Dauphin County 50plus Senior News Dec. 2011 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Dauphin County Edition

December 2011

Vol. 13 No. 12

Dickens-Inspired Village Ushers in the Holidays By Katie Weeber At Christmastime, George McMurty is always confronted with a challenge: finding the perfect gift for his wife. The challenge is further complicated by the couple’s wedding anniversary, which falls on Dec. 26, turning every holiday season into the search for two special gifts. One year, McMurty’s gift selection inadvertently sparked a tradition that is now a favorite element of the Christmas scenery at their retirement community. That Christmas, McMurty asked his daughter to help him with his gift search. While shopping, both were attracted to a collection of lighted Dickens’ Village houses, and McMurty purchased two of the buildings for his wife. The Dickens’ Village Series was developed and produced in 1984 by Department 56 as part of the company’s Heritage Village Collection. Inspired by Victorian England, the series contained seven shops and a church. Since that time, the Heritage Village Collection has been expanded tremendously to include many new village series, including The New England Village Series and The Alpine Village Series. The result is a line of countless Christmastime houses, figures, and accessories, many inspired by Victorian England or the works of Charles Dickens. After his first purchase, McMurty quickly came to realize just how extensive the village collections were. please see DICKENS page 19 It takes about two weeks for George McMurty to set up and add his own special touches to his 135-piece Dickens’ Village.

Inside:

Divine Dedication page 2

Christmas Travel page 10

Landisville, PA Permit No. 3

PAID PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

Beyond the Battlefield

From Death and Devastation to Divine Dedication Alvin S. Goodman ev. Dwight D. Edwards, 66, of suburban Harrisburg, is a Vietnam veteran who has devoted his life to public service, counseling, and ministry. He enlisted in the Army on June 28, 1963, and was assigned to the 11th Air Assault Division while in the U.S. He completed one tour of duty in South Vietnam from August 1965 to May 1966 with the 1st Cavalry Division, Delta Company 1/12th Cavalry Airborne and was discharged from the service in 1968 with the rank of E-4. He served in a recon platoon and his job was to acquire details about enemy troop movements or other information and report to the battalion commander. Life expectancy in his unit was 17 seconds in combat. Two of three squads in the platoon were decimated in a matter of minutes during his tour. Citations received included the

Combat Infantry Common Pleas Court Badge, Parachutist of Philadelphia. Badge, Air Medal, Other early Nation Defense Medal, employment included Good Conduct Medal, therapist at the Vietnam Gallantry Philadelphia Cross with Palm, Psychiatric Center Vietnam Campaign (1974-77); director of Medal with two stars, Safe Streets Inc., a Vietnam Service Medal, Philadelphia halfway Presidential Unit house (1977-78); a Citation, and the Air counselor at Assault Badge. Philadelphia After his discharge, Community College Edwards became a (1978-80); counselor welders’ helper at the at Philadelphia Rev. Dwight Edwards Naval Shipyard in Veterans Multi-Service in an early photo. Philadelphia. In 1968, Center (1981-82); and he served as a veteran in public service as readjustment counseling specialist and a teacher intern with the Philadelphia team leader/director at the Olney Vet School District. From 1972 to 1974 Center, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Edwards was employed as a probation (1982-88). officer in the juvenile division of the Edwards served as executive director

of the Vietnam Veterans Health Initiative Commission of the Pennsylvania Department of Health from 1988 to 1996 and was program administrator of the Cancer Control Program in the State Health Department, also in 1996. He served as a counselor in the Harrisburg School District from 1996 to 1999. A native of Philadelphia, Edwards attended Thomas Alva Edison High School, receiving a GED in 1964 and his diploma in 1968. Thomas Edison High had the highest number of casualties in the Vietnam War for high schools in the United States. He received a BA degree in elementary education from Temple University in 1972. Edwards attended Antioch University from 1975 through 1976 and received a Master of Education in counseling, after which he attended Lancaster Theological Seminary (19952000), receiving a Master of Divinity degree.

“The Stain Removal Experts” We Dry Clean Your Carpets!! Serving all of Central PA

I told Grandmom to call Dri-Masters!

