Chester County Edition
December 2014
Vol. 11 No. 12
A Treasure Chest of Stories Historic Home Now Houses Collection of Local Antiques By Rebecca Hanlon Andy Leh’s fascination with antiques started as a teenager. In the summer of 1972, construction crews were digging along a nearby street when they discovered what was left of a glass-recycling facility. The working men would leave at 4 p.m., and the local kids would jump in the pit, digging until dark to collect the unwanted bottles for themselves. “It was a summer fad for most kids, but it stuck with me,” said Leh, now 56. It was the start of a 42-year-long obsession with antiques. Even as a young boy, Leh remembers spending hours in his grandparents’ basement rooting through boxes and examining random items—from glasses to stoneware and furniture. When he started digging up bottles in the streets of his neighborhood, he unknowingly dug up history. If he found bottles he didn’t want, or duplicates, he would sell them to friends. At 16, Leh’s father let him drive the family station wagon to the flea market to sell the bottles, using the profits to buy better ones. By early high school, his collection was worth several thousand dollars. “My dad thought I was crazy,” Leh said. “He was angry with me for wasting my money on frivolous stuff. Now, he stands back and smiles, please see TREASURE page 15 Andy Leh in front of one of his historic home’s seven fireplaces (six in working order). The 1798 home is the perfect setting for Leh’s extensive antiques collection.
Inside:
Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash page 8
She Took a Call from Churchill page 12
Fragments of History
The World’s Most Popular Christmas Song Victor Parachin hat do Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Martina McBride, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Beach Boys, Patty Loveless, The Osmonds, Perry Como, and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir have in common? The answer: They have all sung and recorded the song “White Christmas.” “White Christmas” is, in fact, the world’s most popular Christmas song, having sold more than 125,000,000 copies. It has been recorded in Dutch, Yiddish, Japanese, and even Swahili. Written by Irving Berlin, “White Christmas” is a fascinating footnote in American cultural history: A Jewish songwriter wrote a universal bestselling song about a day celebrating the birth of Christianity’s founder. Also unusual is the fact that Irving Berlin did not like the Christmas holiday. That time of year brought back
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memories of the tragic death of his infant son, Irving Berlin Jr., in December 1928. Berlin’s inspiration may have come from his being a lonely and nostalgic northeastern transplant caught in Los Angeles during the holiday season. There, the palm trees and summerlike temperatures in December made him yearn for his more familiar winter: cold weather and snow. Berlin’s song originally began with this introductory verse: The sun is shining, The grass is green, The orange and palm trees sway. There’s never been such a day In Beverly Hills, L.A., But it’s December the 24th, And I’m longing to be up north …
And then follows the line known and sung all around the planet every December: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas …” Berlin’s labors over this song took place throughout a night in January 1940. When completed, Berlin was excited about his creation, describing it as a “round” song, his term for those rare tunes that seemed to flow from him effortlessly and seamlessly. “We working composers all too often, in the interest of expediency, sharpen our pencils, get out that square sheet of paper, and become too slick,” he later explained. “Those forced efforts are ‘square’ songs. But sometimes a song is natural. We may start it to order for a specific scene or show, but our subconscious beings go to work and the song is just there.”
16th Annual
As On-Line Publishers, Inc. sees the conclusion of yet another year, we are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue to grow in our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Senior News a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainment for our readers in Central Pennsylvania. At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.
please see SONG page 13
16th Annual
DAUPHIN COUNTY
LANCASTER COUNTY
April 2, 2015
May 14, 2015
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge
Happy Holidays
On a Monday morning, when he completed “White Christmas,” Berlin rushed to his office, proclaiming to Helmy Kresa, his transcriber: “I want you to take down a song I wrote over the weekend. Not only is it the best song I ever wrote, it’s the best song anybody ever wrote.” Initially skeptical, Kresa wrote down the notes as Berlin, sitting at a piano, began to play the song. While Kresa listened and transcribed, his skepticism evaporated. “As he started to sing, I knew right away that the way he juxtaposed the warmth of Southern California with the cold snow would make it a hit,” Kresa recalled, “and when he sang the chorus, I knew it really was the greatest song ever written. I was as thrilled as he was.” The duo continued working, developing and refining “White
325 University Drive Hershey
12th Annual
CHESTER COUNTY
Date and location to be determined Please watch website for updates!
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Millersville University Marauder Court 21 South George Street Millersville
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available
(717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240
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The Squint-Eyed Senior
Cousins for Christmas Theodore Rickard he best of Christmases and the high point of the feast day marking the beginning of the Christian era was the year I got the electric train. An electric train has a lot of pieces. And you can take the pieces apart and put them back together in your own fashion, any old way you want to.
