Dauphin County 50plus Senior News November 2013 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Dauphin County Edition

November 2013

Vol. 15 No. 11

Take Two PA State Senior Idol Winner Delights in ‘Second Chance’ By Megan Joyce For a guy looking to take his second chance and run with it, 2013 has seen singer Chris Roda in a full sprint. After a four-year battle with a nerve disorder that silenced Roda’s powerful, operatic vocals, his reemergence into the world of music has been heralded with not one but two talent-competition wins in six months’ time. Roda’s win at the recent 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL finals competition was actually his second top-place title of the year: in April, he also won the area’s Welsh Mountain Spring Sing competition. Not a bad restart for a performer whose voice returned to him a mere 14 months ago. Roda was one of 15 semifinalists who performed during the finals night of OLP Events’ annual over-50 talent competition, a sold-out affair held at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster and emceed by Diane Dayton of Dayton Communications. It was Roda’s second time appearing as a SENIOR IDOL finalist, having been the second runner-up in 2007. Roda was one of five children growing up in a musical household. His late father’s love for the music of American tenor Mario Lanza instilled an early appreciation for opera in Roda, who began pursuing his own vocal gifts around age 20 after his father passed away. “I’m a diehard opera singer,” he said. “That’s what I love—that’s been the main influence in my style of singing.” please see TAKE TWO page 22 Chris Roda singing “E Lucevan Le Stelle” from Tosca, a performance that secured his place as the 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL.

Inside:

PA STATE SENIOR IDOL:

Tough Choices for Judges page 8

How to Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver page 14

Social Security News

Requiem

Social Security Serves Those Who Have Served

Yorktown Gettysburg Flanders Arlington Normandy Point du Hoc Afghanistan Iraq The young and not so young Lie together in narrow graves One cannot visit And hold back tears Give thanks for life and choices Fought and died for They so willingly did save That I and all I love Can live unbroken days Of blessed peace and freedom.

By John Johnston n Nov. 11, we honor our nation’s veterans for their service to America. What better time than now to tell you—and for you to help spread the word—about the many benefits and wealth of information Social Security has available for veterans and military personnel? Social Security recognizes those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms. Members of the armed forces receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability applications. The expedited process is available for any military service member who became disabled during active duty on or after Oct. 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

My fervent prayer Dear God above Do not allow My fickle mind Drowned in self-concerns To carelessly forget Those precious freedoms So sacrificially and bravely earned! Written and submitted by Peggie Potts

Some dependent children and spouses of military personnel may also be eligible to receive benefits. Visit our website designed specifically for our wounded veterans: www.socialsecurity.gov/ woundedwarriors. There, you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions, as well as other useful information about disability benefits available under the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Please pay special attention to the fact sheet available on that website, Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors. You’ll also find a webinar that explains the faster disability process available to wounded warriors. The program covers general information about Social Security disability benefits as well as topics unique to wounded service members. The online video is less than

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November 2013

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three minutes and a great introduction to disability benefits for veterans and activeduty military. On the same webpage, you’ll also find links to useful Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense websites. The requirements for disability benefits available through Social Security are different from those from the

Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. Military service members are covered for the same Social Security survivors, disability, and retirement benefits as everyone else. Although the expedited service is relatively new, military personnel have been covered under Social Security since 1957, and people

who were in the service prior to that may be able to get special credit for some of their service. To learn more about Social Security for current and former military service members, read Military Service and Social Security. It’s available in our digital library at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. But first, take a look at the wounded

warrior page (www.socialsecurity.gov/ woundedwarriors). The webinar, factsheet, and pertinent links will brief you on everything you need to know to “maneuver” your way through the Social Security process. John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.

Snuggle Up to a Fragrant Fire Fall is the perfect time to fire up the fireplace with a cozy blaze. If you want to add a little fragrance to your hearth, try these types of wood to sweeten your fire: Apple. It not only sweetens the smell,

it also produces colorful flames. Cherry. Although not as sweet as apple wood, cherry wood

Resource Directory Social Security Information (800) 772-1213

Emergency Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110

Healthcare Information PA Healthcare Cost Containment Council (717) 232-6787

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging (717) 780-6130

Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY

Funeral Directors Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home, Inc. 4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 545-4001 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 Arthritis Foundation – Central PA Chapter (717) 763-0900 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 The National Kidney Foundation (717) 757-0604 (800) 697-7007 PACE (800) 225-7223 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Tri-County Association for the Blind (717) 238-2531

Home Care Services Home Care Assistance Serving Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties (717) 540-4663 Safe Haven Quality Care Serving Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties (717) 238-1111 Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services Serving East and West Shores (717) 652-8899 or (717) 737-8899 Hospice Services Homeland Hospice 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg (717) 221-7890 Housing/Apartments B’Nai B’rith Apartments 130 S.Third St., Harrisburg (717) 232-7516

barbecue grill-meisters, hickory brings in a nice nutty aroma and is a great heat producer.

Hickory. Known to many great

Black birch. Don’t like your fires so sweet? Black birch adds just enough spice with its cinnamon scent.

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

Cremation Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home, Inc. 4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 545-4001

Floor Coverings Gipe Floor & Wall Covering 5435 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 545-6103

still adds a little sugar in the mix.

Housing Assistance Dauphin County Housing Authority (717) 939-9301

Toll-Free Numbers American Lung Association (800) LUNG-USA

Homeland Center Cumberland and Dauphin counties (717) 221-7727

Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937 Insurance Apprise Insurance Counseling (800) 783-7067 Nursing/Rehab Colonial Park Care Center 800 King Russ Road, Harrisburg (717) 657-1520 Pharmacy CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Retirement Communities Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7902 StoneRidge Retirement Living (717) 866-3204 Services Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging (717) 255-2790

Meals on Wheels (800) 621-6325 National Council on Aging (800) 424-9046 Social Security Office (800) 772-1213 Veterans Affairs (717) 626-1171 or (800) 827-1000 Transportation CAT Share-A-Ride (717) 232-6100 Travel Wheelchair Getaways Serving Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey (717) 921-2000 Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771

The Salvation Army Edgemont Temple Corps (717) 238-8678

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

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November 2013

Beyond the Battlefield

He Felt a Guardian Angel Watching Over Him, Part 2

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

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson

EDITORIAL VICE-PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR Christianne Rupp EDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS Megan Joyce

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

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

CIRCULATION PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall

Member of

Winner

50plus Senior News is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.

November 2013

Alvin S. Goodman This profile of David Press is continued from last month.

