Complimentary | Chester County Edition
July 2018 • Vol. 15 No. 7
Preserving Middle-Class Life in Early America page 4
What to Know about the New Medicare Cards page 7
highlights from 50plus expo page 10
Dear Pharmacist
Health Myths and Fascinating Facts Suzy Cohen
About burping. Also termed eructation, this is just your body expelling gas through your mouth. Most people burp between eight and 20 times a day. It’s not objectionable to burp out loud after eating a meal in certain parts of China, India, and a small island in the Middle East.
About eyes. Contrary to popular belief, some people can keep their eyes open when they sneeze! Also, green is the rarest eye color to have. About that trick knee. Some of you have a trick knee (or shoulder) that can predict weather. Basically, you can tell when bad weather or a storm is coming with one of your bum joints. As the barometric or atmospheric pressure drops (before a storm), tissues in joints expand a little bit, and your knee or shoulder may feel it and alert you by experiencing pain.
it famous for building up muscles. But the fact is that the iron content isn’t as high as you were told. It was mistakenly reported as 35 grams instead of 3.5 grams per serving, due to a printing error where the decimal point got moved. The chemist made a mistake in 1870, and it’s still being perpetuated.
About spinach. Some nutritionists still recommend spinach for people who have iron-deficiency anemia due to the iron content. Even Popeye made
CA$H IN! Guaranteed to Beat
About No. 2. Pushing out waste in the wee hours of the morning doesn’t happen because we have sophisticated neurons in our gut that follow our 24hour circadian rhythm. The bladder, however, is only so big, and you might not be able to hold urine for six hours while you’re sleeping.
About amnesia. People can lose their immediate memories. It’s clinically termed “transient global amnesia,” and it can occur after strenuous activity, such as vigorously exercising, jumping into hot water, or a brain injury. About hair. The color gray is a please see MYTHS page 13
Premier Orthopaedics is delighted to welcome Dr. Scott Ritterman to our medical staff
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• Joint replacement • Sports medicine • Spine surgery • Hand surgery • Foot surgery • Medicare approved in-office injections for joint pain/osteoarthritis • Bracing and assistive devices • Pediatric, adult, and geriatric sub-specialties within the group
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Mon. – Fri. 10-5, Sat. & Sun. by appointment
July 2018
Nikos K. Pavlides, M.D.
At Premier Orthopaedics we take great pride in delivering the highest quality of care in the community across a full range of services, including:
(484) 872-8216 2
Scott Ritterman, M.D.
Dr. Ritterman specializes in joint replacement surgery and is trained in all aspects of fracture care, including OPERATIVE and NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT as well as sports medicine.
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Premier Orthopaedics Brandywine Division 1561 Medical Drive Pottstown, PA 19464
Premier Orthopaedics 119 E. Uwchlan Ave. Suite #100 Exton, PA 19341
www.50plusLifePA.com
Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Expand Opioid Treatment for Seniors During a recent hearing, “Preventing and Treating Opioid Misuse among Older Americans,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) highlighted the often-overlooked experiences of older adults with opioid-use disorders and ways to support their recovery. Casey, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, also discussed his recent bipartisan legislation, the Medicare Beneficiary Opioid Addiction Treatment Act (S. 2704), which would enhance Medicare coverage for methadone, a proven opioid treatment for
individuals in recovery. Opioid use disorders are on the rise among older adults. In Americans ages 50 and older, opioid misuse doubled from 2002 to 2014, as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, 14.4 million people with Medicare received an opioid prescription in 2016. And, more than 1,400 older adults lost their lives to opioids in 2016 — despite the availability of a lifesaving
medication that reverses overdose. “The opioid crisis is ravaging our communities and harming every generation—from newborn babies to aging grandparents,” said Casey. “Older Americans are among the unseen victims of this epidemic. We must expand access and affordability to evidence-based treatment and support for all, and we must ensure that those services are affordable.” William Stauffer, from Allentown, Pennsylvania, testified before the committee at Casey’s invitation. Stauffer is the executive director of Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations
Alliance, located in Harrisburg, and has been in long-term recovery for more than 30 years. PRO-A supports a statewide network of more than 40 communitybased recovery programs serving more than 3,800 Pennsylvanians affected by substance misuse. “Supporting access to all medications, treatment, and recoverysupport services that can assist an older adult into the recovery process is a critically important first step in assisting adults over 65 accessing care for an opioid-use disorder,” Stauffer said.
