Cumberland County Edition
January 2012
Vol. 13 No. 1
Creativity ‘Works’ for Local Actor By Laura Farnish “I never buy that ‘at this time of your life’ stuff. It’s as though people think that if you reach a certain age you should just retire and play checkers at the fire hall, as though that’s the norm.” For Chet Williamson, the fire hall is merely a staged scene, and checkers are nothing more than a prop. As a board chair for Creative Works of Lancaster, Williamson remains active in the local community through recognizing the kind of performance and art Lancaster needs and wants. The non-profit organization’s mission is “to fuel and sustain the city’s cultural renaissance.” Their free and low-priced shows aim to fill the artistic gaps in Lancaster’s cultural offerings. Although started several years ago, the organization has been active for the past year and a half. Their work includes sock puppet parodies, staged readings in art galleries, and full productions of non-traditional plays. Williamson’s current involvement, however, is only an addition to his repertoire of success over the years. As a young actor, Williamson was involved in regional theater and industrial shows, which led him into writing. His first short story, sold to The New Yorker and other markets, was published in the 1980s, followed by his first published novel in 1986. Williamson continued to pursue his career as a writer, publishing suspense and dark fantasy fiction, children’s books, and written work for a local college. please see CREATIVITY page 15 The view from the audience seats is a change of perspective for Chet Williamson, who has been comfortable on stage for decades.
Inside:
Grandparenting: Agonies and Ecstasies page 7
How Much You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2012 page 14
Landisville, PA Permit No. 3
PAID PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
2010 Census Shows Older Population Growing Quickly The U.S. population 65 and older is now the largest in terms of size and percent of the population, compared with any previous census, according to a new 2010 census brief released recently from the U.S. Census Bureau on the nation’s older population. The group grew at a faster rate than the total population between 2000 and 2010. According to the 2010 census, there were 40.3 million people 65 and older on April 1, 2010, increasing by 5.3 million since the 2000 census, when this population numbered 35 million. The percentage of the population 65 and older also increased during the previous decade. In 2010, the older population represented 13 percent of the total population, an increase from 12.4 percent in 2000. 65 and Older Population Grew Faster than Total Population Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 and older grew 15.1 percent, while the total U.S. population grew 9.7 percent. The opposite happened between
1990 and 2000, when the growth of the older population was slower than the growth of the total population, with growth rates of 12 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively. Population Size and Growth Varied Among the Older Age Groups Examining the growth of 10-year age groups within the older population shows that 85- to 94-year-olds experienced the fastest growth between 2000 and 2010. This group grew by 29.9 percent, increasing from 3.9 million to 5.1 million. Among five-year age groups in the older population, 65- to 69-year-olds grew the fastest. This age group grew by 30.4 percent, rising from 9.5 million to 12.4 million. The 65- to 69year-old group is expected to grow more rapidly over the next decade as the first baby boomers start turning 65 in 2011. The only older-population age group to decline between 2000 and 2010 was the 75- to 79-year-old age group. This group decreased by 1.3 percent from 7.4 million to 7.3
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million. The changes in this group mainly reflect the relatively low number of births during the early 1930s as fewer numbers of people entered these ages between 2000 and 2010. Population of Older Men Increased at a More Rapid Rate than Older Women While women continue to outnumber men in the older ages, men have continued to close the gap over the decade by increasing at a faster rate than women. The largest growth rate for a 10-year age group within the older population was for men 85 to 94 years old (46.5 percent). Women in this age group also increased but to a smaller degree (22.9 percent). In the 2010 census, there were approximately twice as many women as men at age 89. This doubling point occurred about four years older than it did in 2000 and six years older than it did in 1990, illustrating the narrowing gap in mortality between men and women at the older ages.