Danube River where they had to go through a Russian guard post. Every time a U.S. jeep would drive through, the Russian guards would fire their automatic weapons over their heads. Not knowing if they were drunk, they complained to Capt. Norton. He told them to put four men into a weapons carrier with the flap down in the back so they would not be seen. Each man was given a BAR (Browning automatic rifle) and, if the Russians fired at them, they were to

weak to show much emotion. “I’ve never seen an angrier bunch of men than those in my company,” he said. “Those Germans captured who couldn’t leave in time were never taken prisoner.”

hen we made the crossing at the Weser River, we took the Germans by surprise,” David Press of Mechanicsburg recalled of his World Made Company Interpreter “All during my time with my unit, War II experience. I tried to go unnoticed as much as Some Germans were still in their possible, but my knowledge of the underwear when the U.S. Army took German language from my Jewishthe town. From there on, the speaking parents and grandparents Germans were really on the run, and and a year of German in high it was easy going for the infantry school was discovered by my until they reached the Elbé River, officers,” said Press. “As a result, I where they met up with the was later made company Russians. interpreter.” “Alvin Smigelski and I were The next R&R Press had was patrolling along the river when in the city of Hannover, which we saw two SS troopers getting was the 12th largest city in out of a boat. As they waded to Germany. shore, they reached out behind “We were billeted in a large, them and pulled out their guns. beautiful home, and I had the Fortunately, we were able to Foot soldiers on wheels: Occupation troops opportunity of brushing up on shoot them before they were able on the move in Europe use all forms of transportation, including captured bikes. my German by trying to read to level their guns at us and Dave Press, far left, is a leader of the pack. some books in the home’s library.” shoot.” At one of his R&R breaks, A couple of days later, some of Press was sent to Heidelberg and the G.I. riflemen decided to take a lift the flap and all four return fire at rowboat across to see if they could them above their heads. Norton said, housed at its university. The city was trade some things with the Russians. “I pity the guy that accidentally hits a declared an open city and was never bombed by the Allies. Press had some Some German citizens who were Russian.” guard duty throughout the city and at fleeing the Russians later reported “The next time our patrol passed the bridges on the outskirts. that the Russians had taken the men the guard shack and the Russians After the war, the occupation prisoner and did not plan to release opened up on us, the flap came up them. and each man fired his BAR over the troops were moved to different towns and villages. “Capt. Norton asked for heads of the Russians. After that, “As company interpreter, I went volunteers to go over at night and when they saw our jeeps coming, told them not to come back without they ran into the guard shack and we with Lt. Jones, the executive officer, to the next town to make a Russian officer,” Press said. never had another problem.” arrangements for housing for the rest Four riflemen crossed the river Company B 335th Infantry was comprised mostly of men from the of the company,” Press said. “The first that night and did come back with a South: Texans, Mexicans, and Native thing we did was find the Russian officer. Capt. Norton then Americans. Many had never known bürgermeister (the mayor) and tell sent some Germans back to tell the any Jewish people when a Hungarian him what the town and people could Russians that if they wanted their Jewish concentration camp at Ahlem expect. Then we chose the houses we officer released, to send our soldiers was liberated. The Germans knew the wanted to occupy and had the back. American troops were coming, and German residents move out. “Soon our men were back, and “Since I had my choice, I always they had watches up to their elbows.” they tried to eliminate as many inmates as possible. saw to it that the officers were at one The lesson Press learned from “We found boxcars filled with end of town and I was at the other. Capt. Norton’s actions was that the dead bodies on the outskirts of the We would then set up German Russians respected strength and not town,” Press said. telephone lines along the way so that weakness. Evidently, the Nazis did not have any time an officer’s jeep came toward Another incident where the enough time to dispose of them. The our end, we were alerted by phone.” captain showed his leadership was living inmates were happy to see after the war ended. In Austria, a American soldiers, but many were too To be continued next month … detail was patrolling along the

“W

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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Where to Sell Your Unwanted Stuff Dr. Lori have advised many people that when it comes to selling your unwanted vintage collectibles, you have to think outside the box. Why? Many people have the same unwanted objects that you do, and they want to cash in on them with ease, too. Did you know that party planners and prop shops are two outlets looking for various objects from the world of antiques and collectibles?

Antique Party Accessories To cut costs at wedding receptions, baby showers, and parties, many bridesto-be, florists, and caterers are on the lookout for some relatively common vintage items, and they are looking for them in big numbers. For example, vintage white milk-glass pieces; decorative teacups used as small, floral centerpiece groupings; and old, silver-plated trays for food service are

coveted by TV Antique caterers and Trends When TV party planners. execs need an Many object from grooms will bygone days, seek out sports where do they collectibles, look? vintage flasks, Prop beer shops—the collectibles, and ones that liquor bottles to provide the serve as gifts for major movie ushers and and TV groomsmen in production a wedding White milk-glass serving pieces like this covered party. dish with a rabbit on the lid may be just the favor crews with those obscure Brides prefer for guests at a baby shower. objects that you to provide her see on film—are attendants with always looking for items such as vintage vintage fashion accessories like hair jewelry, period appliances like avocadoaccessories (ribbons, barrettes, hair bands, etc.), scarves, and beaded or metal green can openers from the 1970s, and vintage clothing and accessories. mesh purses.

Prop shops are often used for TV shows like Mad Men, The Big Bang Theory, and the new sitcom set in the 1980s, The Goldbergs. You don’t think that Christina Hendricks spends her free time searching flea markets for Jackie Kennedy-esque brooches? And where does Dr. Sheldon Cooper get his evergrowing collection of vintage Star Wars collectibles? When it comes to considering the resale of your vintage collectibles and accessory pieces, consider party goers and production-house set professionals. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, awardwinning TV personality, and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events nationwide. Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on Discovery channel’s hit TV show Auction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.

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If you’re an organization or business that offers a product or service relevant to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, or their families, contact your account representative or call 717.285.1350 now to be included in this vital annual directory. On-Line Publishers, Inc., 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 • 717.285.1350 • 717.770.0140 • 610.675.6240 • info@onlinepub.com • www.onlinepub.com

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November 2013

The Way I See It

An Autumn Day Mike Clark feel rejuvenated by the sunshine; it’s been absent for so long. A string of chilly, gray days had driven me into a mild funk. I’m fine, now. An occasional autumn gust strips the remaining leaves from the maples and oaks around the neighborhood as nature prepares the giant trees for a long winter nap. The colorful carpet beneath is blown downwind, relieving me of the dreadful chore of raking or firing up that infernal, high-decibel gas blower. I ponder that humble blessing as I set fire to a layer of kindling in the wood stove. I’ll add a few chunks of hardwood and the fire will grow to a small blaze. My plan is to sit in peace before the radiant warmth as I read an old book—A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. Those who know me will quickly detect the irony of my choice. Eventually (maybe tomorrow), I will have to walk around the property to

perform a late fall cleanup. There are fallen branches and small limbs to fetch; terracotta pots must be gathered and stored; and those leggy, desiccated annual plants must be plucked from their summer beds. It’s a job that probably should have been done weeks ago, but a weather-induced indifference set me back. A tree-service expert extracted forsythia trunks from the corner of the yard last week. My wife and I cut the beautiful but invasive shrub as far down as we could, shortly after it finished displaying the bright, yellow flowers that make early spring seem warmer. The bare spot must now be raked level

while the earth is damp and loose. I’ll wait until spring to plant grass, of course. By then, that plot will have to be weeded. As the wind now clears the leaves, so too will it bring new weeds. A plant stand that sits in front of the garage displays a few wilted mums and a large pumpkin that my wife wants to adorn with some kind of a turkey ornament. I wanted to remove the ponderous gourd, but my wife thinks it is in good-enough condition to serve as the anchor for our Thanksgiving motif. I’m fine with it. It’s hard to believe that a Christmas display will soon fill that space. There’s

no way to incorporate a shriveled pumpkin into that, is there? Yes, I’ve got work to do. The air is brisk and the sunshine stimulates my dormant enthusiasm. The problem is that I am currently more passionate about my fire and my book. The clocks have been turned back; the days will assuredly get shorter and colder. We’ll all find ways to steel ourselves against the inevitable driving snow and cutting wind. As for me, I have many books and a lot of firewood. I’ll be fine. As published in The Globe Leader newspaper, New Wilmington, Pa. Mike Clark writes a regular column for The Globe Leader newspaper in New Wilmington, Pa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior/applied psychology from Albright College. Mike lives outside Columbia, Pa., and can be contacted at mikemac429@aol.com.