At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away. 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 Pennsylvania Poison Center (800) 521-6110
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800) 232-4636 Coatesville VA Medical Center (610) 383-7711 Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233
Legal Services Lawyer Referral Service (610) 429-1500
PACE (800) 225-7223
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (610) 436-4510
Senior Healthlink (610) 431-1852
Nutrition Meals on Wheels Chester County Inc. (610) 430-8500
Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213
Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-3676
Southeastern Pennsylvania Medical Institute (610) 446-0662
Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900 American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345 American Heart Association (610) 940-9540 Arthritis Foundation (215) 665-9200 www.50plusLifePA.com
JEWELERS American Gold & Estate Buyers, Inc. 363 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton (484) 872-8216
National Osteoporosis Foundation (800) 223-9994
Office of Aging (610) 344-6350/(800) 692-1100
Funeral & Cremation Services Cremation Society of Pennsylvania Serving Chester County (800) 720-8221
Housing Authority of Phoenixville (610) 933-8801
Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY home equity loans Glendale Mortgage (610) 853-6500; (888) 456-0988 Housing Assistance Community Impact Legal Services (610) 876-0804 Housing Authority of Chester County (610) 436-9200
Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (800) 366-3997 Office of Aging Chester County Department of Aging Services (610) 344-6350 Orthopedics Premier Orthopaedics Locations in Coatesville and Pottstown (610) 792-9292 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
Physicians Gateway Medical Associates Locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Lionville, and West Chester (610) 423-8181 retirement living Friends Home in Kennett 147 W. State St., Kennett Square (610) 444-2577 Harrison Senior Living Locations in Christiana and East Fallowfield (610) 384-6310 Senior Centers Coatesville (610) 383-6900 Downingtown (610) 269-3939 Great Valley (610) 889-2121 Kennett Square (610) 444-4819 Oxford (610) 932-5244 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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Cover Story
Preserving Middle-Class Life in Early America 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
ART DEPARTMENT Project Coordinator Renee McWilliams Production Artist Lauren Phillips
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50plus LIFE 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.
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By Lori Van Ingen Like many retirees, when Margaret Sidlick left the workforce in fall 2015, she decided she wanted to volunteer. A friend recommended she look for a small, local organization, as they would be grateful for whatever assistance she could give to fulfill their needs. The following spring, Sidlick saw an advertisement asking for volunteer help at Historic Sugartown, a historic 19th-century village in the Malvern area. Sidlick had already taken a couple of bookbinding workshops there, so she went to the prospective-volunteer open house. She took a tour of village and eagerly signed up as a volunteer educator for grade-school tours. According to its website, Sugartown “offers a window into American life in an early 19th-century rural crossroads village.” First known as Shugart’s Town, after tavern keeper Eli Shugart, it became a “vital stop” for the local farming communities as people hauled their goods to markets in Philadelphia and other parts of Chester County. The Historic Sugartown campus covers 9 acres with several restored buildings. An 1805 fieldstone Quaker farmhouse was up for
Photo credit: Crissy Everhart Photography
Front row, from left, Historic Sugartown’s circa1805 saddle shop and home; the general store; the 1889 addition; and the 1860 Sharpless & Abigail Worrall House. Behind, the circa-1883 barn ruin and the carriage museum.
Photo credit: Campli Photography
The circa-1805 William Garrett House, a fieldstone Quaker farmhouse.
Inside Historic Sugartown’s general store, constructed around 1805 and first used as a store in 1822.
Brass fillets, used to apply gold decoration to the cover or spine of a book, in Sugartown’s book bindery.
demolition, Sidlick said, so it was purchased by Historic Sugartown and restored. It is now referred to as the William Garrett House, for its first owner. Other buildings at Historic Sugartown include a Pennsylvania bank barn, a circa1880s general store, a book bindery, and a schoolroom exhibit. Historic Sugartown also repurposed an auxiliary station of the Malvern Fire Company on its grounds to become the carriage museum, a partnership with Chester County Historical Society. Seventeen of Chester County Historical Society’s carriages, sleighs, and other vehicles are now on display in the building. Sugartown’s volunteer educators are given a page on each of the buildings to memorize, and then they improvise their tours with what they have learned, Sidlick said. Unlike some historic villages, however, the educator does not dress up in period clothing. As part of her tours, Sidlick demonstrates some of the hearth fireplace’s cooking tools, and the children participate in various activities, such as butter churning, while learning “what it was like living in the 19th century,” Sidlick said. “They like butter making. We talk about milking cows, separating milk and cream, the difference between making whipped cream and butter … They are www.50plusLifePA.com
