see www. aavmc.org for a listing). Many schools provide low-cost care provided by students who are overseen by their professors.
your vet’s office accepts monthly payments so you don’t have to pay the entire cost up front. Also, find out if your vet offers discounts to senior citizens or reduces fees for annual checkups if you bring in multiple pets.
Ask your vet for help: To help make your vet bills more manageable, see if
Search for low-cost care: Many municipal and nonprofit animal shelters offer free or low-cost spaying and neutering programs and vaccinations, and some work with local vets who are willing to provide care at reduced prices for low-income and senior pet owners. Call your local shelter or Humane Society to find out what’s available in your area.
Look for financial assistance: There are a number of state and national organizations that provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. To locate these programs, the U.S. Humane Society provides a listing on their website that you can access (www.humanesociety.org/petfinancialaid). Buy cheaper medicine: Medicine purchased at the vet’s office is usually much more expensive than you can get from a regular pharmacy or online. Instead, get a prescription from your vet (ask for generic if possible) so you can shop for the best price. Most pharmacies fill prescriptions for pets inexpensively, so long as that same drug is also prescribed to humans. And, many pharmacies offer pet-discount savings programs too. You can also save by shopping online at one of the Veterinary-Verified
Advertise in this vital community guide If your organization or business offers a product or service relevant to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, or their families, you should be included in the Chester County Resource Directory for the Caregiver, Aging, and Disabled! • Online e-dition for anywhere, anytime access • Complementary print edition — no additional charge • 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) • 8,000 free copies distributed throughout the county, including government offices, doctors’ offices, 50plus EXPOS, and wherever 50plus Senior News is distributed
Ad closing date: Oct. 16, 2015
Most comprehensive directory of its kind!
Sponsorships available for greatest exposure Individual full-color display ads and enhanced listings also available
All at an affordable price to you ... priceless to consumers!
Contact your account representative or call 717.285.1350 now to be included in this vital annual directory. On-Line Publishers, Inc., 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 • 717.285.1350 • 717.770.0140 • 610.675.6240 • info@onlinepub.com • www.onlinepub.com
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Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, like 1-800PetMeds (www.1800petmeds.com), Drs. Foster & Smith (www.drsfostersmith.com), KV Supply (www.kvsupply.com), and PetCareRx (www.petcarerx.com).
Consider pet insurance: If you can afford it, pet insurance is another option worth looking into. You can get a basic policy for less than $10 per month, and some insurers provide discounts for insuring multiple pets. See Pet Insurance Review (www.pet insurancereview.com) to compare policies. Membership discount plans like Pet
typically offer much lower prices than supermarkets and specialty pet retailers. You can also save on treats and toys at sites like Coupaw (www.coupaw.com) and Doggyloot (www.doggyloot.com).
Assure (www.petassure.com) are another way to save, but you’ll need to use a vet in their network. Look for other ways to save: In addition to cutting your veterinary bills, you can also save on pet food and other supplies depending on where you shop. Big-box and discount or dollar stores
Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
Report: Pennsylvania Ranks 25th for Senior Health Pennsylvania ranked 25th for senior health this year, according to the third edition of United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report: A Call to Action for Individuals and Their Communities. Nationwide, the report shows positive trends for senior health, especially for those measures that look at whether seniors are getting the right care in a setting of their choice. Seniors are experiencing lower hospital
readmission rates and preventable hospitalization rates compared to last year, while hospice care use and the number of home healthcare workers have increased. “United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report is a vital tool for understanding where we, as a state, are making strides in senior health and where key challenges for Pennsylvania’s seniors remain,” said Dr. Jerry Frank, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania.
Resource Directory
Pennsylvania’s Strengths • High community-support expenditures: Pennsylvania spends an average of $1,917 per adult aged 65 and older living in poverty to support senior programs that address personal care, transportation, meals, and other needs.
American Red Cross Greater Brandywine (610) 692-1200
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800) 232-4636
Housing Authority of Phoenixville (610) 933-8801
Chester County Emergency Services (610) 344-5000
Coatesville VA Medical Center (610) 383-7711
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 Funeral & Cremation Services Cremation Society of Pennsylvania 4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (800) 722-8200 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900 American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345 American Heart Association (610) 940-9540 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233 National Osteoporosis Foundation (800) 223-9994 PACE (800) 225-7223 Senior Healthlink (610) 431-1852 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 Southeastern PA Medical Institute (610) 446-0662 Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY
Eastwood Village Homes, LLC 102 Summers Drive, Lancaster (717) 397-3138 Housing Assistance Community Impact Legal Services (610) 380-7111
Real Estate Keller-Williams Real Estate Kelly Steyn (215) 646-2900
Legal Services
Senior Centers
Lawyer Referral Service (610) 429-1500
Coatesville (610) 383-6900
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (610) 436-4510
Downingtown (610) 269-3939
Medical Equipment & Supplies Medical Supply (800) 777-6647
Housing
please see HEALTH page 5
This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Housing Authority of Chester County (610) 436-9200
Salvation Army Coatesville (610) 384-2954
• In Pennsylvania, only 6 percent of nursing-home residents are low-care, the fifth-lowest rate in the nation, which indicates that older adults have the support programs they need to remain independent.
• Low percentage of low-care nursinghome residents: Many low-care nursinghome residents do not need the full suite of services offered by nursing homes and
Arthritis Foundation (215) 665-9200
Disasters
would be capable of living in their own homes with the help of community aid programs such as Meals on Wheels.