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November 2013

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Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers The listings with a shaded background have additional information about their center in a display advertisement in this edition.

Bethany Village – The Oaks

Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 766-0279 • www.bethanyvillage.org

1000 Claremont Road • Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 243-2031 • www.ccpa.net/cnrc

Number of Beds: 69 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes Scheduled Entertainment: Yes

Number of Beds: 290 Rehabilitation Unit: No Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes

Private Rooms Available: Yes Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Accreditations/Affiliations: CARF/CCAC; Eagle, LeadingAge PA Comments: Maplewood Assisted Living also available.

Scheduled Entertainment: Yes Private Rooms Available: No Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Comments: Claremont provides quality skilled nursing and rehabilitation services for short- and long-term stays.

Homeland Center

Mennonite Home Communities

1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102-1598 (717) 221-7902 • www.homelandcenter.org

1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org

Number of Beds: 92 Rehabilitation Unit: No Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes Scheduled Entertainment: Yes

Number of Beds: 188 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes Scheduled Entertainment: Yes

Comments: A beautiful, full-service continuing care retirement community with a 145-year history of exemplary care.

Private Rooms Available: Yes Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Accreditations/Affiliations: Equal Housing, LeadingAge PA Comments: Person-centered care with reputation for compassion and excellence. Established in 1903. Respite care available w/minimum stay.

Pleasant Acres Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

118 Pleasant Acres Road • York, PA 17402 (717) 840-7100 • www.yorkcountypa.gov

1205 South 28th Street • Harrisburg, PA 17111 (717) 565-7000 • www.springcreekcares.com

Number of Beds: 375 Rehabilitation Unit: No Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Physical, Occupational Respiratory Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: No 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes

Number of Beds: 404 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes

Scheduled Entertainment: Yes Private Rooms Available: Yes Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Comments: A charming campus offering short-term rehab, long-term skilled nursing care, ventilator and tracheostomy support, and Alzheimer’s memory care.

StoneRidge Retirement Living 440 East Lincoln Avenue • Myerstown, PA 17067 (717) 866-3200 • www.stoneridgeretirement.com Number of Beds: 194 Rehabilitation Unit: Yes Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical Long-Term Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes 24-Hour Medical Care: Yes Recreational Activities: Yes Scheduled Entertainment: Yes

Private Rooms Available: Yes Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes Comments: Continuing care retirement community with two Myerstown sites convenient to Lebanon, Berks, and Lancaster counties.

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.

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November 2013

Maudie Becker

PA STATE

Steve Gallion

SENIOR IDOL Finals

Present Judges with Tough Choices Judge Calls 2013 Talent Lineup ‘Unbelievable’ By Megan Joyce

Paul Zavinsky

Ray Ricke Jr.

November 2013

The mid-October air outside was brisk and calm, but indoors, the PA STATE SENIOR IDOL finals competition seemed to generate its own atmosphere: warm and close, with an almost visible hum of energy produced by the nerves of the performers and the anticipation of the milling crowd. Produced by OLP EVENTS, PA STATE SENIOR IDOL is an annual talent competition that highlights the vocal, comedic, dance, or instrumental abilities of the state’s performers over age 50. The 15 semifinalists for the evening’s show were culled from nearly 100 contestants who auditioned at regional tryouts in late August and early September. There was not a vacant seat to be had inside the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, which hosted the eighth-annual event. The sold-out crowd was lively and supportive, as were the four local celebrity judges: RJ Harris of WHP580, Adrian “Buddy” King of the former Magnificent Men, Valerie Pritchett of abc27, and Janelle Stelson of WGAL-8. The show opened up with a performance by last year’s winner, Vickie Kissinger of Gap, who told emcee Diane Dayton of Dayton Communications that her year as the reigning SENIOR IDOL had been “wonderful.” “It’s just opened up a lot of new doors; it’s given me opportunities I never would have had,” Kissinger said. Being first up is seldom a desirable position, but John “Legs” Lawrenzi of Sutersville was likely unfazed as he sang “An American Trilogy” by Elvis Presley. The state Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee estimated he’d performed in more than 3,700 concerts. “You have like two different voices,” King observed. “You have the lower one, your more expressive solo voice, and you have the upper, more

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dynamic [voice]. I prefer the more expressive, lower voice.” Second in line was Roy “Jake” Jacobs of Thomasville with “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. Jacobs tearfully noted that he dedicates that song to his late wife. “That came through very clearly,” Stelson agreed. “It was very clear that you were singing to someone.” West Brandywine’s Tom Williams played his acoustic guitar while singing “Early Morning Rain” by Gordon Lightfoot, a mellow, intimate rendition that King called “very atmospheric.” “I felt like I could be sitting with you at a campfire,” Pritchett added. “Your voice is very smooth, and I really enjoyed it.” Tammy Estep of York was the first of the night’s female performers. She sang a passionate version of “Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt. “I like the control you had; you could tell you were really working on control,” Pritchett noted. The audience buzz increased rather dramatically when dancer Ray Ricke Jr. of York appeared on stage in his Michael Jackson getup. His “Smooth Criminal” routine included the moonwalk as well as some pulsating pectoral muscles thrown in for good measure. “Let me just politely say on behalf of all my girlfriends here: That was very enjoyable,” Stelson joked. Ricke may have been a tough act to follow, but Dan Kelly of Philadelphia didn’t disappoint with his confident rendition of “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret. “I love the richness in your voice, and I also like how when you belt it out, you belt it out—you go right down to the belly and bring it up,” Pritchett said. Kelly’s confidence was followed up by Maudie Becker’s version of “At Last” by Etta James, which King called “a gutsy, soulful performance.” Stelson complimented the Seltzer resident’s choice of key.

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“You sang that kind of low, and I really liked it,” she said. “I thought it really showed you off to your best advantage.” Next up was Chris Roda of Lancaster, who used his operatic vocals on “And This is My Beloved” from Kismet. King praised Roda’s use of dynamics. “Your last note was my favorite note of all,” King said. “It seemed like you held it for about five minutes.” Adding some variety to the night’s otherwise musical lineup, Steve Gallion of Lancaster performed a stand-up comedy routine that elicited a solid 3.5 minutes of raucous laughter from the audience and judges alike. King praised the pacing and cadence of Gallion’s delivery. “I like the way you built the routine, too,” King said. “You finished on top. It was great.” Music returned in force with Cheri Coleman of Coatesville singing “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole. King liked her “sweet and tender way of singing.” “A couple of those notes you hit, I thought my glass was going to shatter,” joked Pritchett. “I thought your voice was phenomenal.” Another phenomenal voice followed in the form of Kevin Pierce, also of Coatesville, who performed “Ol’ Man River” from Show Boat. King and Stelson commented on his storytelling ability. “Your voice and your presentation were both very dynamic,” Pritchett observed. “I was captivated. I just kept watching you because you’re so expressive.” The acoustic guitar then returned on stage with Paul Zavinsky at its helm. Zavinsky, of Hummelstown, sang and strummed “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver. “Good voices are a gift; they’re not something that you just take for granted,” noted King. “You have a nice, buttery kind of feel to your singing.” Constance Kuba Fisher of Mechanicsburg brought a different energy onto the stage with her theatrical rendition of “Ring Them Bells” by Liza Minnelli. “You’re fun, you’re a storyteller, and your stage presence was really wonderful,” Harris said. Nick Ferraro of Harrisburg brought images of Elvis to mind both in his appearance and his sound