also fascinated by watching the clock jack, and grateful that she decided to bring her many a clock mechanism that turns a rotisserie in talents to Historic Sugartown.” the walk-in hearth in the Garrett House.” Sidlick has visited other historic villages, such Sidlick also volunteers at other special as in Charleston, South Carolina, to see and occasions at Historic Sugartown. In compare their environmental monitoring systems. addition to helping with setup for events “It’s fun to get out and do new things and get such as Shugart Sunday BBQ & Blues and different perspectives,” Sidlick said. Sugartown at Sundown Lantern Tours, Besides her work at Historic Sugartown, Sidlick has carved pumpkins and assisted Sidlick now has added volunteer hours for other with Christmas decorating and crafts during local organizations to her schedule. A Sugartown Christmas and Cabin Fever Sidlick recently volunteered for the first time Saturday. at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Although she enjoys serving as a tour Philadelphia Flower Show as a recorder for the guide and assisting at the special events, show’s contests. Sidlick found she could put her more than And to help small organizations near her 31 years in the technology field to work second home in southern Delaware, Sidlick by aiding the village in monitoring its volunteers for Freeman Stage, an open-air environmental system, which helps keep performing arts venue near Fenwick Island, Sidlick checks the readings on one of the historic site’s the historic buildings operating at peak Delaware. 12 monitoring devices, which track temperature and efficiency. She also offers her time for a few event days humidity. The temperature and relative humidity of at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in each building must be kept at specific levels Winterthur, Delaware, the former home of Henry for the safety of the historic collections, Sidlick said. There are monitoring Francis du Pont, a renowned antiques collector and horticulturist. devices in 12 areas of the village, including the schoolroom, book bindery, and “I get to meet new people, learn new things, and hopefully make a carriage museum. contribution while doing this. Also, when I travel now, I can compare and The monitoring system is manual and is not capable of wireless monitoring, contrast Chester County style and history with other areas.” so Sidlick comes into the village to check the monitors. She reads the For more information on Historic Sugartown, visit historicsugartown.org or monitoring devices and then transfers the data to a computer program, which call (610) 640-2667. makes any adjustments necessary to the environmental system. On the cover: Volunteer Margaret Sidlick inside Historic Sugartown’s book “You look for spikes or drops in temperature,” Sidlick said. “You also look up bindery, the site for the village’s bookbinding workshops. the weather for that day — whether it was cold or hot.” This is essential for seasonally sensitive items. For instance, if a heater breaks down during the winter, the monitoring system can determine approximately advertisement when it happened and get it fixed prior to the destruction of items that need to be kept at a certain temperature. Sidlick started monitoring early on in her volunteer work at Sugartown. Originally, the village collected so much data so often that the devices would stop working; Sidlick corrected the problem. If you want a funeral with an expensive casket Now, Sidlick goes on site consistently once or twice a month to be sure and embalming, go to a funeral home! the batteries have not died and the monitoring system is up and running. If you are interested in affordable cremation services, Consistent data is key to keeping the collection safe from harm, she said. we are the name to remember! “Margaret has been a great help to us here at Historic Sugartown since We specialize in cremation only, statewide, no removal fees. she started,” Faith McCarrick, director of programs and outreach at Historic No Embalming No Caskets Sugartown, said. “Whether she is teaching students, manning an activity station at an event, helping clean our circa-1835 barn, or working on our environmental monitoring system, Margaret is an essential part of our team. We are thrilled
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Calendar of Events
Chester County
Support Groups Free and open to the public
Senior Center Activities
Mondays (except holidays), 10-11:30 a.m. Sunshine Memory Café United Methodist Church of West Chester 129 S. High St., West Chester (610) 349-3401 adean0413@gmail.com
July 10 and 24, 6:30-8 p.m. Bereavement Support Group Jennersville Hospital Conference Room B 1015 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove (610) 998-1700, ext. 226
July 3, 1:30 p.m. Grief Support Group Phoenixville Senior Center 153 Church St., Phoenixville (610) 327-7216
July 11, 1:30 p.m. Family Caregiver Support Group Sarah Care 425 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Malvern (610) 251-0801
Coatesville Area Senior Center (610) 383-6900 250 Harmony St., Coatesville www.coatesvilleseniorcenter.org Mo ndays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:30-11:15 a.m. – Going Fit Exercise Program July 5 and 19, 11 a.m. to noon – Veterans Coffee Club July 11 and 25, 1-2 p.m. – Bingo
July 3 and 17, 6:30-8 p.m. Bereavement Support Group Brandywine Hospital Conference Room 2N 201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville (610) 998-1700, ext. 226
July 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Hearing Loss Support Group Christ Community Church 1190 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester (610) 444-445 www.hearinglosschesco.com
July 9 and 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon Caregiver Coffee Break/Support Group Active Day of Exton 201 Sharp Lane, Exton (610) 363-8044
July 17, 6 p.m. Family Caregiver Support Group Sunrise of Westtown 501 Skiles Blvd., West Chester (610) 399-4464
July 10 and 24, 5-6:30 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 25, 6 p.m. Living with Cancer Support Group Paoli Hospital Cancer Center 255 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli (484) 565-1253
July 5, 7:30 p.m. Compassionate Friends Valley Forge Chapter Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 132 E. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia (484) 919-0820 www.tcfvalleyforge.org
Great Valley Senior Center – (610) 889-2121 47 Church Road, Malvern July 3, 11 a.m. – AD-Com Planning Meeting July 11, noon – Summer Picnic July 17, 4:45 p.m. – Senior Supper 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 Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Paint Class Phoenixville Area Senior Center – (610) 935-1515 153 Church St., Phoenixville www.phoenixvilleseniorcenter.org
Community Programs Free and open to the public July 3, 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 www.downingtownseniors.org Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – Yoga Wednesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. – Wake Up! Cardio Fridays, 12:30-3 p.m. – Bridge Club
July 7 and 21, 5-10 p.m. Bingo Night Marine Corps League Detachment 430 Chestnut St., Downingtown (610) 429-8174 If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
West Chester Area Senior Center – (610) 431-4242 530 E. Union St., West Chester www.wcseniors.org Thursdays, 1 p.m. – WCASC Chorus Submit senior center events to mjoyce@onlinepub. com.