> In the 2010 census, there were 53,364 centenarians (people 100 and older), an increase of 5.8 percent since 2000. > The number of people 65 and older more than doubled in 21 counties in the United States. > Approximately 1.3 million people 65 and older—or 3.1 percent of this population— lived in skilled-nursing facilities in 2010. > In 2010, the states with the highest percentage of people over age 65 were: Florida – 17.3 percent West Virginia – 16 percent Maine – 15.9 percent Pennsylvania – 15.4 percent Iowa – 14.9 percent
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Accountants Mark L.Wetzel, CPA (717) 730-2811 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Dri-Masters Carpet Dry Cleaning (717) 258-3123/(717) 561-5004 (717) 545-4984 Emergency Numbers American Red Cross (717) 845-2751 Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Cumberland County Assistance (800) 269-0173 Energy Assistance Cumberland County Board of Assistance (800) 269-0173 Funeral Directors Neill Funeral Home (717) 564-2633 Grocers Wegmans (717) 791-4500 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 Arthritis Foundation (717) 763-0900 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 Health Network Labs (717) 243-2634 The National Kidney Foundation (800) 697-7007
PACE (800) 225-7223
Orthotics & Prosthetics
Social Security Administration (Medicare) (800) 302-1274 Healthcare Information Pa. HealthCare Cost Containment Council (717) 232-6787 Hearing Services Duncan Nulph Hearing Associates (717) 766-1500 Gable Associates (717) 737-4800 Home Care Services Home Instead Senior Care 717-731-9984 Safe Haven Quality Care 717-582-9977 Visiting Angels 717-241-5900 Housing Assistance Cumberland County Housing Authority (717) 249-1315 Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937 Salvation Army (717) 249-1411 Insurance Apprise Insurance Counseling (800) 783-7067 Legal Resources Keystone Elder Law PC (717) 691-9300 Monuments Carlisle Memorial Service, Inc. (717) 243-5480
Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc (877) 848-2936 Pharmacies
Drug Information (800) 729-6686 Flu or Influenza (888) 232-3228 Health and Human Services Discrimination (800) 368-1019
CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Physicians Lung, Asthma & Sleep Associates P.C. (717) 701-8819 Retirement Communities
Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 Liberty Program (866) 542-3788
Chapel Pointe at Carlisle (717) 249-1363
Medicare Hotline (800) 638-6833
Country Meadows of West Shore (717) 737-4028
National Council on Aging (800) 424-9046
Services Cumberland County Aging & Community Services (717) 240-6110 Meals on Wheels Carlisle (717) 245-0707
Organ Donor Hotline (800) 243-6667 Passport Information (888) 362-8668 Smoking Information (800) 232-1331 Social Security Fraud (800) 269-0217
Mechanicsburg (717) 697-5011
Social Security Office (800) 772-1213
Newville (717) 776-5251
Veterans Services
Shippensburg (717) 532-4904
American Legion (717) 730-9100
Toll-Free Numbers Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555 Cancer Information Service (800) 422-6237
Governor’s Veterans Outreach (717) 234-1681 Veterans Affairs (717) 240-6178 or (717) 697-0371
Consumer Information (888) 878-3256 Disease and Health Risk (888) 232-3228 Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233
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January 2012
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Beyond the Battlefield
He Was a ‘Lone Wolf’ in Sheepskin Clothing
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
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Alvin S. Goodman alter E. Mattson of Camp returned to their base in Southern Hill, 92, was one of a Italy in a British truck, which had very few B-24 bomber brought supplies to the unit. pilots to be designated a “Lone On April 15, 1945, Mattson and Wolf ” during World War II. He and his B-24 crew took part in the his 10-man crew were authorized to greatest assembly of aviation when fly solo at night, during bad weather, 1,033 planes took to the air in one and without fighter escorts because of the six missions of maximum of extensive training in instrument flying. Many of his 35 missions also included daylight flights in formation and fighter escorts with his 15th Air Force Bombardment Group, 760th Squadron. They hit strategic targets from September 1944 to May 1945 in Germany, Austria, Northern Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia. On his third mission, Sept. 14, 1944, to Poland, his B-24, named the Princess Carole, was Mattson in uniform. badly damaged by flak. His engineer was seriously injured and spent 75 days in the hospital before rejoining his plane’s crew. “After the plane was damaged I had to leave the formation, going down to 5,000 feet to fly alone, when two Tuskegee Airmen flying PMattson’s aircraft, the B-24 Princess Carole. 51 fighters escorted me to safe territory (the Isle of Vis), where I got fuel and I met Marshal Tito, strength. On May 11, three days who was inspecting his troops on the after Victory in Europe (VE) Day, island.” Mattson was promoted to captain. Mattson flew his first nightly Since the bombers cruised at “Lone Wolf ” mission on Dec. 8, altitudes between 25,000 and 1944, dropping all of his bombs on 30,000 feet, with temperatures a railroad marshaling yards at Graz, between -25 and -50 degrees F, Austria. special clothing was required in the On Dec. 29, 1944, on a daylight unpressurized cabins. mission to Verona Porto Vescova “We would start with heavy marshaling yards in Northern Italy, winter underwear, long woolen “Flak badly damaged my plane, socks, and then put on electrically knocking out two engines. We were heated socks over the other socks; lucky to find a grass landing strip then our wool military uniform, formerly used by the Germans. A pants, and shirt. Over that came the third engine caught fire as we were sheepskin-lined jacket and trousers coming in for a landing, but we and, finally, the sheepskin-lined landed safely on one engine.” boots. Our hands were covered by Fortunately, the men ran into a heated silk- and sheepskin-lined British unit and, after three days, leather gloves. Leather sheepskin-