as he passionately sang Presley’s “If I Can Dream.” “That was a really soulful performance. You put your heart and soul into that,” said King. Last but not least, Tom LaNasa of York closed the evening’s semifinalist performances with a dramatic, spoken-word presentation of Johnny Cash’s patriotic poem “Ragged Old Flag.” “I wish you would go down and do that same performance before Congress,” Stelson said. “I just defy them before the end of the day not to have a deal on this [government shutdown] silliness.” The four judges’ scores for all 15 contestants were then collected and tallied to determine which three semifinalists would move on to the finalist round and present a second performance. “You have no idea how tough this is tonight,” Harris said. “This is the best lineup we’ve had— every SENIOR IDOL has been great, and we’ve been here since the beginning—but tonight is unbelievable.” After a brief intermission, Ray Ricke Jr., Cheri Coleman Campbell, and Chris Roda were named the night’s three finalists. For their second selections, Ricke danced to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson; Campbell performed “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston; and Roda sang “E Lucevan Le Stelle” from Tosca. The judges as well as the audience then voted for their favorite, and Roda was named the 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL. Roda, a customer-service representative for RR Donnelly in Lancaster, had earlier shared with the judges and audience that his powerful voice had returned only a year ago after conquering a four-year illness that had ravaged his vocal chords. “It’s none of our business the health difficulties that you went through,” she said, “and it’s also nobody’s business who you believe in, in terms of God or Buddha … but I will say that I think God gave you a second lease so that we could have you.” For more information and highlights on the 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL finals competition, visit www.SeniorIdolPA.com.

2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL Winner Chris Roda Cheri Coleman

Nick Ferraro

From left: Valerie Pritchett, RJ Harris, Janelle Stelson, and Adrian “Buddy” King

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November 2013

The Squint-Eyed Senior

The Ups and Downs of Better Health Theodore Rickard verything from halitosis to osteoporosis can be treated, apparently, with the right stuff. Or, several stuffs, as it turns out. My authorities on this are the ads in that thumb-worn magazine about health that’s in my doctor’s office. The cover date is November 2007, and since then, the sheer number of things we should be swallowing has, I’m sure, increased. That’s because there are more things to be treated, especially for those of us who have reached more mature years. Mature enough, in fact, to have become forgetful about how many illnesses we are likely to suffer from and should do something about. The problem arises and intensifies because of this: Since I didn’t know I had the problem, I obviously was doing nothing about it. I was not taking my daily dose of concentrated vitamins, glandular extract from near-extinct

animals, or distillate of jungle fauna. Somehow I’d survived since November 2007, despite the new problems discovered every month— usually just before the magazine’s editorial deadline. This was probably just luck, so it was high time I paid better attention. All this seems a far cry from my youth, when “finish your oatmeal” was about as much nutritional advice as I ever got. The cereal-bowl battle was

complicated by the maneuvers of an older brother who, grossly overacting, gave every sign of actually enjoying the mush. Then with a smug and superior glance at me, he’d put his empty bowl and spoon in the kitchen sink—just as we’d been told hundreds of times to do. Meanwhile, I’d be still pushing the groats around in their puddle of milk in the bottom of my bowl in hopes they

might somehow simply disappear. They never did. Which explains why I always trailed a full half a block behind my brother on the walk to school. (Years later, the same brother needed to be bailed out due to a bit of overenthusiasm on certain civil-liberties issues—something regarding beverage consumption on public property. I took my own sweet time getting there, I can assure you. In fact, I didn’t come up with the cash until I’d asked what they served for breakfast in the First District lockup—a point which was lost entirely on my sibling, the bail bond guy, and the desk sergeant. But I felt better about it.) There’s no real reason a seaweed extract from an obscure, third-world tribal state should work any better than “eat your spinach” followed by “or no dessert.” But I’m convinced that if I just stay alert, something will work to reverse the reality of time passing … these days

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with remarkable rapidity. Exercise is another contentiously touted but dubious necessity for continued health—or survival, according to the magazine enthusiasts. I do not jog. I no longer even quicken my step to catch the down elevator. Not even leaving my doctor’s office. I have learned, concerning the overall realities of elevators, that there will be another one coming along within another minute or so. Were I to act as though it were otherwise is to assume that all the downward-bound elevator boxes go through the basement floor into some sort of subterranean, bottomless pit. I must admit, however, that once having steeled myself to the decision in this, every ring of the elevator bell seems to presage a green arrow. All of the elevators are going up. Naturally, I react by repeatedly stabbing the down button. A bell rings and I move swiftly to an advantageous starting position, guessing

which set of doors will slide open for me. That’s when the green arrow confirms “up” and then I quickly change my position to catch the next car. This goes on until the original car returns from the topmost floor. By then I am puffing from the exercise—the very thing the magazine article was touting. The solution would be to find a doctor whose office is on the ground floor. I refuse, however, to change what the bureaucracy insists on calling a “primary care provider” (which any mother knows is herself ). I’ll stick with my present doctor. He’s a good 40 pounds overweight. And I suspect he smokes cigars. He makes me feel better about myself. Especially after all the problems with the elevators. 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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November 2013

Traveltizers

Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel

From Apricots to Computer Chips: California’s Silicon Valley By Andrea Gross life-size model of a cosmonaut floats near the ceiling. A few feet away, a green Statue of Liberty holds aloft a plasticized chocolate sundae. And sitting next to me are two men who might, just might, be making a deal that will change my life. This is Buck’s of Woodside, a restaurant in the hills surrounding California’s Silicon Valley. It’s a place known for comfort food, quirky décor, and big deals, like the ones that resulted in funding for Hotmail, Netscape, and PayPal. “The Valley,” as it’s generally called, is centered in the fertile farmland between Palo Alto and San Jose. “This area was paradise back in the ’60s,” says Phil Consentino, who owns J&P Farms, the last commercial orchard in San Jose. Since then, the valley’s population has increased six-fold, and flourishing fruit trees have been cut down to make

Phil Consentino owns J&P Farms, the last commercial orchard in San Jose.

The garage where Bill Hewlett and David Packard started their small electronics company has been dubbed the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.”

Stanford University has served as an incubator for Silicon Valley entrepreneurs since the 1930s.