Library Programs Downingtown Library, 330 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 269-2741 July 10, 6:30 p.m. – Film Forum July 26, 1 p.m. – Senior Book Club July 26, 6:30 p.m. – Reading the Classics Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli, (610) 296-7996 Mystery Book Club – Call for dates/times
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www.50plusLifePA.com
Savvy Senior
Jim Miller
What to Know about the New Medicare Cards
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the new Medicare cards? I’ve heard there are a lot of scams associated with these new cards, and I want to make sure I protect myself. – Leery Senior Dear Leery, The government has begun sending out brand new Medicare cards to 59 million Medicare beneficiaries. Here’s what you should know about your new card, along with some tips to help you guard against potential scams. New Medicare Cards In April, Medicare began removing Social Security numbers from their new Medicare cards and mailing them out to everyone who gets Medicare benefits. This change helps protect your identity and reduces medical and financial fraud. The new cards will have a randomly generated 11-character Medicare number. This will happen automatically. You don’t need to do anything or pay anyone to get your new card. Medicare will mail your card, at no cost, to the address you have on file with the Social Security Administration. If you need to update your official mailing address, visit your online Social Security account at www.SSA.gov/myaccount or call (800) 772-1213. When you get your new card, your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same. The cards will be mailed in waves, to various parts of the country over
a 12-month period ending April 2019. Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia were the first to receive the mailings, between April and June. The last wave of states will be Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee, along with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. When you get your new Medicare card, don’t throw your old one in the trash. Instead, put it through a shredder or cut it up with a pair of scissors and make sure the part showing your Social Security number is destroyed. If you have a separate Medicare Advantage card, keep it because you’ll still need it for treatment.
number and card.
number or bank information, that’s a scam. Hang up. Medicare will never ask you to give personal information to get your new
• Guard your card. When you get your new card, safeguard it like you would any other health insurance or credit card. While removing the Social Security number cuts down on many types of identity theft, you’ll still want to protect your new card because identity thieves could
use it to get medical services. For more information about changes to your Medicare card, call (800) MEDICARE or visit go.medicare.gov/newcard. And if you suspect fraud, report it to the FTC (www. ftccomplaintassistant.gov); AARP’s fraud helpline, (877) 908-3360; or Pennsylvania’s Senior Medicare Patrol program at (800) 356-3606 or www. carie.org/programs/senior-medicarepatrol. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
Watch Out for Scams As the new Medicare cards are being mailed, be on the lookout for Medicare scams. Here are some tips:
ibxmedicare.com
• Don’t pay for your new card. It’s yours for free. If anyone calls and says you need to pay for it, that’s a scam. • Don’t give personal information to get your card. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security
Did you know? is available online for anytime/anywhere reading! www.50plusLifePA.com
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July 2018
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You’re not just a business. You’re not just an organization.
You’re a resource. You provide valuable services to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, and their families. Help them find you by being included in your county’s most comprehensive annual directory of resources.
Fun Factoids for a Festive Fourth Do you know your U.S. history? Here are some Fourth of July facts to ponder and share: • Three presidents died on July 4: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in 1826 and James Monroe in 1831. Calvin Coolidge was the only president born on July 4, in 1872. • The Massachusetts General Court was the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration, in 1781. • The first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” occurred in 1791.
• The U.S. Congress established Independence Day as an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870. They changed it to a federal paid holiday in 1931. • The Declaration of Independence was approved in a closed session of the Second Continental Congress on July 2, 1776, but most of the delegates didn’t sign it until Aug. 2. Although John Adams expected Americans would celebrate July 2, the date on the publicized copies of the document was July 4, which became the day Americans have commonly observed.
Coffee May Benefit Heart Attack Survivors
• Your company’s information reaches those in the decision-making process • Anywhere, anytime, any device access
•O nline Resource Directory—Added benefit to all packages for greater exposure • Supports local agencies and promotes efficient coordination of services • Print edition distributed at hundreds of 50plus LIFE consumer pick-up sites, OLP’s 15 annual expos, and community events • Produced by a company that has been dedicated to the area’s 50+ community for more than 20 years
Sponsorships available for greatest exposure Individual full-color display ads and enhanced listings also available
Ad closing date: Oct. 12, 2018 Contact your account representative or call 610.675.6240 now to be included in this vital annual directory. 717.285.1350 • 717.770.0140 • 610.675.6240 info@onlinepub.com • www.onlinepub.com
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If you’ve suffered from a heart attack or know someone who has, this news should perk you up. A study by York University in the United Kingdom found that drinking one or two cups of coffee a day can apparently cut the risk of premature death by 20 percent among heart attack patients.
Researchers kept track of 3,721 U.K. heart attack survivors and their coffee habits. They aren’t sure how coffee helps survivors, but other studies suggest that drinking three to five cups of coffee daily has a beneficial effect on people with Parkinson’s disease, and it may also help people with liver cancer.