Great Valley (610) 889-2121 Kennett Square (610) 444-4819
Nutrition Meals on Wheels Chester County Inc. (610) 430-8500
Oxford (610) 932-5244
Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (800) 366-3997
Phoenixville (610) 935-1515
Office of Aging Chester County Department of Aging Services (610) 344-6350
Wayne (610) 688-6246 West Chester (610) 431-4242
Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
Physicians Gateway Medical Associates Locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Lionville, and West Chester (610) 423-8181
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Is This Thing On? 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 Pete Wisniewski
ART DEPARTMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Renee McWilliams PRODUCTION ARTISTS Janys Cuffe Lauren McNallen
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Christina Cardamone Robin Gamby Jennifer Schmalhofer SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp EVENTS MANAGER Kimberly Shaffer MARKETING COORDINATOR Mariah Hammacher
CIRCULATION PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer
ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall Member of
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 2015
Abby Stokes week doesn’t go by now that I don’t receive a fishy email, an email that appears to be from my email service or bank that carries an anxiety-inducing message. At tax time I even got an email that looked like it came from the IRS, but it did not. These are all phishing scams. Merriam-Webster’s definition of phishing: a scam by which an email user is duped into revealing personal or confidential information, which the scammer can use illicitly. A month ago I received a phone call from Switzerland. It was a student of mine. I don’t want to reveal his identity, so let’s call him Barnaby. Barnaby uses Yahoo as his Web-based email service. He went to the expense of making an international call to me because he could no longer access his email account and suspected he knew why but wanted my advice. It all started with an email he opened that looked like it was from Yahoo. The real problem is that Yahoo did not send this email. It was a “phishing” email. Much like fishing, with an f not ph, the person who sent the email is trolling to see if he (or she) can fool anyone to click on a link in the email. If you click through, the next page asks you to type your screen name and password or even your Social Security number. Unfortunately, once you’ve done
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that, you haven’t verified your email or bank account for security—you instead will have revealed your password or private information to the scammer. You may not be able to tell the difference between what you might normally fill out when on a website and a phishing scam—except for one very important detail: Your email service or bank will never ask you to confirm your password in an email or through a link in an email.
So, no matter how familiar or scary an email may look, do not ever confirm your password in an email or through a link in an email. Unfortunately, Barnaby did just that. He typed in his email address and his password. The next time he went to sign into his account, he wasn’t able to access his email. Within a few hours an email was sent from Barnaby’s hijacked Yahoo account, written by the “phisher,” to everyone in the address book. The email, appearing to come from Barnaby, stated that he, while traveling, had been robbed and was
stranded without his wallet. It asked the recipient(s) to please send money using Western Union. Now, I know you’re saying, “Who would fall for that?” Truth be told, many could and do. And each phishing email is different—one more compelling than the other. Your first line of defense is to never confirm your password in an email or through a link in an email. (I promise I won’t say it again. You get the point.) If you discover that you’ve unwittingly succumbed to a phishing scam, you can forward the email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.org. Antiphishing.org is a volunteer organization devoted to helping people identify and avoid scams. You can imagine a phishing scammer’s glee when they discover that your email password is the same as your bank PIN. Your bank password should be used exclusively for the bank and not for anything else. In the next issue of 50plus Senior News, I’ll walk you through some tips of how to choose safe and memorable passwords. Abby Stokes, author of “Is This Thing On?” A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes, and the Kicking & Screaming and its companion website, AskAbbyStokes.com, is the Johnny Appleseed of Technology, singlehandedly helping more than 300,000 people cross the digital divide.
Trust in Others Rises as People Grow Older
Winner
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Phishing is So Very Fishy
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In a cynical world, trust can seem hard to come by. But new research suggests it may grow as we get older. The World Values Survey, collecting data from more than 200,000 people in 83 nations, found that more than a third of people 80 years old or older agreed that most people can be trusted, although just a quarter of 20-yearolds said the same. u
The results were consistent regardless of nationality, gender, education, and income.
A similar study, analyzing data from the General Social Survey of 1,230 U.S. citizens over time, also found that our willingness to trust increases as we grow older. One possible explanation: As time goes on, most people tend to simplify their lives and spend more time with their families, resulting in a more positive and generous attitude about the world. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Know Your State’s Signers The United States celebrates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 every year. How well do you know the patriots who signed it? Try matching each signer of the Declaration to the colony he represented. (Note: There were two signers per colony. Answers are at the bottom of the page.) a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. r. s. t. u. v. w. x. y. z.