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The next best part of Christmas was cousin-visiting. Here the cousins— almost all male and within a couple years of my own age—became real people, not just the last or next wearer of hand-me-down “Sunday best.” They were here in person, kids I could play with, bringing with them the cold-fresh of December into our second-
Resource Directory Dental Services Family Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry 1646 West Chester Pike, Suite 1,West Chester (484) 551-3006 Disasters American Red Cross Greater Brandywine (610) 692-1200 Chester County Emergency Services (610) 344-5000 Salvation Army Coatesville (610) 384-2954 Salvation Army West Chester (610) 696-8746 Emergency Numbers Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Office of Aging (610) 344-6350/(800) 692-1100 Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-3676 Funeral & Cremation Services Cremation Society of Pennsylvania 4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (800) 722-8200
“whad-ja-get.” Instantly, four cousins were on hands and knees, taking everything apart to rearrange it: revising it to anything but the drearily symmetrical layout plotted by Lionel. There was never enough track, of course. There never would be—not for the fledgling empire builders who were
floor apartment. Gift inspection was the first order of business for visiting cousins. Even before hellos, it was, “Whad-ja-get?”—all one word. Without waiting for a response, this was followed by, “Whad-else-ja-get?” The year of the electric train was a triumph of familial snobbery. Questioning never got past the first
please see COUSINS page 7
This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being.
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
Housing
Pharmacies
Eastwood Village Homes, LLC 102 Summers Drive, Lancaster (717) 397-3138
Physicians Housing Assistance Community Impact Legal Services (610) 380-7111 Housing Authority of Chester County (610) 436-9200
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800) 232-4636 Coatesville VA Medical Center (610) 383-7711
CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
Housing Authority of Phoenixville (610) 933-8801 Legal Services
Gateway Medical Associates Locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Lionville, and West Chester (610) 423-8181 Senior Centers Coatesville (610) 383-6900 Downingtown (610) 269-3939
Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233
Lawyer Referral Service (610) 429-1500
Great Valley (610) 889-2121
National Osteoporosis Foundation (800) 223-9994
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (610) 436-4510
Kennett Square (610) 444-4819
PACE (800) 225-7223
Nutrition Meals on Wheels Chester County Inc. (610) 430-8500
Senior Healthlink (610) 431-1852 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 Southeastern PA Medical Institute (610) 446-0662 Hearing Services
Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (800) 366-3997 Office of Aging Chester County Department of Aging Services (610) 344-6350
Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY
Oxford (610) 932-5244 Phoenixville (610) 935-1515 Wayne (610) 688-6246 West Chester (610) 431-4242 Transportation Rover Community Transportation (484) 696-3854
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
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Savvy Senior 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
Vaccination Options for Seniors this Flu Season Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that there are several types of flu vaccines being offered to seniors this flu season. What can you tell me about them? – Cautious Senior
EDITORIAL VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR Christianne Rupp EDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS Megan Joyce
ART DEPARTMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Renee McWilliams PRODUCTION ARTIST Janys Cuffe
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Christina Cardamone Kristy Neideigh BUSINESS INTERNS Mariah K. Hammacher Christopher Lee-Jimenez SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp EVENTS MANAGER Kimberly Shaffer
CIRCULATION PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer
ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall
Member of
Dear Cautious, Depending on your health, age, and personal preference, there’s a buffet of flu shots available to seniors this flu season, along with two vaccinations for pneumonia that you should consider getting too. Flu Shot Options Just as they do every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a seasonal flu shot to almost everyone, but it’s especially important for seniors who are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. The flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills around 24,000—90 percent of whom are seniors. Here’s the rundown of the different options: • Standard (trivalent) flu shot: This tried-and-true shot that’s been around for more than 30 years protects against three strains of influenza. This year’s version protects against the two common A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B virus. • Quadrivalent flu shot: This vaccine, which was introduced last year, protects against four types of
influenza—the same three strains as the standard flu shot, plus an additional B-strain virus. • High-dose flu shot: Designed specifically for seniors age 65 and older, this vaccine, called the Fluzone High-Dose, has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. But, be aware that the high-dose option may also be more likely to cause side effects, including headache, muscle aches, and fever. • Intradermal flu shot: If you don’t like needles, the intradermal shot is a nice option because it uses a tiny 1/16-inch-long micro-needle to inject the vaccine just under the skin, rather than deeper in the muscle like standard flu shots. This trivalent vaccine is recommended only to those ages 18 to 64. To locate a vaccination site that offers these flu shots, visit www.vaccines.gov and type in your ZIP code. You’ll also be happy to know that if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the costs of any flu shot, as long as your doctor, health clinic, or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. Private health insurers are also required to cover standard flu shots; however, you’ll need to check with your provider to see if they cover the
other vaccination options. Pneumonia Vaccines The other important vaccination the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. An estimated 900,000 people in the U.S. get pneumococcal pneumonia each year, and it kills around 5,000. This year, the CDC is recommending that all seniors 65 or older get two separate vaccines, which is a change of decades-old advice. The vaccines are Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Previously, only Pneumovax 23 was recommended for seniors. Both vaccines, which are administered just once, work in different ways to provide maximum protection. If you haven’t yet received any pneumococcal vaccine, you should get the Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 six to 12 months later. But, if you’ve already been vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, you should get Prevnar 13 at least one year later. Medicare currently covers only one pneumococcal vaccine per older adult. If you’re paying out of pocket, you can expect to pay around $50 to $85 for Pneumovax 23 and around $120 to $150 for Prevnar 13. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
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Keep Stress in Check during the Holidays
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.