Where friends become family. • Comfortable • Homey • Great care when needed • Independent • Personal Care • Skilled Call (610) 444-2577 for more information or to schedule a personal tour. Friends Home in Kennett | 147 West State Street | Kennett Square, PA 19348 Phone: (610) 444-2577 | Fax: (610) 444-2856 | www.friendshomeinkennett.org
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Update Your Home and Never Make a Payment “When I looked into getting a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to fix up our home, I realized we would have to make a payment every month, which would have been difficult for us to do. “We discovered, however, that a reverse mortgage provides a line of credit, and we get to decide each month if we make a payment or not! Talk about flexibility! We have been able to repaint, get new carpet, and update the kitchen, all things we have wanted to do for years. The reverse mortgage made it possible.” Many people are discovering the positive benefits a reverse mortgage can have on their lives. But there still are many more who are not yet aware that the bank does not own your home when you do a reverse mortgage. You are the only one who owns the home, and you can give the property to your heirs through your will. You or your heirs will never owe more than the home is worth, even if the mortgage balance is higher than
the value of the house when you pass away. Government mortgage insurance through FHA takes care of the difference, and no one can come Rob Miller, President after you, your estate, or your heirs to collect, so you are protected. You are not required to make a mortgage payment ever, but some homeowners would like to make a payment of an amount they determine, when they decide to do it. This is a perfect option with a reverse mortgage. You are in the “driver’s seat,” unlike with a traditional HELOC. The funds from the reverse mortgage can be used for any purpose and are not taxable. Call Rob Miller, NMLS No. 142151, president of Glendale Mortgage, NMLS No. 127720, and Reverse Mortgage Specialist, to learn more. (610) 853-6500, (888) 456-0988, RMiller@GlendaleMortgage.com, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Pet of the Month
Barnes
Barnes reminds us to be brave in the face of uncertainty and that the past isn’t the future. The Brandywine Valley SPCA pulled Barnes from the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia and a past that didn’t seem to offer him much joy. Despite that past, this smart boy has embraced his new opportunities to learn so much. He quickly mastered all of the basic commands through clicker training. He arrived fearful of dogs, and now he enjoys trips to the local park and Saturday morning pack walks. Most recently, Barnes joined his first dog playgroups. Life is pretty good for Barnes at the shelter, but it’s time for someone to give him what he can’t get here — the love of a forever family. He just asks for a home without cats and with older kids. Stop by to meet this awesome tiger dog for yourself! Contact Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, at (484) 302-0865 or www.bvspca.org. www.50plusLifePA.com
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Direct: 610.853.6500 Toll Free: 888.456.0988 RMiller@GlendaleMortgage.com
Your Financial Partner Glendale Mortgage NMLS 127720 is an Equal Housing Lender. Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you qualify we will reimburse you for the cost of the appraisal at closing. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, State of Delaware Bank Commissioner, and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
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Chester Businesses, Resources Reach Out to Boomers and Seniors at 50 plus EXPO
By Megan Joyce The gymnasium of Church Farm School in Exton, having just said goodbye to its students for the summer, instead welcomed baby boomers, seniors, and caregivers for the recent Chester County 50plus EXPO. The free, one-day event, which provided information and resources for the area’s 50+ community, was hosted by OLP Events. More than 80 exhibitors displayed products and services in housing, medical services, nutrition, entertainment, home improvements, finances, and healthcare. Exhibitor Johnny Roberts, marketing coordinator for Isaac’s Restaurants, is a familiar face at the Chester County 50plus EXPO; the restaurant again served as the event’s luncheon sponsor. “We have a senior discount, and [the EXPO is] a great way of getting word out about that,” Roberts said. “It’s a great source of feedback … either good or bad, and we can quickly clear them up then and make them happy customers once more.” Kimberly Blake, of Ardmore, had come down to the 50plus EXPO in search of housing information for both herself and her mother. “I came out basically to find affordable living, and also my mother has dementia and I wanted to see if she could maybe enroll in assisted living,” Blake said. “I found [the EXPO] very informative. All the businesses had the information that I needed, and it’s great.” Attendees were eligible for door prizes and took advantage of free health screenings for glucose, memory, vision, spinal health, and more. The onstage entertainment and presentations began with Stephanie Taylor, from YMCA of Greater Brandywine, who discussed the YMCA’s SilverSneakers exercise classes as well as the essential, physical benefits that simple exercises can provide. “Balance is a very important thing that people lose as they get older,” Taylor said. “You might not realize this, but just sitting down and standing up in your chair, you’re doing a squat in a way that’s safe for you.” Renee Muth, owner of DōPurely Wellness Center in New Holland, educated attendees on essential oils and their most popular uses, including cooking, household cleaning, hair and skincare, seasonal allergies — and especially their everyday health benefits. “We’re not doctors; we don’t tell you not to be treated or not to go to a doctor. We just hope that you don’t have to,” Muth said. “We use [essential oils] as preventive measures. If you should get sick, we hope that it just
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doesn’t last as long.” PA State Senior Idol winners Peggy Keller (2011) and Barry Surran (2008) provided the event’s musical entertainment. Their duets and solo performances spanned decades and genres, from “Sentimental Journey” by Doris Day and “Crazy” by Patsy Cline to “Together (Wherever We Go)” from the musical Gypsy and “To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. The Office of the Attorney General’s education and outreach specialist, Anthony Luker, presented EXPO guests with information on fraud and identity-theft schemes that target older adults. Luker focused on scam prevention and ways seniors can avoid becoming victims. Finally, Jessica McCoppin, with Penn State Cooperative Education, discussed foods that tamp down stress and those that amplify its intensity. McCoppin emphasized ways to move away from the cycle of choosing unhealthy foods to cope with stress. For Blake, who was attending the 50plus EXPO for the second year, the time spent was well worth it. “I wanted to attend it again this year because last year was such a success, so I wanted to be here again,” she said. “I would advise anyone to come out and register. The vendors are great.” OLP Events’ 50plus EXPOs will return in the fall: in Lancaster County on Sept. 19, in York County on Sept. 26, and in Cumberland County on Oct. 17. For more information, call (717) 285-1350 or visit www.50plusExpoPA. com.