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lined helmets with flaps covered our ears.” The men wore oxygen masks when flying above 10,000 feet. A native of Dickson City, near Scranton, Mattson is the son of Walter and Mary Maciejewski, two Polish immigrants. Mattson graduated from Dickson City High School (1936) and a two-year business college (1938). When it appeared the U.S. would be drawn into the war in Europe, Mattson applied to the Army Flying Cadet Program because of his interest in flying. He also enrolled in St. Thomas College (now the University of Scranton) to take courses in mathematics and aerodynamics. He enrolled in its Civilian Pilot Training Program at a local airport, where he received his private flying certificate. When the federal government enacted the draft law and his number was called, he convinced the draft board to defer his induction until he completed his education in June 1941, after which he enlisted. He received his basic training at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Ala., and advanced training at Gunter Field, Ala.; Mitchell Field, N.Y.; Thompson Robbins Field, Helena, Ark.; and Blytheville, Ark. He received his second lieutenant bars in January 1943. His first active duty was flying B-25 antisubmarine duty from Fort Dix, N.J. After the U.S. Navy took over these flights, Mattson was assigned to Smyrna Army Air Corps B-24 and B-17 Pilot Instructors School. He was sent to Boise, Idaho, as an instructor from January to July 1944. In August, Mattson shipped overseas to England, where he and his crew were assigned a new B-24 Liberator bomber and flew it to their permanent station in Southern Italy. “After the war ended in Europe, my crew and I flew personnel from various bases to other points for www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
deployment home or to other locations. son, representing a number of medical We flew the last B-24 bomber from our and dental firms. He traveled extensively to Poland and other countries, hosting unit to the U.S. Our final destination trade shows throughout Europe. was Bradley Air Field in Connecticut.” Last year, In August Mattson authored a 1945, two months book, entitled Lone after returning Wolf in Enemy Skies from overseas, (Aperture Press, Mattson married Reading, Pa.). The Constance 224-page Boshinski. The paperback is a wellcouple has two documented book sons, Gene and that gives valuable Greg; three information that grandchildren; and should be of six greatinterest to aviation grandchildren. and World War II Between WWII history buffs. and the Korean Autographed Conflict, Mattson copies are available received his for $16 plus insurance and real postage from the estate licenses. He Mattson today. author at 2921 was recalled to the Cumberland Blvd., military for the Camp Hill, PA Korean Conflict but was not in combat. He received 17011; on Amazon.com; or by emailing many decorations, including the Mattson at walteritcmat@aol.com. Distinguished Flying Cross. If you are a mature veteran and have He worked for 20 years as an engineer interesting or unusual experiences in your at PennDOT’s testing lab in Harrisburg. military or civilian life, phone Al Goodman Mattson later established an at (717) 541-9889 or email him at international trading business with his klezmer630@comcast.net.
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Cumberland County
Calendar of Events Cumberland County Department of Parks and Recreation
Senior Center Activities
Jan. 1, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – First Day Hike, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
Big Spring Senior Center – (717) 776-4478 91 Doubling Gap Road, Suite 1, Newville Jan. 4, 9 a.m. – 10-Week Yoga Class Begins Jan. 4, 11, 18, 1 p.m. – Knitting Hats and Gloves for Kids Jan. 31, 12:30 p.m. – Program on Cold and Flu Prevention
Cumberland County Library Programs Amelia Givin Library, 114 N. Baltimore Ave., Mt. Holly Springs, (717) 486-3688 Bosler Memorial Library, 158 W. High St., Carlisle, (717) 243-4642 Jan. 18, 1 p.m. – Afternoon Classic Movies at Bosler
Carlisle Senior Action Center – (717) 249-5007 20 E. Pomfret St., Carlisle
Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, (717) 761-3900 East Pennsboro Branch Library, 98 S. Enola Drive, Enola, (717) 732-4274 John Graham Public Library, 9 Parsonage St., Newville, (717) 776-5900 Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-0171 New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, (717) 774-7820 Jan. 7 and 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Library Book Sale Jan. 16, 6 to 8 p.m. – Great Books Discussion Group: Thoreau Jan. 25, 6 to 9 p.m. – Pennwriters Writing Group Shippensburg Public Library, 73 W. King St., Shippensburg, (717) 532-4508
Programs and Support Groups Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m. Too Sweet: Diabetes Support Group Chapel Hill United Church of Christ 701 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill (717) 557-9041 Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m. Amputee Support Group Meeting HealthSouth Rehab Hospital 175 Lancaster Blvd., Mechanicsburg dehoss67@comcast.net
Free and open to the public. Jan. 17, 1 p.m. Caregiver Support Group Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren 501 Gale St., Mechanicsburg (717) 766-8880
Mary Schaner Senior Citizens Center – (717) 732-3915 98 S. Enola Drive, Enola Mechanicsburg Area Senior Adult Center (717) 697-5947 97 W. Portland St., Mechanicsburg Southampton Place – (717) 530-8217, www.seniors.southamptontwp.com 56 Cleversburg Road, Shippensburg Jan. 12, 10 a.m. – Bingo at Cottages of Shippensburg Jan. 23, 9 a.m. – CPR/AED Certification Class Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m. – Winterfest West Shore Senior Citizens Center – (717) 774-0409 122 Geary St., New Cumberland Just a snippet of what you may be missing … please call or visit their website for more information.