Thomas Jefferson John Witherspoon Josiah Bartlett John Hancock Samuel Chase William Hooper Richard Stockton Caesar Rodney William Ellery Philip Livingston Edward Rutledge Benjamin Franklin John Adams Thomas McKean Richard Henry Lee Joseph Hewes Charles Carroll George Clymer Arthur Middleton Button Gwinnett William Whipple Lyman Hall Samuel Huntington Francis Lewis Oliver Wolcott Stephen Hopkins
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Delaware Pennsylvania Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island New York Georgia Virginia North Carolina South Carolina New Jersey Connecticut Maryland
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HEALTH
from page 3
• Low geriatrician shortfall: With an aging baby boomer population, the number of geriatricians needed is growing dramatically. The shortfall of geriatricians in Pennsylvania is 46.4 percent of the minimum number needed, the sixthlowest shortfall among the states. Pennsylvania’s Challenges • High prevalence of obesity: 30.1 percent of Pennsylvania adults aged 65 and older are obese, which means that Pennsylvania ranks 45th among the states. Obesity predisposes older adults to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, and joint pain. • High prevalence of physical inactivity: 36.7 percent of senior adults in Pennsylvania report doing no physical activity or exercise in the last 30 days. Physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity,
falls, depression, and premature death. • Low percentage of quality nursinghome beds: In Pennsylvania, only 35.3 percent of nursing-home beds are rated at four- or five-star levels. Quality nursinghome practices can largely prevent hospitalizations related to falls, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, malnutrition, and dehydration. According to the report, Vermont is the healthiest state for seniors, rising from fourth place last year. New Hampshire ranks second, improving one spot from last year. Minnesota fell to third after being ranked first for two years in a row, while Hawaii (4) and Utah (5) round out the top five states. Louisiana ranks 50th as the least healthy state for older adults, followed by Mississippi (49), Kentucky (48), Arkansas (47) and Oklahoma (46). To see the rankings in full, visit: www.americashealthrankings.org/senior
Quiz answers: 1: h, n; 2: l, r; 3: d, m; 4: c, u; 5: i, z; 6: j, x; 7: t, v; 8: a, o; 9: f, p; 10: k, s; 11: b, g; 12: w, y; 13: e, q. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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50plus EXPO Leaves Mouths Smiling and Bags Full
By Megan Joyce When guests arrive at a 50plus EXPO, they’re emptyhanded—but they generally don’t leave that way. At registration, in addition to a sponsor bingo card and schedule of the day’s upcoming events, each visitor is given a tote bag that is empty save for some free reading material (such as a copy of 50plus Senior News). Filling the bag—well, that’s up to them. And it looked like most of the guests at the recent 12th annual Chester County 50plus EXPO rose to the challenge, tote bags bulging with evidence of the information they had collected: papers, brochures, catalogs, note cards, and giveaways from the more than 80 businesses and organizations that populated the EXPO floor at Church Farm School in Exton. OLP EvENtS hosted the free, one-day event, aimed at providing information and resources for the county’s 50+ community. “I came just to see what’s here,” said Dick Kolb of Gap. “It’s very informative, and yet you can see what’s available in other areas too.” Katie Petrowsky of Honey Brook was maneuvering a two-kid stroller while her mother researched housing options. “My mom is looking to downsize, so we’re here getting information on the over-55 retirement
CHESTER COUNTY communities. She’s a widow with an acre of land,” she explained. And was her mom finding the EXPO useful? “So far, she’s filling her bag,” Petrowsky confirmed. The five-hour event featured more than just booths and bags, however. On-stage demonstrations and presentations included Zumba Gold, dance fitness, container gardening, and tips for healthy eating at any age. Ameer Blackmon from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General led a presentation on avoiding senior-targeted scams. Blackmon suggested seniors add themselves to both the state and national Do Not Call registries. And ask a caller seeking a charitable donation to send their donation request in the mail. He also warned that scammers have developed a way to get around caller ID, called “spoofing”—when the caller ID information that displays on your phone is not the true identity or location of the caller.
Ted Pawlik from APPRISE encouraged listeners to carefully review their Medicare coverage each year; benefits change, and the most cost-effective plan for them this year might not be the best choice for next year. “It pays you to take a look at your drug coverage every year,” Pawlik said. “I’m here to tell you, most people don’t do this, and what they’re doing is they’re leaving money on the table.” Attendees at the 50plus EXPO had a good chance of adding a door prize—such as gift certificates and complimentary products—to their bags. And many took advantage of free health screenings for spinal care and posture, blood pressure, blood sugar, and more. Mary Barley of West Chester had undergone a chiropractic scan and was pleased with what it could show her. “The scanning is so that they can tell specifically what areas are in trouble and how they can correct it,” Barley said. “It was helpful because those areas that were targeted are the areas that cause other illnesses or issues, such as your allergies. It was very good.” OLP EvENtS’ 50plus EXPOs will return in the fall: in Lancaster County on Sept. 23, in York County on Sept. 30, and in Cumberland County on Oct. 21. For more information, call (717) 285-1350 or visit www.50plusExpoPA.com.