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The holidays should be a joyous time for family and friends, but they can be stressful if you feel stretched too thin. Don’t let the pressure bring you down. Here are some helpful hints for keeping your stress levels under control during what should be a fun and relaxing time:
Pay attention to your mood. Recognize the signs of stress, such as irritability and anxiety. Avoid these by getting a handle on things instead of just letting them happen.
holiday treats can affect your mood. Sugar overload will make you sluggish, for example, and the stimulating effect of caffeine may make you overanxious.
Set reasonable limits. Allow yourself to say “no.” Be realistic about what you can and cannot do during this busy month.
Exercise. Take a walk or visit the gym regularly. Not only will it combat the extra calories you’re consuming, but you’ll also relieve tension and get some relaxation.
Watch your diet. Overindulging in u
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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Cool Ideas for the Not-so-Valuables Lori Verderame have been known to say that just Some of the most popular repurposing because something is old doesn’t mean objects for old plates are refrigerator it is automatically valuable. I have junk magnets. Just simply stick an adhesivein my house, my grandmother had junk in backed magnet to the back of your plate her house … sometimes it’s just older piece. junk. Some damaged or With those sage words chipped plates have been of wisdom offered to the recycled into a decorative masses, here are some concrete frame around the creative ideas about what kids’ sandbox or kiddie to do with those keepsakes pool area. They will look that you just can’t part great stuccoed or glued with but you don’t want to onto wooden birdhouses, store away in a plastic garden jardinieres or tub for the rest of your birdbaths, and trivets. Photo courtesy staff of www.DrLoriV.com life. Some folks have used Vintage china or mismatched Objects that have some plates with minor damage are broken plates as walkways value to you on some level leading to a garden often repurposed. but that really won’t make shed or pool house. These a big difference when it comes to cashing are some great ways to use those damaged in are the objects that are the topic of and not-so-valuable floral plates and keep this particular column. the memories, too. Repurposing is very popular now. There Picking Up Jewelry are more people seeking out antiques and Damaged jewelry or fancy buttons— thrift-store items in order to reuse or particularly cheap pieces of costume recycle them than people who just want to jewelry that can no longer be repaired or collect for collecting’s sake. Be sure you worn—can be reused and made into really only repurpose those objects cool art objects. that really are not valuable. Damaged pieces of costume jewelry can Of course, you don’t want to repurpose be the source for jewelry that Chippendale side table or a Picasso pictures by sewing or gluing drawing, so get it checked out before you the broken pieces onto a piece of velvet, move ahead. Once you know that you felt, or fabric. Then, the textile is framed as have a low-value object, consider some you would a collage. creative ideas. Old, broken jewelry or pieces thereof Piecing Up the Plates can be made into a brooch, tussy mussy, or Plates can be among some of the most brooch bouquet comprised of both fresh inexpensive collectibles that nearly flowers and colorful, fake-gemstone pins in everyone has hanging around the house, the shape of flowers. attic, or yard sale. Vintage, decorative floral Country music star Miranda Lambert plates can be used at parties and even given carried a brooch bouquet at her countryaway to guests as favors. They really spruce themed wedding. It is a cool union of up a buffet line, block party, or family get- vintage and Victorian, fresh and faux. together. Some pieces of costume jewelry are Look around your grandma’s, aunt’s, valuable, so be sure to check out the value and neighbor’s cupboards and see if you with an appraisal before you start taking can spot any plates. I have some chipped apart the jewelry pieces that are still intact. yet colorful examples from the 1970s However, the damaged pieces are fair game hanging around my cabinets that would be for you crafters out there. prime examples for this project. Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and Some creative craft aficionados award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori hosts have taken such plates, broken them into antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is pieces, and used them in craft projects. the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s TV Just break the inexpensive plates into 2- to show Auction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, 4-inch pieces and then use them as you www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame would tiles. at Google+, or call (888) 431-1010.
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Thank You,Columnists! 50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well as entertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News: Mike Clark (The Way I See It) Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry) Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield ) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) John Johnston (Social Security News) Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques) Gloria May (NurseNews) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior)
Victor Parachin (Fragments of History) Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Nick Thomas (Tinseltown Talks) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran) Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters)
It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Senior News are enriched by your contributions.
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Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes Bethany Village — MapleWood
Lakeview at Tel Hai Retirement Community
325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 • www.BethanyVillage.org
1200 Tel Hai Circle • Honey Brook, PA 19344 610-273-4602 • www.telhai.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: Yes Private: 100 Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: One-bedroom suites; secured memory support neighborhood; skilled nursing – The Oaks.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Come discover a wonderful, faith-based community that has been voted No. 1 retirement community by readers of the Daily Local newspaper!
Colonial Lodge Community
Longwood Manor Personal Care & Memory Care
2015 North Reading Road • Denver, PA 17519 717-336-5501 • www.coloniallodgepa.com
2760 Maytown Road • Maytown, PA 17550 717-426-0033 • www.longwoodassisted.com
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 70 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes* Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 144 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes* Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: No Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: No
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: *SSI depends on availability. A veteran-approved “home for heroes” facility, all in a beautiful, rural setting.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Beautiful, homelike environment nestled in the heartland of Lancaster County. Specializing in memory support. *One-time community fee only.