Colorful sculptures give the Google campus a welcoming feel, despite the fact that the buildings are off-limits to visitors.

room for middle-class homes and apartments. This transformation from a region of bountiful orchards to one filled with some of the world’s most renowned hightech companies began just a few miles from Buck’s in a small garage at 367 Addison Ave. in Palo Alto. Here, in 1939, Stanford graduates Bill Hewlett and David Packard pooled their life savings (a total of $538, which included cash and a used drill press) in order to start a small electronics company. Today, Hewlett-Packard ranks 43rd on Fortune’s 2013 list of the world’s largest companies, and the small garage is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sign out front dubs the garage the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” My husband dubs the $538 a good investment. Another Silicon Valley landmark, the house where Steve Jobs lived from the mid-1990s until his death in 2011, is a few blocks away at 2101 Waverly St. The

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two-story brick home, which sits on about a half acre, is fairly large but at the same time unpretentious and casual. In fact, a determinedly casual attitude permeates the entire Valley. People walk with purpose, but the suits of Mad Men have morphed into the jeans of geniuses. During our week in Silicon Valley, we see only four men in sport coats, none in ties. (The dress code for women is more liberal. The only rule: Save the stilettos for after-hours.) Of course, comfortable shoes are more than a fashion statement. They’re a necessity. In Silicon Valley, workplaces are not clustered in high-rises but sprinkled across “campuses”—a word that connotes not only low-slung buildings interspersed with large, open spaces, but also youth and conviviality. Some companies have such sprawling campuses that they provide their employees with bicycles. Except for the Apple store, which is filled with logoed t-shirts and mugs, the buildings are closed to visitors, so we move on to Castro Street in the town of Mountain View. Unlike Buck’s, which is the restaurant where people make deals, Castro Street is filled with eateries where folks hatch ideas. Here, over salads and stir-fry, lattes and scones, ideas are floated, debated, and often massaged into “the next great

The Google Maps Exhibit lets visitors to the The Google campus is so large that the company provides bikes for its employees. Computer History Museum find their own house on a giant screen.

The Computer History Museum has more than 1,100 artifacts.

A walk through nearby Henry Cowell State Park lets techies escape the manmade environment of Silicon Valley.

thing.” In the Red Rock Coffee Company we find a packed crowd taking advantage of the café’s free Wi-Fi. Most people are in baggy shorts and sandals and look to be about 19 years old. The fellow at the next table is typing feverishly on his

tablet. I wonder if I should ask him for his autograph, just in case he turns out to be the next Jerry Yang (the founder of Yahoo!). Finally we set out for the geeky part of our expedition: a visit to three Silicon Valley museums that will, we hope, give

comfort

wellness

us a layman’s overview of high-tech wizardry. They succeed beyond our wildest expectations. At the Computer History Museum we see everything from ancient abacuses to the first Apple computer (made in 1976) to an interactive display that explains how street-mapping works. At the Intel Museum we learn about semiconductor technology, and at the Tech Museum, which is not as much about how things work as it is about how much fun you can have when they do work, we train like Olympic contenders by virtually bobsledding down a virtual hill. We spend the final day of our visit strolling among ancient redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park. It’s a delightful as well as humbling experience, reminding us that nature predates even the oldest manmade wonders. On the plane ride home, we reflect on what makes Silicon Valley so different from other places. Our conclusion: Silicon Valley is a state of mind as well as a geographical entity, a place where optimism and creativity are as much a part of the environment as buildings and museums. Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com).

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November 2013

Savvy Senior

How to Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver Jim Miller

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Dear Savvy Senior, I have been taking care of my elderly mother for nearly three years, and it’s taking a huge toll on my finances. Are there any resources you know about that can help family caregivers get paid? – Financially Exhausted Dear Exhausted, To get paid as a family caregiver, there are various government programs, tax breaks, and family payment options that

may be able to help you, depending on your mom’s financial situation. Here’s where to look for help. State Aid If your mom is lowincome and eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get paid a small amount by the state. In 15 states, Medicaid offers a Cash & Counseling program (www.cashandcounseling.org) that provides an allowance that can be used for various services, including

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paying family members for care. Many other states have similar programs for low-income seniors, even if the person receiving care doesn’t quite qualify for Medicaid. To find out about these options, contact your local Medicaid office. Veterans Aid In some communities across the U.S., veterans who are at risk of nursing-home placement can enroll in the Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services program, which allows veterans to manage their own care, including hiring and paying their own caregivers. Also available to wartime veterans and their spouses is a benefit called Aid and Attendance that helps pay for inhome care, as well as assisted living and nursing-home care. This benefit can also be used to pay family caregivers. To be eligible, your mom must need assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, or going to the bathroom. And, her income must be under $13,362 as a surviving spouse—minus medical and long-term care expenses. If your mom is a single veteran, her income must be below $20,795 to be eligible. Her assets must also be less than $80,000, excluding her home and car. To learn more, see www.va.gov/ geriatrics, or contact your regional VA office or your local veterans service organization. For contact information, call (800) 827-1000. Tax Breaks Uncle Sam may also be able to help if you pay at least half of your mom’s yearly expenses and her annual income was below $3,900 in 2013 (not counting Social Security). If so, you can claim her as a dependant on your taxes and reduce your taxable income by $3,900. See IRS publication 501 (www.irs.gov/

pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf) or call the IRS helpline at (800) 829-1040 for information. If you can’t claim your mom as a dependant, you may still be able to get a tax break if you’re paying at least half her living expenses, including her medical and long-term care costs, and they exceed 10 percent (or 7.5 percent if you’re 65 or over) of your adjusted gross income. You can include your own medical expenses in calculating the total. See the IRS publication 502 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf) for details. Family Payments If your mom doesn’t financially qualify for the government aid or the tax breaks, can she afford to pay you herself, or do you have any siblings that would be willing to chip in? After all, if your mom had to pay for home care services, the costs would be anywhere between $12 and $25 per hour. If she agrees to pay you, it’s best that you or an attorney draft a short, written contract detailing your work and payment arrangements so everyone involved knows what to expect. A contract will also help avoid potential problems should your mom ever need to apply for Medicaid for nursinghome care. Another payment option to consider is for your mom to adjust her will, so you receive a larger portion of her estate for providing her care. But to avoid conflict, be sure all family members are aware and in agreement. Also, check to see if your mom has any long-term care insurance that covers in-home care. If she does, in some cases, those benefits may be used to pay you. 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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November 2013

Tinseltown Talks

Dick Gautier, a Man of Many Talents? Nick Thomas f all those zany sitcoms produced in the ’60s, Get Smart remains a favorite of classic-TV fans. This show had it all: crazy characters (Max, “99,” Larabee, Hymie the humanoid robot), delightfully wicked villains (Siegfried, the Claw, Leadside), goofy spy gadgets (shoe phone, cone of silence), cool cars (Sunbeam Tiger), unforgettable catchphrases (“missed it by that much!”), a parade of stellar guests (Milton Berle, Don Rickles, Vincent Price), unbelievable save-the-world plots, and that omnipresent ’60s canned-laugh track. Don Adams, who played Max, passed away in 2005. A few years earlier, during a 75th birthday roast in his honor, Adams made a very simple request: “I don’t want a big funeral. I don’t want a lot of flowers or eulogies,” he told the gathering. “I’d just like a few of my close friends to get together … and try

Don Adams, Dick Gautier, and Barbara Feldon in a Get Smart publicity still.

A 1989 Get Smart Again publicity still featuring Robert Karvelas, Dave Ketchum, Don Adams, and Dick Gautier.