Proudly Sponsored By: Supporting Sponsors: Daylesford Crossing Senior Living HealthAmerica Advantra Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches Liberty In Home Care Philadelphia Memorial Park Surrey Services for Seniors
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July 2015
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The Way I See It
Junk Drawers Mike Clark have difficulty finding certain objects around the house. It has less to do with a failing memory than with the countless number of places where I could have put those objects after I used them last. It takes some time to sort through all the possibilities. If you remember my column called “My Workshop,” you are familiar with my struggles in organization and neatness. The other day I was looking for a tiny screwdriver (I have several) to fix one of my grandchildren’s toys. Before I started walking in circles and looking in the same places more than once, which is my usual routine, my wife suggested that I look in my junk drawer. “Gee, which one?” I asked. That’s right: I have more than one junk drawer. And who else but me should know better about going directly to a junk drawer when I need things that I could not find anywhere else? After all, I am the creator of junk drawers. My wife should never have to suggest it. I’m of the impression, based on no scientific evidence whatsoever, that we all have junk drawers—special places where we keep small items that we will use, or even think we will use, in the future. I’m talking about little items that might include mini-tools, hooks and fasteners, pins and springs, strings and short lengths of rope, wires, cords, watch parts, favorite writing instruments that will probably never write again, and sometimes small boxes and containers that might someday hold a sentimental souvenir. The list of potentially purposeful items is endless. Take your own inventory when you get the time. We keep these things in drawers because there is not always a good,
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specific place for them; they cannot be hung on a pegboard with larger tools and gadgets. And among the functional junk that is useful by itself, there are random parts and pieces that might not be functional alone, but added to other parts and pieces, we can create new things. Look at some of the great art created from junk. OK, that’s mostly created from much larger junk than we can keep in our drawers, but you get my point. The immutable truth is, the day after we get rid of anything in our closet cache of junk is the day we will need it. So, if I think there’s even a remote chance that I might need a piece, a part, or a tiny tool someday, it goes right to one of my junk drawers until that day rolls around. And, unbelievably, there were many times when I have found a use for something weird in my depository of miscellaneous junk. I just don’t ever want to be that person in the middle of a fix-it job who says, “I wish I still had that nifty little tool or that doohickey I threw away yesterday.” You know what I mean, right? I finally found the screwdriver I needed to fix my grandchild’s toy. But I found it in a junk drawer that had not been opened for a long time. And in that drawer I found a recipe for Maryland crab cakes; two miniature bungee cords; a compass for orienteering, which I never used; a battered watch that my sister bought for me at Christmas in 1964 (it will never again keep time); two pairs of bronzed baby shoes; romantic
cards and notes that my wife and I had exchanged over the years; a small wooden box that my kids bought for me at a school Christmas bazaar many years ago (it has DAD stenciled on the lid); a few stray wedding pictures; and some old photographs of the mountain cabin we once owned. Underneath some of the other mementos and memorabilia, I found my dad’s Army Air Corps discharge paper (he was a military policeman) and the leather wallet that he had in his trousers the night he fell into a deep coma in January 1963; it was a coma from which he never escaped.
The wallet contained his Social Security card, driver’s license, title transfer from a 1948 Pontiac to a 1954 Ford station wagon, a couple of social club membership cards, a ticket for the first annual Loyal Order of Moose chicken barbecue, a business card for the company from which he purchased my mom’s memorial stone seven months earlier, and pictures of my brother, my sister, and me. I thought about the meaning of the things I discovered in that so-called junk drawer. So I removed the junk and made a keepsake drawer. Mike Clark writes a regular column for The Globe Leader newspaper in New Wilmington, Pa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior/applied psychology from Albright College. Mike lives outside Columbia, Pa., and can be contacted at mikemac429@aol.com.
13th Annual
19th Annual
YORK COUNTY
LANCASTER COUNTY
Sept. 23, 2015
Sept. 30, 2015
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spooky Nook Sports
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. York Expo Center
2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim
Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Avenue York
(Just off Rt. 283 at the Salunga exit)
16th Annual
FREE PARKING!
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Oct. 21, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Carlisle Expo Center
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Share Your Memories of V-J Day
Share your memories of Aug. 14, 1945, and help us honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation. Name: _______________________________________________ Current town of residence: _____________________________ Your memories of 8/14/45. Where were you? How old were you? What sights, sounds, and feelings do you recall? (150-word limit): ______________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Entries may be edited for space and grammatical accuracy.
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is commemorating the 70th anniversary of V-J Day with a special spread in its August issue!
The United States—and much of the civilians from all over Central world—rejoiced on Aug. 14, 1945: V-J Pennsylvania. Day, the date that would be remembered Submit your memories using the as the long-awaited form in the adjacent ad end of World War II along with a photo of and the surrender of yourself from either Do you remember the Japanese forces. today or circa 1945 Aug. 14, 1945? This August will (photo not required). mark 70 years since Mail submissions and Where were you? American service photos to 50plus Senior How old were you? News, 3912 Abel Drive, members and civilians literally converged in What sights, Columbia, PA 17512. the streets in Submissions and sounds, and unprecedented photos can also be feelings do you celebration. emailed to Do you remember mjoyce@onlinepub.com recall? Aug. 14, 1945? Where or uploaded on 50plus were you? How old Senior News’ website were you? What sights, sounds, and (www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com/ feelings do you recall? VJDay). A PDF version of the form can 50plus Senior News will commemorate be downloaded there as well. the 70th anniversary of V-J Day with a Please share your memories of Aug. special spread in its August issue! The 14, 1945, for inclusion in this spread feature will include the V-J Day and help us honor the legacy of the recollections of both veterans and Greatest Generation!
Smile of the Month This month’s smile belongs to Avery, 3, granddaughter of Carol Williams of Downingtown.
Contact information (phone and/or email): _______________ _____________________________________________________ All information will be kept confidential and is for OLP’s use only.
Deadline for entries is July 15, 2015. Please include a photo of yourself, from either today or circa 1945! (Not required.) Info and photo may be emailed to mjoyce@onlinepub.com, uploaded to www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com/VJDay, or mailed to: 50plus Senior News 3912 Abel Drive Columbia, PA 17512 If you would like your photo returned, please include a SASE.