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
Give Us the Scoop!
Cure for the Common Cold? Maybe it’s Yogurt Colds, sinus infections, and other upper respiratory tract infections are the leading reason for visits to the doctor in the United States. But according to a study reported by Yahoo News, eating yogurt could help you avoid a cold. Yogurt contains probiotics—bacteria that can benefit the body’s immune system. In addition to yogurt, probiotics are found in fermented and non-fermented dairy products and in soy products like miso and soy drinks. A review of data involving more than 3,000 participants fond that patients who consumed foods with probiotics for more than one week came down with 12 percent fewer upper respiratory infections than those who were treated with placebo or who ate probiotic foods for less than a week.
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Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Cumberland County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com
(717) 770-0140 (717) 285-1350
Let Help you get the word out!
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My 22 Cents’ Worth
Grandparenting: Agonies & Ecstasies Walt Sonneville he role of grandparents has undergone complications over the past several decades. Among them are families geographically separated, families that have expanded through the inclusion of stepgrandparents, and evolving practices on the care and feeding of babies and toddlers. Let’s begin with the latter complication. Those of us born prior to 1946 may have been raised under the influence of a Dr. John B. Watson, whose popular book, Psychological Care of Infant and Child, advised parents to be firm with children, expect them to act like young adults, and do not spoil them with affection, hugs, and kisses. In 1946 came Dr. Benjamin Spock’s celebrated book, Baby and Child Care, taking the opposite view—just in time for the onslaught of the baby boomer generation. The Spock book, which went through several revisions by the time it had sold more than 50 million copies in 2004 (translated into 39 languages), was criticized by some as promoting permissiveness in child development. This brings us to the matter of the stereotypical grandparents, who reputedly overindulge their grandchildren, conflicting with the parents who may prefer more constraint. Other divergent views between contemporary parents and grandparents regarding child rearing might center on the question of which parent is primarily responsible for childcare. Grandparents may advocate the mother as the primary caregiver, while mothers today generally believe both parents have a fully shared responsibility. Grandparents offering child-rearing advice may find themselves at odds with
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other views held by the parents, perhaps involving childcare centers, babysitters, the authority of a stepparent, and nutritional choices. Providing a good example to the grandchildren can be a challenge. When exceeding the speed limit in a 55 mph zone, a common occurrence today, how do you explain this rule-breaking to a questioning child? Do you tease at the emotional expense of the children or anyone else in their company? Do you thank a person who holds open a door for you and yours? Kids learn by example. They can make better persons of grandparents by creating in them an obligation to teach by example. Ideally, such trials are offset by pleasures. Exercising with grandchildren is much more common than in years past. Today’s grandparents are more agile, enrolling in fitness centers and enjoying jogging, hiking, swimming, or biking. We can relive some of our own childhood by sharing the discoveries and joy of the children. One of the main responsibilities of being a grandparent is to create happy memories. Grandchildren accelerate our perceptions of them. They change rapidly as they grow into their formative years, drawing us into maintaining a relationship matching their progressive development. Walt Sonneville, a retired market-research analyst, is the author of MY 22 CENTS’ WORTH: The Higher-Valued Opinion of a Senior Citizen, a book of personal-opinion essays, free of partisan and sectarian viewpoints. He recently completed the manuscript for another book of essays, A MUSING MOMENT, scheduled for release in January 2012. Contact him at waltsonneville@earthlink.net
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January 2012
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Book Review
Betcha Didn’t Know That!