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and bring me back to life.” Dick Gautier, who played Hymie the robot, wasn’t close friends with Adams off the set, but says he enjoyed working with him. We talked recently from his home in Los Angeles. “He lived a very different kind of lifestyle to me,” said Gautier. “He and his buddies were always at the racetrack, but I was never a gambler.” Incredibly, Gautier’s Hymie character (“his father’s name was Hymie”) only appeared in six episodes during the first four seasons of Get Smart. Yet he remains one of the show’s most popular and memorable characters. Gautier based Hymie partly on a childhood memory. “As a kid in Canada, I saw this mannequin-like guy in a store window who moved in a very stiff manner. The deal was, if you made him smile, you could win a gift from the store. I almost

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got him to laugh! So I started imitating him and discovered I had a flair for entertaining. “I told that story during my Get Smart audition, did those movements, and got the role of Hymie.” Not surprisingly, laughter was not uncommon on the Get Smart set. Gautier remembers shooting one scene where Max takes a rather drunk Hymie into a closet and scolds him because drinking and spying don’t mix. “I had to reach over and kiss Don on the cheek,” recalled Gautier. “But the two of us started giggling like high-school girls during every take, and the crew grew impatient. I finally got through it by not looking at Don.

“When the scene was over, Gautier is also an artist he looked at me and said, ‘Are specializing in caricatures and you going to say it or am I?’ has written numerous books So I told him to go ahead. He on drawing. looked at the crew and said He’s captured the Burt ‘OK, guys, we’re coming out Reynolds forehead, the W.C. of the closet!’” Fields nose, the John Travolta In addition to acting in chin, and dozens of other hundreds of TV shows and celebrities perfectly (see movies, Gautier has been a www.dickgautier.com). stand-up comedian, writer, He also makes an Gautier’s sketch of producer, director, voice actor, interesting comparison W.C. Fields. and singer. During lean times, between today’s stars to those he even demonstrated pogo sticks at of yesteryear with their more rugged Macy’s. Details can be read on his website features (think Bogie, Gable, Connery). bio, which Gautier describes as “that once “Many of today’s actors look like grotesquely inflated thing which deflates fashion models. Take someone like Brad slightly with each passing day.” Pitt, who has those stunning, boyish good

looks. Some are so handsome, they just don’t have any distinguishing features to hang your comic hat on, as an artist.” In addition to drawing and painting, Gautier has just finished writing a twocharacter play that he hopes to direct. And at 81, his career achievements just keep mounting. “I’ve been around so long,” he says, “sometimes I feel like I was in the original Flintstones—the real ones the cartoon was based on!” Thomas’ features and columns have appeared in more than 300 magazines and newspapers, and he is the author of Raised by the Stars, published by McFarland. He can be reached at his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com

Choose the Right Turkey for Your Feast With Thanksgiving approaching, you may be wondering what kind of turkey to buy for your big feast. The choices can be a little confusing. Check this quick guide to learn what the different labels mean: Butterball. Despite the name, these turkeys don’t actually have any butter. The turkeys come fresh or frozen. The fresh ones have no added ingredients. The frozen birds are injected in the

breast with a solution of vegetable oil, water, salt, emulsifiers, and a preservative. The solution is made to enhance the flavor and provide moisture that is lost during the freezing process. Kosher. Kosher turkeys are soaked in cold saltwater even before the feathers are plucked. The process draws

out the blood and impurities, following Jewish dietary laws. Because they go through both rabbinical and USDA inspections, the birds are very clean. The saltwater soak also makes for a more flavorful bird. Kosher poultry are fed an all-natural diet with no hormones or antibiotics.

Free-range. These birds are fed an allnatural diet and aren’t confined. Often, the birds eat natural feed that is not organic but is tested for chemical residue. Generally, they have more breast meat, about 50 percent less fat, and a quarter fewer calories than regular turkeys. However, some consumers have found that free-range turkeys are a little tougher. That’s because they are less fatty, so be careful not to overcook them.

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Publications 50plus Senior News is a monthly newspaper touching on issues and events relevant to the 50+ community. The Resource Directory for the Caregiver, Aging, and Disabled is published annually in distinct county editions with information from local businesses and organizations that meet the needs of these groups. 50plus LIVING, an annual publication, is a guide to residences and healthcare options for mature adults in the Susquehanna and Delaware valleys. ((b)) magazine is Central Pennsylvania’s premier publication for baby boomers, reflecting on the past, examining where baby boomers are today, and identifying the issues they may face in the future. BUSINESSWoman is a monthly magazine with a focus on business. It features profiles of local executive women who are an inspiration to other professionals. Lifestyle and wellness articles are also included to round out the publication and address the many facets of a woman’s life. (

)

SUCCESS STORIES highlights the achievements of local professional women so that others may be inspired. It is a special insert in the March issue of BUSINESSWoman magazine. All publications are available in print and digital formats.

Events OLP EVENTS, our events division, produces six 50plus EXPOs annually in Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster (two), and York counties. Entrance to the event, health screenings, and seminars held throughout the day are free to visitors. The women’s expo is a one-day event featuring exhibitors and interactive fun that encompasses many aspects of a woman’s life. It is held in Lancaster and Hershey in the spring and in Lebanon and Carlisle in the fall. OLP EVENTS conducts the annual PA STATE SENIOR IDOL competition. Fifteen semifinalists vie for the title of PA STATE SENIOR IDOL during the finals competition, held in October at a popular venue. POWERLUNCH is held in York in the spring and in the Capital Region during the fall. Executive women can network and enjoy lunch, seminars, and information from a select number of exhibitors.

is seeking an ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE On-Line Publishers, Inc. has an opening for a highly motivated person with a professional attitude to sell print and online advertising as well as niche events. The successful candidate should: • Enjoy building and maintaining your own long-term business relationships. • Be highly motivated, detail oriented, and able to multitask. • Have good communication skills. • Show a willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. We offer a competitive compensation plan with a benefits package that includes health insurance and a 401(k) plan. If you have sales experience and are interested in joining our growing sales team, please send your resume and compensation history/requirements to danderson@onlinepub.com. On-Line Publishers, Inc. • 3912 Abel Drive • Columbia, PA 17512 • 717.285.1350 www.onlinepub.com

For more information, call (717) 285-1350 or visit www.onlinepub.com.

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Have you photographed a smile that just begs to be shared? Send us your favorite smile—your children, grandchildren, friends, even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus Senior News’ next Smile of the Month! You can submit your photos (with captions) either digitally to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to:

50plus Senior News Smile of the Month 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Digital photos must be at least 4x6'' with a resolution of 300 dpi. No professional photos, please. Please include a SASE if you would like to have your photo returned.

Famous Books and Their Original Titles “What’s in a name?” Shakespeare asked, possibly when trying to think of titles to the many plays he wrote. Take a look at the original titles of some of the world’s best-known books and imagine how their impact might have been different if someone hadn’t suggested a switch: Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell: The Last Man in Europe Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: The Kingdom by the Sea The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway: Fiesta

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: Second-Hand Lives Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: Something That Happened Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: First Impressions The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner: Twilight The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Gatsby, Among AshHeaps and Millionaires; Trimalchio; Trimalchio in West Egg; On the Road to West Egg; Under the Red, White and Blue; Gold-Hatted Gatsby; The High-Bouncing Lover

Premiere Event in Dauphin County

omen’s Expo us o t r Talk ponso ts u tor o ab exhibi s. and rtunitie o opp

March 22, 2014 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey

The premiere women’s expo in Dauphin County will be held in spring 2014. It features lively demonstrations, shopping, free spa treatments, and a fashion show. A wide variety of exhibitors provides information that embraces the many facets of a woman’s life, including:

Health & Wellness Finance Home Shopping Technology Beauty Nutrition Fashion and more!