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Send us your favorite smile—your children, grandchildren, friends, even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus Senior News’ next Smile of the Month! You can submit your photos either digitally to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to:
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Tinseltown Talks
William Shatner’s Trek through Fatherhood Nick Thomas er father commanded a spaceship in a popular ’60s television series. Two decades later, in 1988, Melanie Shatner was featured alongside her dad in an Oldsmobile TV commercial revealing her own desire to zoom around in something “space age.” But it wouldn’t be the last time father and daughter acted together. The pair shared some on-screen time the following year when Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was released. Directed by her father, William Shatner, a.k.a., Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, Melanie can be seen wandering the Enterprise’s bridge throughout the film. “I actually auditioned for another part but was completely wrong for it,” recalled Melanie—now Melanie Shatner Gretsch after marrying actor Joel Gretsch in 1999. “My dad called and said I didn’t get the part, but there was another small role for the captain’s yeoman if I wanted it, and I said of course.” It launched her somewhat short adult acting career, which included two dozen movie and television roles over the next 10 years. “I didn’t fully enjoy acting,” she admitted. “I made a living acting for a while but wanted to be successful in other ways.” That success was soon seen on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, Calif., in the form of Dari Boutique, which Shatner Gretsch opened 16 years ago. Stocked with cutting-edge fashions, Dari
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Photo courtesy of Melanie Shatner
Melanie Shatner and father William Shatner at Dari Boutique in the early 2000s
quickly became a popular destination for trendy shoppers. Shatner Gretsch says her dad wasn’t too disappointed when she abandoned a career in entertainment for retail sales. “He was probably relieved because acting can be a brutal profession. But really, anything I wanted to do was OK by him. He even helped by loaning me the money to get the store started.” “She was always the kid wearing smart clothes,” recalled Bill Shatner from his home in Studio City. “She just knew about style. Her sisters and all the other kids used to ask her for fashion advice.” Although growing up with a busy, famous father had its drawbacks, Shatner Gretsch gives her dad high marks as a parent. “Ever since I was born he’s been on television, and his office was a movie or television set. When we were younger, he’d take one sister at a time away on location for a whole week. We all have such great memories of getting to hang
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Still of Melanie and Bill Shatner on Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
out with him and watching him work.” Shatner and his first wife were divorced in 1969, but Shatner Gretsch says she and her two older sisters— Lisabeth and Leslie—remained close with their father. “We spent the weekdays with my mother and the weekends with him. He
would do whatever it took to get home to see us, even if it meant driving all night. I think that illustrates what a wonderful, committed father he was and is.” “All divorces are traumatic,” added Shatner. “But the girls have turned out to be wonderful, smart women. Each is talented in some area: Melanie with Dari’s, Lisabeth is a lawyer, and Leslie works in advertising. We get together often as a family.” The Shatner clan expanded in 2005 when Andy Clement married Lisabeth, and he says he was a little surprised when told who her father was. “But the first time I had dinner with them all, he welcomed me into the family even though Liz and I hadn’t been dating long,” recalled Clement, who founded Creative Character Engineering please see SHATNER page 10
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Light Moderate Heavy Brief/Diaper Pull-ons Pads/Liners Skin care July 2015
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Calendar of Events
Chester County
Support Groups
July 1, 6 p.m. Memory Loss and Dementia Support Group Sunrise Assisted Living of Paoli 324 W. Lancaster Ave., Malvern (610) 251-9994 July 2 and 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bereavement Support Group Brandywine Hospital Conference Room 2N 201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville (610) 998-1700, ext. 226 July 7, 2 p.m. Grief Support Group Phoenixville Senior Center 153 Church St., Phoenixville (610) 327-7216
Free and open to the public
July 7 and 21, 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 8, 1:30 p.m. Family Caregiver Support Group Sarah Care 425 Technology Drive, Suite 200 Malvern (610) 251-0801 July 13 and 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Caregiver Support Group Adult Care of Chester County 201 Sharp Lane, Exton (610) 363-8044
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
Programs & Events
July 14, 7 p.m. Hearing Loss Support Group Christ Community Church 1190 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester (610) 444-445 www.hearinglosschesco.com July 14 and 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bereavement Support Group Jennersville Hospital Conference Room B 1015 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove (610) 998-1700, ext. 226 July 21, 6 p.m. Family Caregiver Support Group Sunrise of Westtown 501 Skiles Blvd., West Chester (610) 399-4464 July 29, 6 p.m. Living with Cancer Support Group Paoli Hospital Cancer Center 255 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli (484) 565-1253
Free and open to the public
July 2, 7:30 p.m. Compassionate Friends Valley Forge Chapter Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 132 E. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia www.tcfvalleyforge.org July 7, 11:30 a.m. West Chester University Retirees Luncheon For restaurant location, please email darsie@verizon.net
July 7 to Aug. 25 (Tuesdays), 1 to 3 p.m. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls Heatherwood Retirement Community 3180 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook (610) 273-9300, ext. 360 July 18, 5 to 10 p.m. Bingo Night Marine Corps League Detachment 430 Chestnut St., Downingtown (610) 429-8174
Chester County Department of Parks and Recreation www.chesco.org/ccparks July 11, 8 to 9:30 p.m. – Bats in the Night Sky, Warwick County Park July 11, 8 to 10 p.m. – Hibernia Sunset Hike, Hibernia County Park July 26, 1 to 3 p.m. – Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, Springton Manor Farm
Chester County Library Programs Downingtown Library, 330 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 269-2741 July 16, 6:30 p.m. – Downingtown Library Writers Group July 23, 1 p.m. – Senior Book Club July 23, 6:30 p.m. – Reading the Classics
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Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli, (610) 296-7996 Mystery Book Club – Call for dates/times
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Senior Center Activities
Coatesville Area Senior Center – (610) 383-6900 22 N. Fifth Ave., Coatesville – www.coatesvilleseniorcenter.org Downingtown Senior Center – (610) 269-3939 983 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown – http://home.ccil.org/~dasc 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 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 West Chester Area Senior Center – (610) 431-4242 530 E. Union St., West Chester – www.wcseniors.org Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.