Homeland Center
Mennonite Home Communities
1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7727 • www.homelandcenter.org
1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601 717-393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 50 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 150 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Exemplary care in a caring, beautiful environment has been provided for more than 140 years. Our continuum includes a hospice program.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Supportive, encouraging environment. Various room types and suites available. Secure memory care offered.
Homewood at Plum Creek
The Middletown Home
425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-4166 • www.homewood.com
999 West Harrisburg Pike • Middletown, PA 17057 717-944-3351 • www.middletownhome.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 98 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 64 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Excellent care in a lovely environment. Call to schedule a visit.
Serving from the Heart in the Spirit of Friendship, Love, and Truth
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Beautifully appointed apartments overlooking the garden terrace with the safety and security of 24-hour nursing care.
This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.
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Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes Pleasant View Retirement Community
St. Anne’s Retirement Community
544 North Penryn Road • Manheim, PA 17545 717-665-2445 • www.pleasantviewrc.org
3952 Columbia Avenue West Hempfield Township, PA 17512 717-285-6112 • www.stannesrc.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 96 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes* Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: *Three-year private pay spending. Maintain independence in an enriching and supportive environment; now offering respite stays.
Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Minimal Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Pending Approval Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Select rooms currently available! Call for details.
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community 625 Robert Fulton Highway • Quarryville, PA 17566 717-786-7321• 888-786-7331 • www.quarryville.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 45 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Quarryville assists in maintaining independence and preserving dignity in a safe and secure environment.
If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your account representative or call (717) 285-1350.
This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.
COUSINS
from page 3
already looking down the hall to the dining room, wondering how many pieces and how many Christmases it would take to get there. There was one other Christmas gift that, even among my cousins, would squash the “whad-ja-gets.” If you got an Erector Set, you simply pointed at the box. You tried not to look too superior, acting as though lavish gifts were an everyday thing with you. You might be interrupted by your aunt insisting you try on “at least the jacket” from the Sunday outfit her son had finally outgrown. But the moment was still yours. The Erector Set consisted entirely of parts. Nothing was put together in the first place: hundreds of metal pieces, steel wheels, nuts and bolts—endless possibilities for both construction and eventual dismemberment—and the ruination of hundreds of vacuum cleaners. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
(My Aunt Ella used to claim that the Erector Set people were subsidized by the Hoover people. But then, Aunt Ella also claimed that opening an umbrella indoors made the roof leak, and one rainy spring she turned out to be right about that.) One year, a cousin we visited got an Irish Mail. This was a sidewalk vehicle that you steered with your feet and propelled by working a handlebar back and forth. It was really a neat machine, and once you got the rhythm of it, you could work up some real speed—plenty enough to become a pedestrian hazard and get yelled at. But the Irish Mail was expensive and
thus unheard of in his neighborhood, so it simply had to be “dorky,” which meant it was soon abandoned and left in a dark corner of the cousin’s basement. It was a gift from the other side of the family: an uncle by marriage who lived in a swell apartment building that didn’t allow kids. There was a super-deluxe model of the Erector Set that actually had a miniature steam engine with it. None of us cousins had one, but there was an only child named Arnold who lived in a first-floor apartment down the block who did. The engine would have made a lot of friends for Arnold, who could have used some help in that department, since he not only had steel-rimmed glasses but
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wore braces, too. But his mother wouldn’t let anybody play with it because it was too dangerous. So we kept pushing Arnold into snow banks or bushes for all the next year until he and his steam engine finally moved to the suburbs. Eventually, the cousins went separate ways. Some uncles became prosperous and relocated to airier neighborhoods. Today, the children of the cousins and the cousins of the cousins don’t even know one another. Which is a pity, really. If all the cousins chipped in, we could get the extra track for the train and the Erector Set with the miniature steam engine. Then we’d get together again and make all those nifty things that are pictured on the lids of the boxes. A collection of Ted Rickard’s family-fun essays is titled Anything Worth Knowing I Learned from the Grandkids. It is now available in paperback on Amazon.com.
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Traveltizers
Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel
Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash walk along the path bordering the falls, we’re surrounded by trees sparkling with more than a million lights and more than 100 illuminated displays representing everything from Noah’s ark and an Inuit kayak to humongous Canadian and United States flags. By the time we arrive at the park, music is blaring from the stage, and the place is packed with revelers. Off to the side, the Skylon Tower rises 775 feet above the falls. The circular top, which resembles a space station, is aglow with lights, and the exterior glass-enclosed elevator, called the “Yellow Bug,” streaks up and down, ferrying visitors to and from the revolving dining room and observation deck at the top. The countdown begins shortly before midnight. Eight, seven, six … one! The Yellow Bug zooms to the top, fireworks explode from the tower, and the crowd roars. Then, led by the performers on
By Andrea Gross ’m half-submerged in a luxurious whirlpool tub, sipping from a glass of sweet ice wine and looking out the window at the cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Over there, in the distance, is the United States. Here, at the Radisson Hotel, is Canada. Divided in part by the Niagara River, the two countries share the falls, with Horseshoe on the Canadian side and American and Bridal Veil falls technically in the United States, although better viewed from Canada. They’re not the tallest falls in the world, but they’re among the most powerful, and tonight, illuminated in festive colors, they’re surely the most beautiful. Waterfalls, wine, and a whirlpool tub—could there be a more glorious way to spend New Year’s Eve? I think not, but a party is waiting outside—not just any
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Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls. From left, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls is wider than seven football fields, and as the water drops the distance of a 13-story building, it creates an explosion of mist.