Providing skilled nursing & non-medical in-home support
By Leon Castner & Brian Kathenes etcha Didn’t Know That! explores the interesting world of antiques and collectibles, sports memorabilia, stamps, and dolls, among others. The book investigates interesting artifacts, such as the rarest baseball card in the world and the most popular soft drink collectible. It differentiates itself, however, in that it reveals the real stories about why we collect things, uncovering the human and humorous side of the story. The unusual items included in the book will surprise and astound you. They will also give you insight into their creation and use and provide historical context, human predicament, and comical delight. Betcha Didn’t Know That! is available
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at www.betchabook.com and Amazon.com. About the Authors Leon Castner is a lifelong appraiser of personal property, a writer, and a speaker. He is also a registered contractor and has provided major appraisals for the U.S Marshals Office, the attorney general, and the FDIC, among others. Brian Kathenes, co-author and appraiser, has appraised items ranging from the Nixon Watergate papers, the Batmobile, and memorabilia from the movie Titanic. He was also the on-air television appraiser and technology consultant for the Discovery Channel’s collectibles show, POP NATION: America’s Coolest Stuff. Together, Castner and Kathenes host a weekly radio program, Value This!
This Year, Resolve to Do Something Different It’s January again. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Maybe this is the year to forget the boring, routine promises you won’t keep. Try resolving to be more creative in 2012 with these resolutions:
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Keep a journal. Spend a few minutes every day or so writing down your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ambitions—not your daily schedule or your upcoming appointments. Let your mind wander; free-associate a little. You may be surprised at the ideas you generate. Read more. Vary your reading habits and explore different topics. If you usually read novels, try a biography. If you read only history, try a book on modern-day science. You’ll exercise your mind and maybe find new connections between ideas. Learn something new. Take a class in
something unrelated to your job or your hobbies—art, auto mechanics, philosophy, etc. Mastering new skills can refresh your outlook on life. Meet new people. Make a positive effort to make new friends this year (or professional contacts). Look for gatherings of people whose interests match yours, and network. The more people you know, the better equipped you are to learn and grow. Create something for the heck of it. Paint a picture, write a poem, or start a garden—not because you’ll get paid for it, but because you want to. You’ll find satisfaction in achieving personal goals and motivation to keep trying new things. Volunteer. Find a cause you support, and offer your time and service. You’ll meet new people and enjoy the feeling of helping out with an important cause. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
A New Year The old year is over, It’s time to be sober, A New Year lies ahead. No time to dread the past, Because that time won’t last Now is the time for you to shine, You can make a difference In a new place in time. Give it all you got to get to the top. Let your love shine for all mankind. Make the New Year a new world for all, Do your best and you’ll stand tall. The old year is over, So, do what you do Day in and day out, Just let it all come out! Be brave and have no fear, Your New Year is here, Follow the cheer and you will Have a happy New Year! Written and submitted by Leigh P. Hoffman
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January 2012
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Now Your Loved Ones Can Stay At Home We Build Friendships With Families We know it isn’t easy to invite someone into your home to provide homecare. You’ll interview and select any caregiver who we refer to you. At Visiting Angels®, character matters in caregivers! Up to 24 hour care. Hygiene assistance, meals, light housework, companionship. All of our experienced caregivers are carefully screened.
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This Month in History: January Events • Jan. 5, 1972 – President Richard Nixon signed a bill approving $5.5 billion over six years to build and test the NASA space shuttle. • Jan. 10, 1863 – The world’s first underground railway service, the Metropolitan line between Paddington and Farringdon, opened in London. • Jan. 22, 1901 – Queen Victoria of England died after reigning for 64 years, the longest reign in British history, during which England had become the most powerful empire in the world.
Birthdays • Jan. 1 – American patriot Paul Revere (1735-1818) was born in Boston, Mass. He is best known for his ride on the night of April 18, 1775, warning Americans of British plans to raid Lexington and Concord. • Jan. 8 – Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was born in Mississippi. • Jan. 31 – Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) was born in Georgia. He was the first African-American to play professional baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956, was chosen as the National League’s most valuable player in 1949, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
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By Myles Mellor and Sally York
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 12
Across
WORD SEARCH
1. Rapids transit 6. ___ print 10. Arizona’s governor, to friends 13. Toothpick fruit 14. Defiant one 15. Arapaho foe 16. 1966 Beatles hit 19. Alexei’s father, for one 20. Times to call, in classifieds 21. Sweet drink 22. Blue eyes or baldness, e.g.