717.285.1350

FREE advance guest registration online. ($5 at the door.)

a G r e a t W a y To S p e n d M y D a y . c o m 18

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Calendar of Events

Dauphin County

Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation

Senior Center Activities

Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Volunteer Workday, Wildwood Park

Bistline Senior Center – (717) 564-5633

Dauphin County Library Programs

B’Nai B’rith Senior Center – (717) 232-6757

East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, (717) 652-9380 Nov. 6, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. – Altered Book Art Demo

East Hanover Township Senior Center – (717) 469-7514 Edgemont Senior Center – (717) 236-2221

Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N. Market St., Elizabethville, (717) 362-9825 Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. – Friends of the Elizabethville Library Meeting Nov. 14, 6 p.m. – Cards and Candy

Friendship Senior Center – (717) 657-1547 Heinz-Menaker Senior Center – (717) 238-7860

Harrisburg Downtown Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-4976 Hoy/Latsha Senior Center – (717) 939-9833 Johnson Memorial Library, 799 E. Center St., Millersburg, (717) 692-2658 Kline Branch, 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-3934 Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m. – Friends of the Kline Library Meeting

Jewish Community Center – (717) 236-9555 Lick Towers Senior Center – (717) 233-0388

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N. Third St., Harrisburg, (717) 232-7286 McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-4976

Lykens Senior Center – (717) 453-7985 Millersburg Senior Center – (717) 692-2657 Mohler Senior Center – (717) 533-2002, www.hersheyseniorcenter.com

Northern Dauphin Library, 683 Main St., Lykens, (717) 453-9315 William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W. Second St., Hummelstown, (717) 566-0949 Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. – Novel Thoughts Book Club Nov. 19, 1 p.m. – Novel Thoughts, Too! Book Club

Programs and Support Groups Free and open to the public.

Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682, www.rutherfordhouse.org Mondays, 10 a.m. – Line Dancing Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Healthy Steps in Motion Fridays, noon – Chair Yoga Steelton Senior Center – (717) 939-0693

Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Célébration Fantastique: Concert of Voice, Brass, and Organ Faith Presbyterian Church 1801 Colonial Road, Harrisburg (717) 652-0338

Nov. 20, 2 p.m. Bereavement Program: Healing for the Holidays Country Meadows of Hershey 451 Sand Hill Road, Hershey (717) 533-1880 hershey@countrymeadows.com

Nov. 12, 6 to 7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Graysonview Personal Care Community 150 Kempton Ave., Harrisburg (717) 561-8010

Nov. 22–24, 10 a.m. Paxtang Art Association 2013 Art Show Paxtang Municipal Building 3423 Derry St., Harrisburg www.paxtangart.com

Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. Parkinson’s Support Group on East Shore Jewish Home of Harrisburg 4004 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 441-8627

Nov. 26, 6 p.m. Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Walking Club Gander Mountain 5005 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 991-5232

Please call or visit the centers’ websites for additional activities.

AARP Driver Safety Programs For a Safe Driving Class near you, call toll-free (888) 227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/findacourse. Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mohler Senior Center 25 Hope Drive, Hershey (717) 533-2002

What’s Happening? Give Us the Scoop! Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Dauphin County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com Let www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

help you get the word out!

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Versatile Proteins Could Be New Target for Alzheimer’s Drugs A class of proteins that controls visualsystem development in the young brain also appears to affect vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease in the aging brain. The proteins, which are found in humans and mice, join a limited roster of molecules that scientists are studying in hopes of finding an effective drug to slow the disease process. “People are just beginning to look at what these proteins do in the brain. While more research is needed, these proteins may be a brand-new target for Alzheimer’s drugs,” said Carla Shatz, Ph.D., the study’s lead investigator. Shatz and her colleagues report that LilrB2 (pronounced “leer-bee-2”) in

humans and PirB (“peer-bee”) in mice insight into Alzheimer’s, a complex can physically partner with disorder involving the abnormal beta-amyloid, a protein build-up of proteins, fragment that inflammation, and a accumulates in the host of other cellular November is brain during changes,” said Neil National Alzheimer’s disease. Buckholtz, Ph.D., This, in turn, director of the Alzheimer’s triggers a harmful neuroscience Disease chain reaction in division at National Awareness brain cells. In a Institute on Aging, mouse model of which helped fund the Month Alzheimer’s, depleting research. PirB in the brain prevented “Our understanding of the chain reaction and reduced the various proteins involved, and memory loss. how these proteins interact with each “These findings provide valuable other, may one day result in effective

interventions that delay, treat, or even prevent this dreaded disease.” Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults and affects as many as 5 million Americans. Large clumps—or plaques—of betaamyloid and other proteins accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s, but many researchers believe the disease process starts long before the plaques appear. Even in the absence of plaques, betaamyloid has been shown to cause damage to brain cells and the synapses, the delicate connections, between them. Source: National Institutes of Health

A History of the Banknote Governments print it, misers hoard it under their mattresses, rich people light their cigars with it—but where does the idea of paper money come from, anyway? China, actually. The banknote apparently originated during the Tang Dynasty (seventh century) to replace bulky copper coins carried by merchants. The coins were minted with rectangular

holes in their center so they could be strung together on cords, but wealthy merchants found that lugging their coins around was difficult. A system was born in which merchants left their coins with a trusted agent in exchange for a note stating exactly how much money was being held. The merchant could return the note at any time to redeem his or her

colonies to circulate its own banknotes in the early 1690s, but all 13 colonies were issuing their own notes by the early 1700s. The First Bank of the United States, chartered by Congress in 1789 shortly after the signing of the Constitution, was authorized to issue banknotes, but the U.S. federal government didn’t start printing its own paper money until 1862.

coins, and in time, paper money called “jiaozi” evolved. In Europe, banknotes first came into use in the 14th century. The term “banknote” derives from nota di banco. The holder of a note could redeem it for an amount of silver or gold held on deposit with a bank. In the New World, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was the first of the American

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

60–69

70–79

80–89

90+

Why would you/your nominee make a great cover profile? _______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

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CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 22

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

Across 1. Lox buddy 6. Junky vehicle 10. Gay Talese’s ___ the Sons 14. Emulate Cicero 15. Women’s magazine 16. Coward’s name 17. Saint-Germain’s river 18. Captain of literature 19. Party pooper 20. Outaouais River site 22. Train component 23. Jane Austen novel 24. Spline 26. Scintillas

28. Nabokov novel 31. Nouvelle-Calédonie, e.g. 32. Globetrotters founder Saperstein 33. In the same place (abbr.) 34. Blackguard 35. Galled 39. Dedicates 41. On a horse 43. Ringo, for one 44. Shred 45. McGregor of Trainspotting 46. Day break? 48. Cuckoo bird 49. Slow-witted

50. ___ fatale 52. Adherents (suffixes) 54. Au naturel 55. Summer shade 57. Infant’s garment 62. Computer image 63. Sin City actress Jessica 65. Med. worker 66. Before case or drive 67. Hang over 68. Nag 69. Fr. seasons 70. Darns 71. Artist’s tripod

Down 1. Anjou alternative 2. Expanse 3. Benefit 4. Sicilian smoker 5. City on the River Aire 6. Biddy 7. Chosen 8. Diva Gluck 9. Illinois River city 10. Resolute 11. Bellini opera 12. Squads 13. One of Chekhov’s Three Sisters

21. Wonderland girl 25. Regrettably 27. Passing mention? 28. Opposite of hinder 29. Prima donna 30. Decorations 33. Psyches 36. Fuzzy fruit or flightless bird 37. Cheese type 38. Hibernation locale 40. Streetcar 41. Slangy negative 42. Spotted

44. Sky show 47. Flower parts 50. Aspect 51. Toothed 53. From that time 54. Chomp 56. Burn soother 58. Mystique 59. Those for 60. Feudal slave 61. Stagger 64. Some times (abbr.)