party, but one of the grandest in Canada and the only one that’s televised from coast to coast. In short, “It’s Canada’s answer to Times Square,” says Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
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CROSSWORD
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 10
WORD SEARCH
Across
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50. Intelligence group inits. 52. Information 54. Windows, for one 62. Old casino game 63. Attempts 64. Hack 65. Move, as a stream 66. Mother-of-pearl 67. Ireland 68. Sharp curve 69. Aerie 70. Value
Requisite Ritual Amphitheater Essay Actress MacGraw Fluorescent dye Expressions of discomfort Verse form Dental items Title Pastureland Liveliness Real estate agreements
45. 48. 51. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.
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Kitchen appliance Lawn tools Memo abbr. Resource Disconnected Wan God of love Persia Gracious E. Ireland village Egress Explosive device
December 2014
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Such is Life
When a Man Can’t Have Food Saralee Perel hen readers meet me, they never want to talk to me. Instead, they excitedly look all around for my husband, saying, “Where’s Bob?” Everyone loves Bob. But they feel sorry for him because I often make him look like a doofus (which he is) in my columns. They look at him with pity and say, “You’re such a good sport.” Well, I’m here to tell you: Bob adores it when I write about him. When I don’t include him, he’ll ask, “What about me?” with an insanely disappointed look on his face. Having said all that, last week he had to fast for routine blood work, which meant no food after midnight. No big deal, right? Early that evening, he was face down on the couch. I knelt down and massaged his shoulders. “What’s the matter?” I said. Ever so slowly he raised his head. “Don’t you remember the medical procedure I’m about to get?” “It’s not an operation, sweets. It’s just a blood test.” He sat up. “JUST A BLOOD TEST?” I quietly tiptoed out of the room. At five to midnight, I found him in the kitchen, gorging on frozen pizza. “Sheesh, Bob. Don’t you want to nuke it first?” “There’s no time!” I lovingly took his hands but he
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recovery as he reveled in mouthfuls of glorious food. That week, I wound up with a monster cold. I knew Bob would get back at me for how I tricked him into getting better. I stayed in bed—waiting. He found my grandmother’s quilt in the cupboard and placed it on me, tenderly snugging it under my chin. Between sneezes I said, “This is the worst cold I’ve ever had. Go ahead. Make fun of me. I deserve it.” “Yep, you do,” he said, putting on his jacket and getting the car keys. “Bob, you’re going out when I’m on my deathbed?” When he came home, he had a bag with him. He took out a chicken pot pie, my favorite Kleenex made with aloe, a copy of People magazine, and a carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. He propped up our pillows. We spent the day together, watching Murphy Brown reruns and luxuriating in the breathtaking nearness of each other. So, of course everyone loves Bob. That’s because we all know that he is just like this—sensitive, loving, compassionate, and adoring—even when I don’t have a cold. Saralee Perel is an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist. Her new book is Cracked Nuts & Sentimental Journeys: Stories From a Life Out of Balance. To find out more, visit www.saraleeperel.com or email sperel@saraleeperel.com.
Puzzles shown on page 9
Puzzle Solutions
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crazily I realized pulled away that the way and I was frantically approaching searched this was all through the wrong. So I cookie jar. changed. “Where And are the miraculously, peanut I also found butter the cure to cookies?” he the common said. cold. Slowly, I “You’ll be stepped OK,” I said. backward “Right after and your blood Bob and Saralee at the diner whispered, work, we’ll “I—I—may get rid of have finished them last night.” your cold. Instead of heading to your “WHAT?” favorite diner like we planned, for a “Well, I, um. I wanted cookies.” luscious omelet made with grilled “Oh, so you wanted cookies, did you? apples, cheddar cheese, and bacon, we’ll I will never forgive you for this.” keep you on nothing but chicken broth He dragged himself off to bed. I all day.” quietly got in bed too. In exactly three Suddenly he stopped sneezing. minutes he started moaning the song “Sweets, we couldn’t have gone to the from Oliver. “Food, glorious food—hot diner anyway,” I said. “You’re obviously sausage and mustard.” too weak from starvation. We’ll go there Less than an hour later, he sneezed someday, sometime—far, far from now, once and said, “Starvation has caused since it will clearly take a long time for me to get a cold.” you to recover from your horrible Now, I don’t like gender stereotyping. fasting ordeal.” But I take that back when it comes to a And with that, he jumped out of bed cold. That’s because Bob gets “man and said, “I feel great!” colds.” During his last one, he threw After the blood work, we went to the himself an “I’m going to die” party. restaurant, where Bob made a speedy
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FALLS
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stage, everyone begins singing “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s almost 1 a.m. when we head back to the Radisson, and we have to run to catch the Falls Incline Railway before it closes. This saves us the uphill hike from the street-level park to the Fallsview Tourist Area, where the hotels, casino, eateries, and shops are located. We arrive in our room chilled but thrilled, ready to start the new year. The next day we explore more of Niagara’s winter offerings. After walking farther along the 3-mile illumination route, we warm up amongst the poinsettias and Christmas cacti at the Floral Showhouse and then make our way to Journey Behind the Falls, an attraction that helps us truly appreciate the size and splendor of Niagara. Dressed in waterproof ponchos (distributed free at the entrance), we slosh through tunnels to emerge 13 stories below ground level at the point where Horseshoe Falls crashes into the Lower Niagara River. We’re showered with mist as the equivalent of more than 1 million bathtubs full of water rush over the falls every hour, traveling at a speed of 25 mph. (During the winter, the lower
Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
The Falls are illuminated at night, adding to the festive air of the holiday season.