24. Endings for ecto- and proto26. Zesty 29. Hollywood pole 30. Nymph 31. Almanac tidbit 32. Latin “I” 35. 1963 Beatles tune 39. Nonclerical 40. Squander 41. ___ the moment 42. Splendor 43. Ridges
45. 48. 49. 50. 51. 55. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64.
Wets Analyze, in a way Neurotransmission site Commend 100 paisa Songwriting partnership College frat. Newspaper chain Skip off Put away Watering holes Garment slits
Down 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 17. 18.
Egyptian Christian Wistful word Mangrove palm Upset Ballad’s end? Side Exasperates ___ Age Bobble Asian plants Special Forces unit Uncool candies? Lifeboat support Vetch or lupin Prayer leader
23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36. 37. 38. 42.
Optical phenomenon Somewhat, in music Mythological plants Murphy Brown bar owner Part of the Corn Belt Jetty Aircraft compartment Elite group Broadcast Palestinian city Half of binary code Offering Some jazz Move Ivy League team
43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 50. 52. 53. 54. 56. 57. 58.
Trick Organic compound Model material College leave Gift recipient They remained undefeated by the Romans “Time’s a-wastin’!” Bartlett’s abbr. Set aside Roll call calls It’s a wrap Prefix with profit King’s title: abbr.
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Social Security News
New Year, New Questions By Sherra Zavitsanos Question: I recently applied for a replacement Social Security card, but I might be moving before it arrives in the mail. What do I do if I move before I get it? Answer: Once we have verified all your documents and processed your application, it takes approximately 10 to 14 days to receive your replacement Social Security card. If you move after applying for your new card, notify the post office of your change of address and the post office will forward your card to your new address. If you do not receive your card, please contact your local Social Security office. To get another replacement, you will have to resubmit your evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship or your lawful immigration status and authority to work. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question: What’s the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker? Answer: The current average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker is about $1,164. Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over most of a worker’s lifetime. To learn more about how retirement benefits are calculated, or to get an immediate and personalized estimate based on your earnings record, visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: I am nearing my full retirement age, but I plan to keep working after I apply for Social Security benefits. Will my benefits be reduced because of my income? Answer: No. If you apply for benefits once you’ve reached your full retirement age, you can work while you receive Social Security and your current benefit will not be reduced because of the
earned income. If you keep working, it could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. Higher benefits can be important to you later in life and increase the future benefit amounts your survivors could receive. If you receive benefits before your full retirement age, your earnings could reduce your monthly benefit amount. After you reach full retirement age, we recalculate your benefit amount to leave out the months when we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. You can learn more by reading our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ 10069.html. Question: I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because I am elderly and have no income. My sister recently died and left me the money
she had in a savings account. Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits? Answer: The money inherited from your sister is considered income for the month you receive it and could make you ineligible for that month, depending on the amount of the inheritance. If you keep the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources. You cannot have more than $2,000 in resources to remain eligible for SSI benefits. Call Social Security at (800) 7721213 (TTY, (800) 325-0778) to report the inheritance. A representative will tell you how your eligibility and payment amount might be affected. Learn more by visiting us online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Sherra Zavitsanos is the Social Security public affairs specialist in Harrisburg.
New VA Campaign Provides Online Support for Vets
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a message from another veteran. This type of communication will be especially useful in helping to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues and treatment,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is leveraging this powerful connection using an approachable online resource that links veterans to personal stories from their peers, to VA resources and support, and to reliable information about mental health and resilience.” The campaign’s central focus is a website, www.maketheconnection.net,
featuring numerous veterans who have shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It offers a place where veterans and their families can view the candid, personal testimonials of other veterans who have dealt with and are working through a variety of common life experiences, day-to-day symptoms, and mental health conditions. The website also connects veterans and their family members with services and resources that may help them live more fulfilling lives. At maketheconnection.net, veterans
and their family members can explore information on mental health issues and treatment—and easily access support— in comfort and privacy, anywhere, anytime. Visitors to the site can customize and filter their online experience, directly connecting with content that is the most relevant to their own lives and situations. For more information, visit maketheconnection.net or VA’s mental health services website at www.mentalhealth.va.gov.