Fully insured • Prices guaranteed Safe for children and pets Eliminates mildew Non-toxic/Non-allergenic Carpets dry in about one hour Recommended by carpet manufacturers worldwide

Same-day se rvice when available

Harrisburg

Carlisle

717-545-4984

717-258-3123

West Shore

Toll-Free

717-516-5004 1-800-897-4032

Satisfaction guaranteed • We move your furniture • We do repairs • Water removal

Ad ditional

5%ponOraFteFs coup for seniors!

December 2011

.95 69 2 Rooms and

Only

.95 79 3 Rooms and

Only

.95 99 4 Rooms and

Only

.95 1 19 5 Rooms and

Only

FREE HALLWAY

1-800-897-4032

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. 3 room minimum. Max 200 sq. ft. per room. L-shaped rooms count as 2 rooms. Expires 2/29/12.

50plus SeniorNews e

Only

79.95

Upholstery Cleaning Standard Sofa (3 cushions) & one chair

1-800-897-4032 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. 3 room minimum. Max 200 sq. ft. per room. L-shaped rooms count as 2 rooms. Expires 2/29/12.

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

From 2001 to 2007, Edwards was pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Carlisle. Prior to that, he was spiritual leader of AME Churches in Parkesburg, Marietta, and Mercersburg. A friend described Edwards as a “riveting, old-time ‘fire and brimstone’-type preacher.” Among his numerous awards were the Rosa Parks Community Service Award of the Interdenominational Ministers Counsel of Harrisburg (2009); Certificate of Appreciation, Veterans of Graterford (Prison), where he counseled inmates (2007); Certificate of Appreciation, Vietnam Vets of Mechanicsburg (1998); Certificate of Congressional Recognition for Community Service, U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Black Caucus (1996). Also, Veterans of the Vietnam War Service Recognition Award, Secretary of Health Outstanding Employee Award, Thomas Miller Outstanding Service Award, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Philadelphia Stand Down

Appreciation Award (1994), adverse health effects of Vietnam service. Mechanicsburg Area Veterans Council He edited and revised The Vietnam Service Award (1993), and a Experience, a nationally acclaimed Commendation for Service to Minority diagnostic and treatment manual for Veterans from the Black Vietnam Era physicians regarding the treatment of Black Veterans of Western Pennsylvania diseases and psychological disorders (2001). associated with Vietnam In 1990, Edwards service. He also prepared received a Service a quarterly newsletter Recognition Award for commonwealth from the Pennsylvania veterans. Concerned Citizens for Edwards was involved POW-MIAs. He also in the preparation of was the recipient of the several TV Chapel of the Four documentaries, Chaplains Legion of including a 1995 Emmy Merit in 1989 and a Award-winning Commendation from program, Reunion, Class the U.S. Department of of 1965; a 1992 Edwards and his wife, Carolyn. Veterans Affairs, documentary, Vietnam, Readjustment The Dream Shut Down; Counseling Service for serving as acting a 1986 PBS Frontline program, The deputy regional manager of Region 2 in Bloods of ’Nam; and was host of the 1988. Veterans Recovery Hour WDAS radio Edwards developed a curriculum for program from 1982 to 1989 in healthcare professionals regarding the Philadelphia.

Edwards married Carolyn Brewington-Edwards. The couple has a blended family of six children, Shawn, Pam, Michael, Kevin, Kelly, and Stephen, and 10 grandchildren. Although retired from the active pastorate, Edwards continues to be involved in religious affairs. He said he is thankful to the Almighty “and mindful of all he has done for me,” adding: “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, I don’t know where I would be.” Two years ago he authored a book entitled Expressions of a Madman. It is a compilation of poems he wrote over the years on a variety of subjects. The book sells for $15, including shipping, and can be purchased by contacting Rev. Dwight D. Edwards, 6664 Springford Terrace, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or via his email address, dedwa28@aol.com. If you are a mature veteran and have interesting or unusual experiences in your military or civilian life, phone Al Goodman at (717) 541-9889 or email him at klezmer630@comcast.net.

Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Dri-Masters Carpet Dry Cleaning (717) 545-4984/(717) 258-3123 (717) 516-5004 Emergency Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Dauphin County Office of Aging (717) 255-2790 Floor Coverings Gipe Floor & Wall Covering (717) 545-6103 Funeral Services Neill Funeral Home (717) 564-2633

PACE (800) 225-7223 Social Security Information (800) 772-1213 Tri-County Association for the Blind (717) 238-2531 Healthcare Information PA Healthcare Cost Containment Council (717) 232-6787 Home Care Services Central Penn Nursing, Inc. (717) 361-9777 (717) 569-0451 Home Instead Senior Care (717) 540-5201

Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home (717) 545-4001

Safe Haven Quality Care (717) 238-1111

Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020

Visiting Angels (717) 652-8899

American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383

Home Improvement Dreammaker Bath & Kitchen (717) 367-9753

Arthritis Foundation – Central PA Chapter (717) 763-0900

Senior Home Repair (717) 545-8747

CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400

Housing/Apartments B’Nai B’rith Apartments (717) 232-7516

The National Kidney Foundation (717) 757-0604 (800) 697-7007 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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

Services Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging (717) 255-2790

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937

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

Insurance Apprise Insurance Counseling (800) 783-7067 Legal Services Keystone Elder Law PC (717) 691-9300 Medical Equipment & Supplies GSH Home Med Care (717) 272-2057 Orthotics & Prosthetics The Center for Advanced Orthotics & Prosthetics (800) 676-7846 CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Rehabilitation Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Health Care Center (717) 565-7000 Retirement Communities Country Meadows of Hershey (717) 533-1880

Toll-Free Numbers American Lung Association (800) LUNG-USA Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555 Meals on Wheels (800) 621-6325 National Council on Aging (800) 424-9046 Social Security Office (800) 772-1213 Veterans Affairs (717) 626-1171 (800) 827-1000 Transportation CAT Share-A-Ride (717) 232-6100 Travel Wheelchair Getaways (717) 921-2000

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

50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Balancing Act Corporate Office:

One Night Only

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 MANAGING EDITOR Christianne Rupp EDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS Megan Joyce EDITORIAL INTERN Laura Farnish

ART DEPARTMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Renee Geller PRODUCTION ARTIST Janys Cuffe

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Leah Craig Angie McComsey Ranee Shaub Miller SALES COORDINATOR Eileen Culp

CIRCULATION PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall

Member of

Winner

50plus SeniorNews 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.

December 2011

Candace O’Donnell

am afraid we’re robbing them of degree in retail marketing.” dignity. I reply, “Of course, I believe it. I It seems to me that we have know any one of us, including them on lockdown. myself, could be down on her luck.” After an hour I understand that Molly seems to be the oldest of all of us, volunteer “hosts” and our the four—perhaps 70—with white “guests,” are on lockdown. hair growing through the dyed Last week our local TV news strawberry blond. She is the most carried the story that one of our meticulous about her appearance. churches had been forced to turn She plans to take a bus early away some homeless women from tomorrow to check on a house she their winter shelter because they did owns in a nearby town. Drug not have enough volunteers to dealers have taken over her property, accommodate them. They appealed rendering her own home to the community for help. I call uninhabitable to her. and sign up for Friday night. My Sheila is a pretty woman—big shift is from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. eyes and a nice smile (although she My volunteer partner is Judy, a tells me she has no bottom teeth). warm and welcoming member of Her husband, an out-of-work the church. We are set up at a long electrician, is also here tonight, just table to process the four female two floors away. guests expected. (Ten men are Sheila has lupus. She has been staying on a separate floor.) Each waiting for a long time for disability guest must read two pages of compensation. Her lip is swollen detailed rules and sign a statement from a mugging. All of her cash and that she comprehends the routines her cell phone were stolen, and she’s and will abide by them. distraught because her phone had She must surrender cigarettes, her son’s number in Ohio. Now, she matches, liquor, drugs, weapons, can’t remember it and doesn’t know and keys, all of which are sealed in how to reach him. manila envelopes to be returned in Sheila has brought cookies to the morning. They are each handed share with everyone. The church has a plastic bag filled with basic hot food waiting. toiletries. This all proceeds Betty is short, friendly, and peacefully, and no one is patted somewhat weather-beaten. She down. Still, I’m embarrassed at seems the most savvy about how the putting them through such a system works and is willing to share humiliating search. her knowledge with Laura. Betty, The four women arrive fairly well too, is waiting for a check, a bundled against the icy February settlement from a car accident. night, lugging backpacks, large plastic bags, and, in one case, a small suitcase on wheels. They have walked 3 miles from the central shelter, carrying all their worldly possessions. Laura* is a newcomer to “the life.” This is only her second night, and the other three women help to In honor of get her acclimated. She clutches her lower rib, World War II vets ... bruised by a mugging. As and in memory of the we chat, she abruptly announces, “I bet you attack on Pearl Harbor wouldn’t believe I have a