observation deck is closed, but there’s drama and moisture aplenty on the upper deck.) Although it’s possible to see all three falls from the ground-level walkway, we
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take a helicopter ride in order to better understand the area’s geography. From up high we can see how the Niagara River, which begins in Lake Erie and flows north into Lake Ontario, divides as it
If you go: Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights runs through Jan. 12, 2015. www.niagaraparks.com www.radisson.com/niagarafalls.ca
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A three-story-tall illuminated flag of Canada welcomes folks from the United States, who make up half of the 11 million travelers who visit Niagara each year.
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circles around Goat Island. The southern side plummets over a cliff to form Horseshoe Falls, while the northern side leads to American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. These two smaller falls are, in turn, separated from each other by the much smaller landmass of Luna Island. Finally, since the Niagara Peninsula is one of the top ice-wine-producing regions in the world, we visit Inniskillin Estate Winery, an award-winning producer of the luxury wine. We see the vineyards, where harvesting of the frozen grapes has just begun; watch a video of the production process; and sample three different types of ice wine: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Sparkling. We can’t agree on which one we like best, so we splurge on mini-bottles of each. If we can’t make it back to Niagara next year, at least we’ll be able to celebrate at home—but it won’t be the same without the whirlpool tub and the magnificent view of the falls.
NamE _____________________________________________________________ addrESS __________________________________________________________ PhoNE (
) _____________________________________________________ 4100 Jonestown Rd., Hbg., PA 17109 Shawn E. Carper, Supervisor
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Salute to a Veteran
Churchill Told Her How Sorry He Was to Learn of FDR’s Death Robert D. Wilcox eraldine (Jeri) Kopf was a native of Central Pennsylvania who kept herself in shape through her love of playing sports. So, when the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was formed in World War II, she felt ready to enlist in September 1943 and serve her country. The fact that she had a strong background in stenography didn’t hurt. Having women in the Army was very controversial at the time. But she was determined to go. And she was soon on her way to basic training at Daytona Beach, Fla. Did she have a tough time in basic? “No, not at all,” she laughs. “They gave us the same training they gave the guys, and because of all the sports I had played, I was ready for it. I enjoyed every minute of it.” She was then sent to MacDill Field in Tampa and was assigned to Headquarters Company, where she handled public relations for the base. “At MacDill, pilots were being trained to fly the B-26 medium bomber,” she says. “It was such an unstable plane that an unbelievable number of planes were being lost. In one 30-day training period, 15 planes crashed, leading to the catchphrase: ‘A plane a day in Tampa Bay.’” Fortunately, they soon solved that by adding 6 feet of wingspan and upgrading the engines. “The other big excitement,” she says, “was meeting Don Scott, who was to
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become my future “Where messages husband. He was a were to be encoded, I member of the base arranged that through band who played all the the Signal Corps. And I instruments, as needed. kept copies of He also had a everything that was said wonderful voice and by anyone and decided was gifted with perfect for action. Later I saw pitch. that copies were then “We got engaged sent to each general in before I shipped out to the meeting.” the Pentagon, and he How did she get went to the Pacific, selected for such an where he and the band important post? played at bases “I haven’t the slightest throughout the Pacific. idea,” she says. “But you “At the Pentagon, I know the Army. They was astonished to be don’t explain what they put in charge of the do. They tell you what Overseas Conference you’re going to do, and st Pvt. 1 Class Geraldine Kopf at Room, where I worked you just do it.” MacDill Field, Tampa, in 1943. daily with the Army What about that call Chief of Staff, General from Winston of the Army George C. Churchill, when he Marshall and later with General of the shared his condolences over President Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, when he Roosevelt’s passing? Did she expect to be became Army chief of staff. talking with a famous man like that? “Officially, the Overseas Conference With a little smile, she says, “Not Room didn’t exist, because everything really, but most of the people I talked that went in there was absolutely top with regularly were among our most secret. important generals and admirals. And “The room had a thick carpet of deep when the prime minister called, I red with a massive mahogany table and enjoyed only a few words with him maps of military facilities around the before passing him on to General world lining the walls. My job was to see Marshall.” that the room was kept in perfect shape By January 1946, she was a sergeant, and to manage all contacts with senior and her hitch was over. All WACs were officers around the world. asked to reenlist, but she and her fiancé
were discharged on the same day, Jan. 18, 1946, and shortly thereafter were married. She became Mrs. Geraldine (Jeri) Scott and embarked on a wonderful 58 years of married life. The Scotts settled down to live in Central Pennsylvania. And she immersed herself in a wide range of community activities. One close to her heart was serving as executive director of the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. There, she came up with the idea of a Readathon, during which children would “solve the mystery of MS” by reading books for credit. WGAL-TV filmed the skit through which the program was presented to the local children. That film was sent to the national MS headquarters, who found the film so inspiring that they adopted the Readathon as a national program, sending copies of the film to MS chapters across the U.S. In addition to all her other activities in the community, in 1991 Scott started an art gallery that she still runs today. However, when asked what she thinks today about having actually talked with Winston Churchill so many years ago, she says with a grin, “At that time, I didn’t think of it as something so different from what I did every day. But now I more strongly think of it as a remembrance to be truly cherished.” Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.