CHESTER COUNTY
Principal Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsor: ClearCaptions
Luncheon Sponsor: Isaac’s Restaurants
Visitor Bag Sponsor: Independence
Media Sponsors:
www.50plusLifePA.com
Armistice Agreement Ended Korean War 65 Years Ago This Month
Aug. 28, 2018 Nov. 1, 2018 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg UN delegate Lt. Gen. William K. Harrison Jr. (seated, left) and Korean People’s Army and Chinese People’s Volunteers delegate Gen. Nam Il (seated, right) signing the Korean War armistice agreement at Panmunjom, Korea, July 27, 1953.
The Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950, when the North Koreans invaded South Korea, officially ended on July 27, 1953. At 10 a.m., in Panmunjom, scarcely acknowledging each other, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William K. Harrison Jr., senior delegate, United Nations Command Delegation, and North Korean Gen. Nam Il, senior delegate, Delegation of the Korean People’s Army and the Chinese People’s Volunteers, signed 18 official copies of the tri-language Korean Armistice Agreement. It was the end of the longest negotiated armistice in history: 158 meetings spread over two years and 17 days. That evening at 10 p.m. the truce went into effect. The Korean Armistice Agreement is somewhat exceptional in that it is purely a military document — no nation is a signatory to the agreement. Specifically, the Armistice Agreement: 1. Suspended open hostilities 2. Withdrew all military forces and equipment from a 4,000-meter-wide zone, establishing the Demilitarized Zone as a buffer between the forces 3. Prevented both sides from entering the air, ground, or sea areas under control of the other 4. Arranged release and repatriation of prisoners of war and displaced persons 5. Established the Military Armistice Commission and other agencies to discuss any violations and www.50plusLifePA.com
to ensure adherence to the truce terms The armistice, while it stopped hostilities, was not a permanent peace treaty between nations. President Eisenhower, who was keenly aware of the 1.8 million American men and women who had served in Korea and the 36,576 Americans who had died there, played a key role in bringing about a ceasefire. In announcing the agreement to the American people in a television address shortly after the signing, he said, in part, Soldiers, sailors, and airmen of 16 different countries have stood as partners beside us throughout these long and bitter months. In this struggle we have seen the United Nations meet the challenge of aggression — not with pathetic words of protest, but with deeds of decisive purpose. And so at long last the carnage of war is to cease and the negotiation of the conference table is to begin …. [We hope that] all nations may come to see the wisdom of composing differences in this fashion before, rather than after, there is resort to brutal and futile battle. Now as we strive to bring about that wisdom, there is, in this moment of sober satisfaction, one thought that must discipline our emotions and steady our resolution. It is this: We have won an armistice on a single battleground — not peace in the world. We may not now relax our guard nor cease our quest.
1150 Camp Hill Bypass Camp Hill
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Farm and Home Center
1383 Arcadia Road NEW LOCATION! Lancaster
Please, join us! This combined event is FREE for veterans of all ages, active military, and their families.
At the Expo
Veterans Benefits Community Services Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services
At the Job Fair
Employers Job Counseling Workshops/Seminars Resume Writing Assistance Principal Sponsors: Sponsored by:
Blue Ridge Communications • Disabled American Veterans • DMP Solutions Fulton Financial Corporation • LCTV • Pennsylvania State Headquarters VFW Vibra Health Plan • WFYL • WHTM ABC27
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available
www.veteransexpo.com (717) 285-1350 www.olpevents.com
Brought to you by:
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Source: www.ourdocuments.gov
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Fresh Fare
Pair Pecans with Seasonal Produce American Pecans are the original supernut: a naturally sweet superfood that’s nutritious, versatile, and local, as it’s the only major tree nut native to America. Pecans are also among the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats and contain plant protein, fiber, flavonoids, and essential minerals, including copper, manganese, and zinc. For a quick, messfree brunch, try Sheet Pan Eggs with Pecan Breakfast “Sausage.” Substitute flavored ground pecans for your sausage, and add fresh greens for a quick, good-for-you option with
Sheet Pan Eggs with Pecan Breakfast “Sausage”
plant-based protein. For a simple yet sweet take on dessert, try Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts with a three-ingredient, pecanbased crumb as the base, topped with a light filling and fresh berries.
Who Has the Best Bites in Central PA? 50plus LIFE readers have spoken!