Puzzles shown on page 11
Puzzle Solutions
Make the Connection, a new campaign launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is creating ways for veterans and their family members to connect with the experiences of other veterans. The program’s ultimate goal is to connect veterans with information and resources to help them confront the challenges of transitioning from service, facing health issues, or navigating the complexities of daily life as a civilian. “I have seen over and over again how important it can be for a veteran to hear
January 2012
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Community Homeowners, Staff Team Up for Charity Three 50-something women and one man from the Greater Harrisburg Area were among the 25,000 runners racing in the Philadelphia Marathon Rothman 8K recently. The four were part of a team sponsored by Traditions of America that inspired a $1,250 donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Kay Bartlett, 58, a homeowner at Traditions of America at Silver Spring, was not a runner previously and joined for the camaraderie, but she soon found another benefit. She lost a total of 15 pounds while training for the 8K. Neighbor Pam Minhas, on the other hand, was a runner for years—until she was diagnosed with stagethree breast cancer. Despite just finishing treatments in the spring, Minhas’s goals for the 8K were to run the whole way and, if possible, finish in under an hour. Her final time: 58 minutes, 55 seconds. From left, Jenna Karkuff, A nice side effect of her training was losing 15 Karen Karkuff, Pam Minhas, Kay Bartlett, and Rod Bartlett. pounds, the same amount as Bartlett. The donation Traditions made to Susan G. Komen in her name and those of the other runners was icing on the cake. The ringleader at Silver Spring was Karen Karkuff, lifestyle director. Karkuff is 56 and had never run before she turned 50. She finished in 50 minutes and 52 seconds. “We were honored to support all the runners from our Harrisburg community as well as the seven others who raced as Team Traditions,” said Nathan Jameson, director of operations. “Each one shows us how you’re never too old to find ways to live better and healthier lives.”
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Savvy Senior
How Much You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2012 Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I know we will be getting a slight increase in our Social Security checks this year, but what about our Medicare costs? What will the Medicare premiums and deductibles cost seniors in 2012? – Looking Ahead Dear Looking, The new Medicare premium, deductible, and co-pay changes for 2012 were all announced several weeks ago and the news was actually pretty good. Here’s a breakdown of what retirees can expect to pay for Medicare starting in January. 2012 Premiums For most Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in 2009 or earlier, your monthly premiums for Part B (which covers doctor visits and outpatient care) will increase only $3.50 to $99.90 in 2012. That’s much less than was predicted by
the government earlier in 2011. The increase is the first in four years for most people with Medicare, mainly because of the federal law that freezes Part B premiums when there’s no Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which was the case in 2010 and 2011. But, Social Security recently announced a 3.6 percent COLA for 2012. That 3.6 percent increase will boost monthly Social Security checks by an average of about $43 for retirees next year. So, even after your Part B premiums get deducted from your Social Security checks, you’ll still have about $40 more every month. The news for younger retirees is even better. Medicare Part B beneficiaries that enrolled in 2010 who’ve been paying $110.50 per month, and those that enrolled in 2011 who have been paying $115.40 per month, will see their Part B
premiums go down to $99.90. And for high-income beneficiaries who’ve been paying higher Part B premiums because their annual incomes are more than $85,000 for individuals or $170,000 for joint filers, they too will see their monthly Part B premiums drop in 2012. Here’s a breakdown of what they will pay this year based on their income level. • Individuals with incomes of $85,000 to $107,000, or married couples filing joint tax returns with incomes of $170,000 to $214,000, will pay $139.90 per person per month for Part B. That’s a $21.60 reduction from 2011’s premium. • Individuals earning $107,000 to $160,000, or married couples with incomes of $214,000 to $320,000, will pay $199.80—a $30.90 reduction. • Individuals with incomes of $160,000
to $214,000, or couples with incomes of $320,000 to $428,000, will pay $259.70—a $40.20 reduction. • Individuals over $214,000 or couples above $428,000 will pay $319.70 each per month for Part B. That’s $49.40 less than 2011. Other Medicare changes you need to know about that will affect all beneficiaries include the Part B deductible, which will be $140 in 2012, a decrease of $22. And the deductible for Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, will rise by $24 to $1,156 this year. For more information on all the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates for 2012, see medicare.gov/cost or call (800) 633-4227. Help with Premiums If you’re a high-income beneficiary and
Each month, 50plus Senior News profiles one of your friends or neighbors on its cover, and many of our best cover-profile suggestions have come from you, our readers! Do you or does someone you know have an interesting hobby or collection? A special passion or inspirational experience? A history of dedicated volunteer work? If so, tell us, and we’ll consider your suggestion for a future cover story! Just fill out the questionnaire below and return it to 50plus Senior News, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512, or email your responses to Megan Joyce, editor, at mjoyce@onlinepub.com. Your name:___________________________ Your address:_________________________________________________________________________ Your phone number/email address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person nominated (if not you): _______________________________________________________________________________________ Please receive their permission to nominate them. Nominee’s age range: 50–59