Thank You, Volunteers! On-Line Publishers, Inc. and 50plus Senior News would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the individual and senior group volunteers who donated their time and efforts at our 2014 50plus EXPOs and the Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair. Because of your assistance, we were able to bring the contents and the mission of 50plus Senior News to life for the residents of Central Pennsylvania!
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Calendar of Events
Chester County
Support Groups
Dec. 2, 2 p.m. Grief Support Group Phoenixville Senior Center 153 Church St., Phoenixville (610) 327-7216 Dec. 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 Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Memory Loss and Dementia Support Group Sunrise Assisted Living of Paoli 324 W. Lancaster Ave., Malvern (610) 251-9994 Dec. 4 and 18, 7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group The Solana Willistown 1713 West Chester Pike, Willistown (610) 725-1713
Free and open to the public
Dec. 8 and 22, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Caregiver Support Group Adult Care of Chester County 201 Sharp Lane, Exton (610) 363-8044
Dec. 10, noon Family Caregiver Support Group Sarah Care 425 Technology Drive, Suite 200 Malvern (610) 251-0801
Coatesville Area Senior Center – (610) 383-6900 22 N. Fifth Ave., Coatesville – www.coatesvilleseniorcenter.org Dec. 4, 7 to 9 p.m. – Live, Learn, Grow: Painting Party Dec. 12, 2 to 6 p.m. – Monthly Dinner: Eat In or Take Out Dec. 17, 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. – Christmas Party with Santa
Dec. 9 and 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Bereavement Support Group Main Line Unitarian Church 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon (610) 585-6604 phoenixbereavement@yahoo.com Nondenominational; all are welcome.
Dec. 16, 6 p.m. Family Caregiver Support Group Sunrise of Westtown 501 Skiles Blvd., West Chester (610) 399-4464
Great Valley Senior Center – (610) 889-2121 47 Church Road, Malvern Dec. 2, 1 p.m. – Wreath-Making Dec. 4 and 18, 10 a.m. – Canasta Games Dec. 18, 11 a.m. – History Book Club: Operation Cowboy by Stephan Talty
Dec. 9 and 23, 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
Programs & Events Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. West Chester University Retirees Luncheon For restaurant location, please email darsie@verizon.net Dec. 6 and 7, 1 to 5 p.m. Annual Model Railroad Open House Schuylkill Valley Model Railroad Club 400 S. Main St., Phoenixville (610) 935-1126 www.svmrrc.com
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Dec. 31, 6 p.m. Living with Cancer Support Group Paoli Hospital Cancer Center 255 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli (484) 565-1253 If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
Free or minimal charge Dec. 6 and 20, 5 to 10 p.m. Bingo Nights Marine Corps League Detachment 430 Chestnut St., Downingtown (610) 429-8174
Dec. 22, 7 p.m. A Quiet Christmas Service Grove United Methodist Church 490 W. Boot Road, West Chester (610) 350-9372 pastor.lin.george@gmail.com www.grovechurch.org
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. The Mainliners Male Chorus Tel Hai Retirement Community Garrett Community Center 1200 Tel Hai Circle Honey Brook (610) 273-9333
from page 2
Christmas” over several weeks, and then put it away. More than a year later, in April 1941, Berlin and film director Mark Sandrich were working on a new movie, Holiday Inn, when Berlin realized it would be the perfect forum for his Christmas song. On the Paramount Studios set was Walter Scharf, a staff music arranger assigned to Berlin. His task was to turn Berlin’s tunes into full-fledged orchestral numbers. Scharf remembers Berlin tapping out “White Christmas” on a piano. Berlin www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Senior Center Activities
only had two years of formal schooling and never learned to read or write music. Scharf recalls Berlin’s first performance as a “very rough” rendition. Bing Crosby, who overheard Berlin playing the piece, was not impressed. Crosby, a devout Catholic, wanted “White Christmas” removed from the film because he thought it would further secularize Christmas, which he felt should be a religious season. It was Scharf who eased Crosby’s concern, telling the singer he thought “White Christmas” would turn out well. Reportedly, Crosby rolled his eyes,
Kennett Area Senior Center – (610) 444-4819 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square – www.kennettseniorcenter.org Dec. 4, 11, 18, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Free Medicare Counseling Sessions Dec. 9, 10 to 11 a.m. – Book Club: In the Land of the Grasshopper’s Song by Mary Arnold and Mabel Reed Dec. 10, 7 to 9 a.m. – Walnut Street Café Breakfast Phoenixville Area Senior Center – (610) 935-1515 153 Church St., Phoenixville – www.phoenixvilleseniorcenter.org Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 to 10 a.m. – Sip & Swipe Café Dec. 5, 12, 19, 10 a.m. – American Red Cross Senior Disaster-Preparedness Program Dec. 10, 7 p.m. – Live, Learn, Grow: Painting Party Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.