SHATNER
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in Van Nuys. “It was incredible to see someone so attached to his kids.” Clement, whose recent movie work includes special effects for Interstellar, said he is also amazed by his father-in-law’s inventive, restless mind. “He really is a dynamo, and his mind just never stops working. He always wants to get involved with a production to make it better. So many actors just turn it on when the cameras are rolling, but he’s always cranking.” Like most in the business, Shatner has had his share of project clunkers over the years. But, said Shatner Gretsch, “working is what keeps him young, excited, and creative. You’ve got to give him points for always trying something new.” And if there’s a lesson Bill Shatner has learned in more than 50 years as an actor, it’s one he willingly shares as a father. “You can only pass on endurance,” he said. “Everybody has to make their own mistakes and learn from them.” Thomas’ features and columns have appeared in more than 400 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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Deal Me In By Mark Pilarski
Doing Dice the Easy Way Dear Mark: I would like to learn how to play dice. What is the best way? – Dave K. Craps with confidence, Dave, commences by reading a decent book on the game. For the dice apprentice, Henry Tamburin’s Craps: Take the Money and Run or Beat the Craps Out of the Casino by Frank Scobete are two of my favorites for the beginner player. Either one, Dave, will explain the various bets, correct odds, payoffs, sucker bets, and playing strategies for the game of craps. Next, I would highly recommend that go to YouTube and watch any of the excellent videos on craps by Michael Shackleford. Begin with “Craps Part One – Approaching the Table.” No matter whether it’s a book or watching YouTube videos on your laptop, I would suggest that you focus only on the wagers that offer a house edge under 1.5 percent, like a pass-line bet and placing the six or eight. Both wagers easily make my top 10 list of the best bets the casino offers. Besides, making these two outstanding craps wagers, and nothing more, shortens your schooling to less than two minutes. Allow me, Dave, to break these bets down for you. The central wager in craps is the passline bet. If the come-out roll (the role of the dice that begins a game) is seven or
11, the bet wins. If the come-out roll is two, three, or 12, you lose, or, as they say, you “crapped out.” If the roll is any other value (four, give, six, eight, nine, 10), the value rolled becomes the point. With a point established, if that point is rolled again before a seven, the bet wins. If the seven is rolled before the point, you “seven out” and the bet loses. A pass-line bet pays even money. A place bet on the six or eight is a wager that the six or eight will be rolled before the seven. When making a place bet on the six or eight, you should always wager in increments of $6 ($12, $18, $24, etc.), because the six and eight pay off at seven to six, or $7 for every $6 bet. The casino standard is for the dealer to round down payouts to the nearest dollar. Because of this, you will be shortchanged on any win where the bet was not a multiple of $6. Typically, Dave, place bets are not working on the come-out roll but can be “turned on” by the player. My one other recommendation is to stay clear of all those proposition bets in
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the center of the layout that the stickman is barking for. The dealer who is tempting you with their performance is doing nothing more than inducing play on wagers that are all “house bets,” a.k.a., sucker bets, with some carrying a casino advantage as high as 16 percent. That’s it, Dave. Craps is that simple. You are no longer greener than the felt on the table; plus, you can now exploit the best bet(s) the
game of craps has to offer. You have now officially joined the less than 1 percent of players out there who truly understand craps. Now off to YouTube you go, Dave, and watch Michael Shackleford visually illustrate the above-mentioned wagers for you. Gambling Wisdom of the Month: “I started shooting craps like they was goin’ to close up the place … and I lost all the money I had on me. But what the hell, it was a lot of fun.” – William “Si” Redd, King of the Slots Mark Pilarski is a recognized authority on casino gambling, having survived 18 years in the casino trenches. Pilarski is the creator of the bestselling, award-winning audio book series on casino gambling, Hooked on Winning. www.markpilarski.com
Who Has the Best Bites in Central PA? 50plus Senior News readers have spoken! Here are the Chester County dining favorites for 2015! Breakfast: Bob Evans
Fast Food: McDonald’s
Lunch: Cracker Barrel
Seafood: Doc Magrogan’s
Dinner: Twenty9 Restaurant & Bar
Steak: Longhorn Steakhouse
Ethnic Cuisine: Cedars Café
Outdoor Dining: McKenzie’s Brew House
Celebrating: Mendenhall Inn Restaurant
Romantic Setting: Dilworthtown Inn
Bakery: Country Bagel
Smorgasbord/Buffet: Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Coffeehouse: Starbucks
Caterer: Acquilante’s
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Salute to a Veteran
After His 1st Mission, They Counted 29 Flak Holes in His B-24 Robert D. Wilcox dward Johnson grew up in Abington, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia. Like other young men of the World War II years, he had visions of flying hot Air Corps airplanes. To fly the P-38, for example, was his dream of a life well lived. When he enlisted in 1944, however, he found that the Air Corps had more pilots than they could handle. So he found himself in radio school, where he spent six months mastering all the skills it would take to become a radioman in combat. That meant he not only had to know all about radio, but also how to fire a 50-caliber machine gun and be familiar enough with it to disassemble it and assemble it again while blindfolded. He then shipped to Charleston, S.C., where he was assigned to the crew of a B24 four-engine bomber. And they were soon on their way to Italy aboard a
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Johnson’s B-24 crew. He’s second from the right in the top row.