Your ad could be here on this popular page! Please call (717) 770-0140 for more information.

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November 2013

TAKE TWO

from page 1

A girlfriend at the time connected Roda with her uncle, who was involved with the Fulton Theatre. At his urging, Roda also began lessons with renowned vocal coach Romayne Bridgett. Before long, he began getting gigs at weddings and then sang with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra chorus for two years in the early 1980s. By the ’90s, Roda bought some recording equipment of his own, but his fulltime job at a printing company meant that, although music was his passion, it could only remain a hobby. “The reality was, I was a family man and I had a job, and I could only spend so much time on the music,” he said. Roda was then introduced to the Pennsylvania Academy of Music in Lancaster and connected with a teacher there who was a retired Metropolitan Opera tenor. “I was his student for a couple of years,” said Roda. “He really refined my voice … he got me into the style of singing that people heard from me [at SENIOR IDOL].” He was also invited to sing at one of OperaLancaster Associates’ Lemonade Concerts, but he remained “just a local, low-key, hobby-type singer for the last 30 years” before placing in the 2007 SENIOR IDOL competition. After that, he said, he was rendered unable to sing due to the onset of his

illness, which baritone and affected his not a tenor, as vocal nerve. previous Years went coaches had. by in pained “I would go silence. through spells “Music where I dropped off couldn’t sing the radar for because I was me, which being pushed a was heartlittle too far, a breaking,” little too high Roda up the vocal recalled. register,” he Things said. “You’ve Roda, center, reacts as he is announced as the finally began got to be PA STATE S ENIOR I DOL . He is flanked by winner of 2013 to turn back careful with a the other two finalists, Ray Ricke Jr. of York, left, and voice like around for Cheri Campbell of Coatesville, right. Roda in fall that.” 2012 when Meanwhile, he suddenly observed increasing Roda eagerly registered for a 2013 PA improvements in his voice, which had STATE SENIOR IDOL audition this summer. become raspy during his illness. At the finals competition, his “A year ago September, my voice performance of “And This is My began to come back,” he said. “The last Beloved” from Kismet secured him a spot few months, it’s gotten better than it’s amongst the three finalists. His follow-up ever been. The worst is behind me, performance, “E Lucevan Le Stelle” from thank goodness.” Tosca, earned him the win. His win at the Spring Sing Roda said a chill went up his spine Competition was a needed confidence upon hearing his name called. boost, and Roda began weekly lessons “It was an amazing feeling. It felt like with vocal coach John Darrenkamp, also I kind of just lifted off the stage a few retired from the Metropolitan Opera in inches; it was incredible,” he said. “It was New York City. He is the first of Roda’s fulfilling, rewarding … it was relief, joy, instructors to treat him as a lyric and euphoria all wrapped up into this

little 10-second announcement.” Despite his success earlier this year, Roda said he was “in no way” feeling confident of a SENIOR IDOL win as the finals night progressed and he mingled with the other semifinalists. “I was having so much fun. I was very in awe of the talent of the other performers,” he said. “I loved doing it. I loved meeting all those people backstage. There were lots of little friendships formed, lots of joking and banter back there.” As the 2013 SENIOR IDOL winner, Roda’s prize is a limousine trip for two to New York City for dinner and a Broadway show. But that’s not the only journey to the Big Apple he’ll be making in the coming months. “I’m going to New York in November,” he said. “I’m registered for America’s Got Talent.” He also plans to continue working with Darrenkamp, who is grooming Roda to try out for opera roles in the Fulton’s 2014-15 season. Roda noted that many male opera singers, especially tenors as he had been, retire after age 50. But even several years past that mark, Roda is optimistic and unconcerned. “I feel like I’ve been given a second chance here. I’m not worried about being 57 because I’ve got a lot of good years of singing left.”

Church Connections Decline, but Belief Remains

one-third of adults under the age of 30 say the same. In the last five years, the proportion of people practicing no religion has risen from 15 to 20 percent, with 13 million (6 percent) describing

themselves as atheists or agnostics and 33 million identifying with no specific religion at all (14 percent). But spiritual belief may not be disappearing entirely. Sixty-eight percent of Americans who aren’t

attached to any church do say they believe in God, and 58 percent claim a deep connection with the earth and nature. Twenty-one percent say they pray every day.

Puzzles shown on page 21

Puzzle Solutions

Religious belief continues to decline in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project. One-fifth of Americans say they’re not affiliated with any religion, and

November 2013

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The Beauty in Nature

Massive Trees in Central Pa. Clyde McMillan-Gamber lder individuals of four kinds of deciduous trees get massive in Central Pennsylvania, as elsewhere. These stately trees grow tall and have trunks several feet across and bulky limbs. Large white oak trees are rugged looking with their horizontal, gnarled branches. This species dominates the moist, bottomland habitats that suit it. White oaks produce acorns that are edible to people, as well as deer, bears, rodents, wild turkeys, blue jays, and other species of wildlife. Sycamores have blotchy bark where shreds of the older, darker covering fall away, exposing the younger, lighter bark. Some huge sycamores on their native floodplain habitats along waterways have hollows at the ground level large enough that a bear or a couple of people could

shelter in them, but not at once. Sycamores are also called buttonwood because their tiny, fluffy seeds are attached to round structures that resemble buttons. Big silver maples have shaggy bark and large, winged seeds that twirl down on the wind like helicopter blades, which spreads them across the countryside. This

sycamore associate grows quickly but easily breaks down in wind. Squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters eat many silver maple seeds. Monster American beeches grow on slopes of rich, moist soil above bottomlands. They have smooth, gray bark; gnarled limbs; and beige, curled leaves that cling to twigs through winter. In winter

we can see how numerous beeches are in beech/sugar maple woods because of the dead foliage still on them. Beeches also have long, pointed leaf buds that become longer and fatter in spring before they open to release leaves. Beechesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; small, three-pointed nuts in bristly pods are edible to the critters mentioned above. Many of these magnificent trees have cavities where wind ripped off branches, exposing the wood to weathering, fungus, insects, and other agents of decay. Those tree hollows are homes for squirrels, certain owls, raccoons, black rat snakes, honeybees, chickadees, house wrens, and other creatures. Each of these massive, majestic trees in Central Pennsylvania has its own niche and beauties. And they provide food and cover for wildlife.

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Life-saving cardiac care.

And the gift of time. At 10 a.m., Dave began having chest pains. At noon he was rushed to Good Samaritan. By 1 p.m., the advanced technology of our cardiac catheterization lab had found ďŹ ve arterial blockages. And by 3:30 p.m., Dave was having the bypass surgery that would save his life. Now Dave has more time to pursue his love of restoring clocks. Thanks to the clockwork performance of the cardiac team at Good Samaritan. For more information or to ďŹ nd a physician, visit comfortingcare.org.

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