Here are the Chester County dining favorites for 2018! Breakfast: Lincoln Diner
Fast Food: McDonald’s
Lunch: Kelly’s
Seafood: Red Lobster
Dinner: Happy Days Diner
Steak: LongHorn Steakhouse
Ethnic Cuisine: Mister Wok Chinese Kitchen
Outdoor Dining: Bistro on the Bridge
Celebrating: Kimberton Inn
Romantic Setting: Pronto Bistro
Bakery: Giant Food Stores
Smorgasbord/Buffet: Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Coffeehouse: The Farmhouse Coffee & Espresso Bar
Caterer: Pronto Bistro
Winner of $50 Giant Food Stores Gift Card: Trina Elliot Congratulations!
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To find additional seasonal recipes, nutrition information and cooking tips, and to learn more about America’s native nut, visit www. americanpecan.com. Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts Mini Pecan Crusts: • 2 cups pecan pieces or halves • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 2 tablespoons sugar • 24 Mini Pecan Crusts • 1/2 cup lemon curd • 1/2 cup blueberries or raspberries •p owdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners. In food processor, blend pecans, butter, and sugar until mixture forms coarse dough. Scoop about 2 teaspoons pecan mixture into each muffin tin. Use back of wooden spoon or fingers to press mixture evenly along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup. Bake 12 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown. Allow crusts to cool completely before removing from pan. Spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into each Mini Pecan Crust. Top each with one raspberry or three small blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Pecan Breakfast Sausage: • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 1/2 cup) • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos • 1 teaspoon sage • 1 teaspoon thyme • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 cup raw pecan halves Sheet Pan Eggs: • 12 eggs, beaten • 3/4 cup fat-free or low-fat milk • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped • nonstick cooking spray Heat oven to 325 F. To make Pecan Breakfast “Sausage”: In pan over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, coconut aminos, sage, thyme, nutmeg, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook about 4 minutes until onion is translucent. In food processor, pulse onion mixture and pecans until consistency of ground beef is reached, about 8-10 pulses. To make Sheet Pan Eggs: In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until combined. Add pecan “sausage” and spinach to eggs and stir. Lightly spray nonstick 12-by-17-inch sheet pan with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture onto prepared pan. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until eggs are fully cooked. Family Features
www.50plusLifePA.com
MYTHS from page 2 neutral tone between black and white, and it really just appears due to the absence of color in the hair shaft. While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, blondes have more hair on their heads than redheads; however, each hair shaft is thinner in diameter. Redheads, on the other hand, tend to have thicker hair shafts and less hair.
Hair grows faster when you sleep. About your tongue. Like that unique fingerprint, you also have your own tongue print. The average tongue has thousands of taste buds. About your ticker. A human heart will beat about 2.5 billion times in an
average lifetime. By the way, a football weighs just slightly more than your heart. About kissing. It lowers cortisol, which is a stress hormone known to inflame the body. So kissing is a natural anti-inflammatory. And, while I wouldn’t call it
romantic, it’s still interesting … the longest kiss on record goes to a Thai couple, who locked lips for 58 hours and 35 minutes! Eeew. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit SuzyCohen.com
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WANTED Automobiles Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! 2002 and Newer! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330. CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer. Nationwide Free Pick Up! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.
Placing your classified ad is as easy as 1,2,3! 1. Choose a Category
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The Bookworm Sez
The Language of Kindness Terri Schlichenmeyer
There was a time in your life when you tried everything. Full-time, part-time, gig worker, entrepreneurship — you changed jobs like most people change clothes. It’s exhausting and disheartening, and author Christie Watson had the same experience: café worker, milk deliverer, video shop clerk … she tried them all, but in the new book The Language of Kindness, she tells how she settled upon her best job of all. Christie Watson was just 16 — a newly single, homeless, unemployed high school dropout looking for a job that provided accommodations — when she landed work at a UK community center. She was hoping for a paycheck, but in helping severely disabled adults with their daily lives, she found friends. When nurses encouraged her curiosity for their profession, she found a calling. First, though, Watson had a lot of learning to do. She fainted at the sight of blood on her first day, but she figured she’d get used to that. Later, she trailed a comfortingly self-assured hospital mentor, afraid that she’d never reach that level of competence. Assisting at her first birth, teary and awed, she was also a little frightened at the sounds, sights, and smells. She learned that she loved caring for the disabled and for psychiatric patients, a legacy she got from her mom; preemie babies and profoundly sick children taught her enough to make her want to adopt a baby of her own. Eldercare schooled her about the importance of dignity and the need to not be patronizing to older patients. Working on the cancer ward taught her the importance of every second of life. She learned the facts of death from her patients, too: from babies who struggled against fetal alcohol syndrome, premature birth, and disease. Elderly and disabled patients taught her about death before they made her laugh,
despite their suffering. Watson met death in psychiatric rooms, pediatric wards, bedsides, and incubators. She watched it at the bedside of her own father … Time and time again, there are surprises inside The Language of Kindness. The first arrives in a refreshingly blunt account of how author Christie Watson came to be a nurse, the difficulties of Photo credit: Lottie Davies learning, and the general health of the Christie Watson industry today. Now retired, she writes unabashedly The Language of Kindness By Christie Watson about how healthcare systems fail patients, c. 2018, Tim Duggan Books comparisons in care between countries, 336 pages addiction problems among her colleagues, and an ongoing shortage of compassionate healthcare workers. Another surprise arrives in the anecdotes Watson shares. The stories will absolutely be of the familiar sort to those who work in the industry, but oftengruesome details may turn the stomachs of lay readers. Details are in here. Beware. The biggest, perhaps most appealing, surprise is that this memoir sometimes veers off into subjects that seem intensely personal, which may have nothing and everything to do with nursing. Watson’s stories are observant and honest. They’re laced with Britticisms, action, compassion, and thought. With their attention to detail, they could bring you to your knees. And if that sounds just a little better than perfect, then The Language of Kindness is the book to try. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old, and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 14,000 books.