Chester County Library Programs Downingtown Library, 330 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 269-2741 Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. – Film Forum Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. – Downingtown Library’s Writers Group Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli, (610) 296-7996 Mystery Book Club – Call for dates/times
saying: “I hope so!” Holiday Inn opened in New York on Aug. 4, 1942. It featured Bing Crosby as a singer and Fred Astaire as a dancer. While Berlin was ecstatic and enthusiastic, the reviewers barely noticed or mentioned the production. Before long, however, the song “White Christmas” was becoming a hit. The movie won an Oscar for Best Song in 1943 and was also nominated for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture and Best Original Story. Because the country was in the darkest days of World War II, many
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welcomed this sentimental reminder of home. As a result, Crosby’s recording of “White Christmas” has sold more than 30 million records. Crosby was amazed at the public response to the song. As a member of the USO’s traveling ensemble, he was asked by troops serving in World War II to sing “White Christmas,” no matter what time of year it was. More than 150 different performers, who run the entire musical gamut, have recorded this piece. Crosby’s version alone was listed as the all-time top single by The Guinness Book of World Records. u
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Surrey Services Opens New Building in Devon
If you have local news you’d like considered for Around Town, please email mjoyce@onlinepub.com
Devon – Surrey Services has opened its new location at 60 Chestnut St. in Devon: Surrey’s Center for Healthy Living. This new facility replaces the Berwyn site and has been designed to serve as a community gathering place that will offer more programs,
activities, and lifelong learning opportunities as well as core services. Amenities include a café with outdoor seating, a kitchen, moveable walls to accommodate multiple activities, a technology room, an art room, and a fitness center.
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because I eventually got him into it, too.” Leh began to study antiques, learning from older people he’d meet at the flea markets who would show him what to look for and what wasn’t worth it. From there, he gained an interest in blue-decorated stoneware, which he found more interesting than bottles, as each was handmade and uniquely decorated. “I learned at some point that diversity is good,” he said. “I got into all avenues of antiquing, buying painted furniture, iron, glass, pottery, oil paintings, baskets, and china.” While he works full-time as a salesman estimator, Leh has filled his weekends running to different auctions. He still loves variety, but he keeps a sharp eye out for his favorite blue crocks. He looks for ones with special decorations. Tulips and other floral designs are most common, with fruit falling as a close second and birds as a third. The rarest finds have moons, cats, or dogs. Leh has close to 100 crocks in his personal collection and said he can’t even begin to count the bottles. No matter how many he gets, he keeps his finds local. His fascination with history pushed
him to sell his home upstate New York that and move in was built in 1894, and September to a 1798 together, they stone house built by decorated it with Thomas Pettit, the son period items that fit of a county founder. the theme of the The architecture is home. unparalleled, Leh said. Over the years, his There are seven father’s collection grew fireplaces, thick and he started selling window boxes, and things with his son, Leh acquired this local farm table original chair rails and sharing a booth at a (circa 1820) in summer 2014. hardwood floors local antique mart. through the home. Soon, they had two The house was booths and eventually added to the National three. The younger Register of Historic Leh no longer has a Places in 1983. It is booth, but his father the perfect still runs one out of environment for Leh’s Easton, Pa. numerous treasures, A lot of the Back row, from left, Gaudy Dutch cup now displayed and antiques Leh tries to and plate, Rabbitware plate, Leeds plate. Center, from left, eagle butter sell are higher-end incorporated into the print, pewter master salt, seated house’s décor. items that can sit too Redware dog, and cow butter print. “I just love history,” long at a local market. he said. “It makes He finds better luck perfect sense for me to have a place like sending those to auctions. this to fill with the items I am so Visiting one is an experience, he said. fascinated with.” “It’s the people, it’s the food, it’s the While antiques became a huge part of trip,” he said. “There’s not an auction I Leh’s life, he slowly made it a family don’t go to where I don’t know people.” affair. His father bought a home in Although antiquing can be expensive,
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it doesn’t have to be, Leh said. He’s bought many things for more than $10,000, including a Lancaster County farm table he bought this summer. But there are a variety of levels at which people can get involved, he added. Every year he goes to the Baltimore Bottle Show, where he sees many kids getting started at the same age he did. Some of them walk in with $5 and leave with 10 bottles, ready to start a collection they can build on. Many of them can even specialize in certain bottles, such as medicine bottles, or soda and beer bottles. “My problem was I specialized in everything,” he said, laughing. Leh also finds value, not necessarily in the expensive items, but in the ones that are the most unusual. “What they were, wherever they came from, what they were used for—those stories are what interest me,” Leh said. Early Pennsylvania settlers brought a little bit of nature into their own homes, he said, painting furniture, pottery, and other decorations. “Those are some of my favorite items,” he said. “At one point, they were all close to someone’s heart. And I like to think I can appreciate them now.”
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