Liberty ship, where they were to be assigned to a 15th Air Force base in San Pancrazio on the southern coast of Italy. Johnson explains that the radioman on the B-24 occupied a position in the upper fuselage aft of the cockpit and the top turret. The radioman of lead crews (and deputy leads) would go for hours
Tech Sergeant Edward A. Johnson flew a B-24 like this out of Italy.
listening to incoming messages and giving position reports every 30 minutes. They helped the navigator in taking fixes and reporting to headquarters of targets attacked and results. When needed, they would also man the second machine gun in the waist of the airplane. In other crews, the radioman would be at
the radio only as needed, if the aircraft had to leave the formation, for instance. He was responsible for setting up the radios for each flight but spent most of his time manning the waist machine gun while in hostile territory. As we conquered the southern part of Italy, we had many airfields there from which we bombed targets in southern Germany and Austria. Bridges and airfields were prime targets. And, during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944/January 1945, the B-24 launched a series of raids on the German troops in northern Italy, designed to prevent their being moved to join the fighting in the Ardennes. Johnson flew 23 missions from his base in San Pancrazio. When asked if he remembers one mission as being more hazardous than others, he promptly says, “The first one. It was a heckuva way to start out. Four squadrons of our B-24s
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were handed the assignment of knocking out an Alpine bridge that Germans were using to send supplies to Italian and German troops in Northern Italy. “We were flying at 20,000 feet, but in the Alps the ack-ack cannon were only 10,000 feet or so below us. For some reason, the lead bombardier failed to get his fix on the first pass over the target. So we all had to make a second pass, with the ack-ack this time just waiting for us. “As we got over the target, you could hear the flak tearing into our plane. It felt like someone hitting the plane with a two-by-four. “It seemed like some kind of small miracle that, with all that damage, nobody aboard got a scratch. That, despite the fact that we later counted 29 major holes in the plane from the flak. The main thing, of course, was that the stream of 100-pound bombs from our squadrons had completely demolished the bridge that was our target.” Johnson flew 22 more missions after that and was often hit by flak. On one mission, they barely made it back after having two engines shot out. But his crew was one of the lucky ones, always returning to base in one piece … and with no crew members wounded. After Johnson’s 23rd mission, the war ended, and he went home in style. A packed B-24 flew airmen to Gander Field in Newfoundland, and from there they went by train to the U.S.
Johnson was discharged in November as a tech sergeant and returned home, where he then used the G.I. Bill to attend West Chester Teachers College. His skill there at playing third base on the baseball team led to his playing in the East’s team in the first annual East-West college allstar game at Boston’s Fenway Park. The newspaper reporting the game named him the “batting star” who scored one run and drove in another in the East’s 6-2 win. It also noted that he had been joined by Charley Trippi, of Georgia, and Glenn Davis, of Army, both nationally known football stars. After graduating from West Chester with a B.S. in social studies, Johnson taught at Haverford (Pa.) Elementary School for six years before becoming the school’s principal. He retired in 1987 after 38 years as an educator. He and his wife, Dorothy, came to Central Pennsylvania in 2006 in order to be closer to their daughter, Sandra, who was teaching at an area high school. Asked if he often thinks back to his World War II experiences, he agrees that he does. He says that they somehow stay etched in his mind, while other reminiscences of those days tend to dim. With a grin, he says, “I wouldn’t want to go through that again, but those memories are sure nice to have.”
November 13, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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They served us — now let us serve them! Reserve your space today! The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families. The Job Fair brings veterans and spouses who need jobs together with employers who can benefit from this rich source of talent to aid their organizations.
Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.
2 events — 1 location At the Expo
The Year in Everyday Costs As 50plus Senior News celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we hope you’ll enjoy a monthly peek back at the world in 1995! This month, the average costs of everyday life in 1995:
Postage stamp: 32 cents Loaf of bread: $1.40 Gallon of milk: $2.59 Gallon of gas: $1.35 A dozen eggs: 87 cents Car: $12,800 Household income: $34,076 Monthly rent: $550 House: $111,000
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At the Job Fair Employers Job Counseling Workshops/Seminars Resume Writing Assistance
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available To become a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact your account representative, call (717) 285-1350, or email info@onlinepub.com
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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Appraisal Events Reveal Great Finds, Part I Lori Verderame nnually, I present about 150 antique appraisal shows throughout the United States. My appraisal events empower folks with information that they can use when cleaning out their homes, downsizing, handing down family heirlooms, or visiting estate and yard sales. The appraisal events are as interesting as they are amusing. Check out what I’ve checked out recently and plan to come to one of my events with your antiques or family heirlooms (schedule posted at www.DrLoriV.com/events):
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Reno, Nev. – A painting by Albert Blakelock, whose works are in the Brooklyn Museum and the Corcoran Gallery, was brought to my event by a gentleman whose grandfather received the painting in payment of a debt during the Great Depression. The painting has been displayed in his home ever since. I told the owner at my event that his Romantic landscape painting by Blakelock is now worth $30,000.