Bill to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Passes House In mid-June the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act (S. 1091), which would create a one-stop-shop of resources to support grandparents raising grandchildren. The House-passed bill includes minor changes that must be cleared by a quick, procedural vote by the Senate before being signed into law by the president. In Pennsylvania, more than 100,000 children are being raised by
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grandparents or other relatives, and experts say this number is rising as the opioid epidemic devastates communities. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) co-authored the bill last year, with Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), after an
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Aging Committee hearing during which witnesses testified about why grandparents need easy access to information about resources available to assist them. “Grandparents are increasingly stepping in to raise their grandchildren
due to the opioid crisis. These grandparents are faced with challenges such as delaying retirement, navigating school systems, bridging the generational gap, working through the court system to secure custody, and finding mental health resources,” Casey said. The Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act has received support from 40 older adult and child advocacy groups, including AARP, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Generations United. www.50plusLifePA.com
The Beauty in Nature
Enchanted Summer Evenings Clyde McMillan-Gamber
“There’s no place like home.” We agree. –L. Frank Baum
Sunny summer evenings in swifts and fireflies, a half dozen little southeastern Pennsylvania are brown bats leave their daytime roosts enchanting and become more so as as dusk deepens and flutter swiftly summer progresses. across the sky after flying insects. Those Starting late in May, I often sit bats, too, are entertaining to watch on our deck or lawn during summer swooping and diving after their prey evenings and enjoy seeing the green and are beautifully silhouetted against grass, trees, and shrubbery drenched the orange or pink — but darkening in golden sunlight. I like to watch — sky. the daily activities of Each dusk, from one or two cottontail late July through rabbits and the August, in our several kinds of birds neighborhood, as summering in our elsewhere, a variety neighborhood. of small, green tree I enjoy experiencing crickets fill the trees the passing of puffy, and shrubbery with white-and-gray Photo by Bruce Marlin their loud trilling or cumulus clouds Adult firefly (or lightning bug). chirping, according overhead as if in to the kind. The review before the blue common snowy tree sky. With imagination, crickets, for example, I see innumerable, produce measured ever-changing shapes chirps that are more in those clouds. And rapid in higher I deeply inhale the temperatures. sweet fragrance of All that fiddling, honeysuckle flowers which brings the Snowy tree cricket. on a neighbor’s fence. genders of each Each evening, species together for several chimney swifts careen swiftly mating, is caused by the insects either across the sky in hot pursuit of flying rubbing their wings together or both insects to eat, catching those insects wings and legs together, depending on in their wide mouths. Those swifts the kind. The friction of that scraping provide exciting entertainment to causes the music we enjoy hearing on anyone who watches for them. our lawns each evening in midsummer. Soon after sunset each evening Their lovely colors softened by from mid-June to the middle of July, humidity, rosy or orange sunsets slowly hundreds of male fireflies emerge from fade while bats, fireflies, and tree the grass roots where they spent the crickets dominate our neighborhood. day and walk up grass stems and take Trees are silhouetted black against the flight like tiny helicopters, all the while still-glowing sunset in the western, flashing their cold abdominal lights. northwestern, and northern parts of Each firefly flies and hovers upright, the sky. blinking its signal to female fireflies Venus appears bright in the sky but still in the grass. They, in turn, glow, slowly sinks to the western horizon beckoning the males to them for as Earth turns on its axis. Bats zip mating. The fascinating beauty and our through the fading sunsets and stars enjoyment of those many male fireflies become visible. constantly flashing their beacons is Sunny summer evenings in beyond measure. They, alone, make southeastern Pennsylvania are truly summer evenings enchanting. enchanting. They are peaceful and At first overlapping the activities of soothing to human souls. www.50plusLifePA.com
That’s why Harrison Senior Living strives to provide warmth, comfort, and exceptional care from people you can trust, making our communities the next best thing.
www.Harrisonseniorliving.com Harrison House—Chester County 300 Strode Avenue East Fallowfield, PA 19320 610.384.6310 Harrison House—Christiana 41 Newport Avenue Christiana, PA 17509 610.593.6901
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DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day* Keep your own dentist! You can go to any dentist you want No wait for preventive care and no deductibles – you could get a checkup tomorrow
Coverage for over 350 procedures – including cleanings, exams,
fillings, crowns…even dentures
NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits you can receive
FREE Information Kit
1-855-995-0759 www.dental50plus.com/73
*Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, NM, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096E-0917 MB17-NM008Ec