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Why would you/your nominee make a great cover profile? _______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512
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your income has fallen since 2010 (the tax year used to determine your 2012 premiums), you may be able to reduce or eliminate your Medicare Part B premium surcharge. To qualify, your income loss must be tied to a life-changing event, such as a marriage or divorce, a job loss or reduced work hours (including retirement), loss of income from income-producing property, or cuts in pension benefits. To learn more, see ssa.gov/pubs/10536.html. And for lower-income retirees who are
having a difficult time paying their Medicare costs, help is available through Medicare Savings Programs. These are Medicaid-administered programs that pay Part B premiums and, depending on your finances, may even pick up the tab on your copayments and deductibles. To find out if you qualify, contact your local Medicaid office—call (800) 633-4227 for contact information. 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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CREATIVITY
Hoping to combine his two passions, Williamson began playwriting, and thus renewed his acting career. For the past five years, he has done work at the Fulton Theatre and Theatre of the Seventh Sister, as well as his work with Creative Works. “I hooked up with Creative Works because they seemed to be interested in doing the same kind of material in which I was interested,” said Williamson. “People who are involved in theater in any city all seem to know each other, and there’s a lot of mutual interest and support within a group like that.” Williamson’s leadership responsibilities vary, however, from his wide-ranging character roles on stage. As board chair, Williamson jokes that his role includes signing thank-you letters to donors and speaking to the press on occasion. His diverse work has included: acting in several Creative Works productions, walking around with a sandwich board with painting on it as part of a roaming art gallery on First Friday, writing material for last year’s Christmas comedy show, creating sock puppets, making arrangements for productions, and running a freight elevator. He regards the board as a group of equals, sharing tasks accordingly. “Creative Works is a real collaborative effort, and everybody does their part,” commented Williamson. “One of our board members took charge of getting all the sock puppets constructed; another member wrote brilliant lyrics to a song when we needed one overnight; another takes care of the business end; another the legal question; and so on.” Williamson also holds the role of being the eldest member of the group; however, his youthful ideas and insight challenge this fact. Even though the next oldest member is 20 years younger, Williamson’s edgy ideas often keep members guessing. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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from page 1 “Age really doesn’t matter when you’re all working toward the same goal,” said Williamson. “And you can never predict anything on the basis of age.” And although Williamson could be casted for retirement, the word is unseen in his vocabulary. “I got involved in Creative Works for the same reason I would have gotten involved with it if I’d been 40 years younger—it was the chance to do new, exciting, and meaningful work,” said Williamson. “I can never see myself retiring as a writer or as an actor, so I might as well find new ways to make what I do in those fields as much fun as possible for me.” In fact, Williamson believes there is much to learn from the younger population. “We always say that the younger population should learn from the experiences of their elders. Well, it works the other way as well,” said Williamson. “You’re never too old to learn something new. I’ve learned some new ways of thinking and problem solving by working with my younger colleagues, and I’m hopeful they’ve learned something from me.” Similarly, one can never predict the excitement and enjoyment of their interest in Creative Works, no matter what age. Creative Works recently sponsored a 24-Hour Plays event, in which six 10-minute plays were written, rehearsed, and performed within 24 hours. The sold-out venue was packed with play-goers of all ages. “A major part of our mission is to appeal to all ages, 50+ as well as people in their 20s,” said Williamson. “If we don’t, where are the theater-goers of tomorrow going to come from?” To get in touch with Chet Williamson, check out his website at chetwilliamson.com. For additional information on Creative Works, visit creativelancaster.org or call (717) 7238355.
Linda Utzinger
717-580-6270
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Can you belt it out like nobody’s business? Do you belong on Dancing with the Stars ? Are you wild and crazy like Steve Martin? Pennsylvanians over 50 are invited to audition for the seventh annual PA STATE
SENIOR IDOL competition!
Auditions held at regional locations Tues., April 24 Body Zone
Wed., April 25
3103 Paper Mill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610
York Little Theatre
Wed., May 2 Broadway Classics Theatre at the Harrisburg Mall
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27 South Belmont St. York, PA 17403
3501 Paxton Street Harrisburg, PA 17111
Thurs., May 3 The Heritage Hotel Lancaster 500 Centerville Road Lancaster, PA 17601
Win a limousine trip to New York City with dinner and a Broadway show!
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For more information or an application:
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January 2012
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