STORIES
Native American beaded moccasins, circa early 1900s
Photos courtesy of the staff of www.DrLoriV.com
Dr. Lori with Andrea in Virginia Beach, Va., and her World War II map of Europe
father served with the famous military division. They were the American military division that liberated the Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Her colorful map and a yearbook of photos documenting the 42nd Rainbow’s service are treasured family keepsakes. Value: $5,000 Grand Island, Neb. – Tanner, age 5, brought his grandmother’s 1930s-era Bakelite pin in the shape of a squirrel to my event
that piece of costume jewelry was $275. Fort Wayne, Ind. – A pair of beaded moccasins, in mint condition, had been in the owner’s family for generations and was lovingly stored with tissue paper out of direct sunlight for years. She was told to take care of them and she did. Value: $4,000 Atlanta, Ga. – Charles brought a Freemason’s apron that was handmade by the wife of one of his relatives who served in the Civil War. Decorated with the famous symbols of the secret society, the antique was said to have saved the family from certain death as it hung in a front window during the burning of Atlanta. Historical value: Priceless
Virginia Beach, Va. – A hand-drawn World War II map of Europe documenting the sites where the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division served was brought to me by Andrea, whose
for an appraisal. Tanner told me it was OK for a boy to wear this pin because squirrels are scary animals. The not-so-scary value of
The Villages, Fla. – A World Series umpire owned a 1947 New York Yankees/St. Louis Cardinals World Series ring featuring 14-karat gold and diamonds. The owner/umpire was in his 90s when I appraised the ring recently, and
“I love all types of stories and consider myself a writer first and a storyteller second. I’m a fan of short stories but read a lot of novels also.” Imagine going to a job each day where you find yourself meeting and working with celebrities such as Milton Berle, Richard Simmons, Joan Rivers, Annette Funicello, and Cal Ripken. You would probably come home with some interesting stories to tell. For 17 years, Jim Breslin did just that while working as a producer for QVC, the world’s largest home shopping television network, famous for featuring celebrity product endorsements during live broadcasts. “A favorite moment for me was when Florence Henderson kissed me on the cheek—I grew up watching her on television as Mrs. Brady,” he says. Breslin describes his experiences at QVC as fun and surreal, but after 17 years in such a high-pressure environment, he decided to “exit
corporate life and pursue more artistic projects.” In 2014, he published Shoplandia, a novel that draws on his experience in broadcasting and pulls back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of a shopping network. “It’s a humorous novel about the surreal life of those who work in the live studios of a home shopping channel and have to deal with celebrity guests and other mayhem,” says Breslin. Shoplandia was published by Breslin’s own Oermead Press, a micro-publishing project he founded in 2010 dedicated to the purpose of producing quality fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Oermead has published five books to date, including Breslin’s novel, collections of poetry and short stories, anthologies, e-books, and podcasts. While attending to his own writing, Oermead Press, and the Story Slams, Breslin recently passed a personal milestone: his 50th birthday.
“I’m not going to lie—turning 50 has messed with my head a bit,” he says. “My father died when he was 47, so I’ve been cognizant of his mortality. I mountain bike two or three times a week and hike also.” He also has some words of advice for aspiring writers who may be grappling with getting their own stories down on paper. “I recommend sitting in the chair every day. Set goals and write, write, write. The first draft is always terrible. Writing is about revising 30, 40, 50 times. Join critique groups that will be supportive but also honest. Don’t take criticism personally,” he says. “You won’t please everyone with your writing, but that’s OK.” Breslin lives in West Chester, Pa., with his wife, Jeannine, and has two sons attending Temple University. Visit www.jimbreslin.com or www.wcstoryslam.com for more information.
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has branched out into surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, including the Lancaster, Delco, and Lehigh Valley Story Slams. “It’s been a joy to meet so many people and to record and archive their incredible stories on our website and podcasts,” says Breslin. He has advice for those who may be interested in participating in the event but are unsure of their own storytelling abilities. “Everyone has at least one or two amazing stories in their life. Story Slams are not just for writers. We often have someone sign up at intermission after watching a few stories. They didn’t plan on telling a story, but then they get up to the mic and tell this amazing story and win the event.” Breslin is also active in literary circles, serving as a member of vice president of the Brandywine Valley Writers Group and a member of the Philadelphia Writers Group.
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Hartville, Ohio – A couple married 35 years brought an early 1900s Native American leather, wood, and beadwork baby papoose to my event. When I asked the wife if anyone in her family was Native American, she said, “No.” Her husband, seated next to her, interrupted—“Hello, I am Cheyenne!” He was just as shocked by his wife’s ignorance of their family history as he was by the antique’s value. Value: $10,000
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he was still cool under pressure. He didn’t move a muscle when I appraised it for $20,000. Greensboro, N.C. – The granddaughter of a man who made a
pass at Margaret Mitchell in the summer of 1936 while the author was selling her books on an Atlanta sidewalk brought a signed first-edition copy of Gone with the Wind to my event. She retold the story of how her
grandfather, though rejected by Mitchell, bought the famous Civil War novel from the author. That book had it all: famous story, great condition, first edition, original cover, autographed, impeccable provenance. Value: $60,000
Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and former museum director, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/Events, www.Facebook .com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.
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