50plus SeniorNews e

We get our guests settled with relatively few glitches. They are to sleep in a large seminar room. Judy and I are stationed in the hallway outside and are to take turns sleeping in the adjacent small nursery-school room. Sheila’s cot collapses, which gives us all a good chuckle, and we fix it easily. There are no pillows. The blankets are thin cotton, and we’re two short. We send for extras. By 10 p.m. all four guests are asleep, but they wake up one by one. Laura comes into the nursery room to dry her hair over the radiator. Molly then disappears into the powder room for over an hour. This worries Judy. She wonders if Molly has fallen ill, possibly even passed out. Just as we’re contemplating a discreet tap on the door to see if she’s all right, Molly emerges, bangs neatly pin-curled. Next, Betty comes out into the hall to report that the sleeping room is freezing. We go in to investigate, proceeding in whispers because Laura seems to be deep in slumber. With the help of Molly’s flashlight, we read that the controls are set to “heat on,” but icy blasts are spewing out of the wall radiators and ceiling fans. There seems to be no choice but to move all the cots into the nursery, which is warmer but really too small for six cots. There is some giggling when I apologize for the

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

irony of the situation: We are supposed to be keeping these ladies out of the chill. After these adjustments, our guests fall back asleep with ease. I suppose they are so exhausted from hours of shuffling around from place to place, trying to stay warm, that they can crash anywhere. Judy and I return to our posts at the long table just outside the seminar room and nursery. At least one of us must remain awake “in case of an emergency.” We understand that this is code for actually being on guard. I can’t imagine what harm these four beaten-down women could possibly cause. Anything remotely dangerous has been confiscated. The adjacent hallways are blocked off with yellow tape, and we hostesses are ever vigilant. Judy and I sit up whispering. We are both uncomfortable in our role as guards. “Don’t all these rules seem a little harsh to you?” she asks. “Yes,” I sputter. “I feel as if all of us are in prison, but I guess there’s a fine line between stripping them of dignity and letting unsafe behavior slip by.” I offer to take the first shift so Judy can sleep from midnight to 3 a.m. This is not purely altruistic. I am a night owl. The night grinds on. I read, pray, walk up and down the corridor, even file my nails to keep awake. I feel a steadily growing sense of claustrophobia—a new sensation for me. This is illogical. There’s plenty of space here. Why am I such a wimp? I’ve forgotten my watch. What time is it? I stealthily open doors to all the Sunday-school classrooms on my hall. No clocks on the walls. Finally, I break the rules and slip under the yellow tape and down a forbidden hall. Eureka—the fifth-grade room has a working clock. It’s only 1:20. Six hours and 10 minutes to go. I return sheepishly to my post. Shortly before 3 a.m., Judy comes through the door. I wouldn’t have had the heart to wake her. She is bleary-eyed and estimates she’s slept a total of one hour. I feel my way to my cot. The room is frigid. I shiver, fully clothed, under my thin blanket and heavy coat. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

I doze fitfully amid strange dreams. As I slip in and out of sleep, the tune of “One Night Only” keeps pulsing through my brain. It’s from Dreamgirls, which I have just seen with my daughters, but it seems strange that this risqué rock phrase would come welling up from my subconscious in this particular situation. Then it hits me. I am in this prison for “one night only.” Laura, Molly, Sheila, and Betty, and all their fellow homeless, are mired in this for the foreseeable future—who knows how many months or years? I keep tiptoeing past the other cots to peer through the stained-glass windows. The outside world does exist and is waiting for me. If tall buildings didn’t intervene, I could see my own windows, just four blocks away—my own lovely condo with its high ceilings, and Oriental carpets, and original art, and framed photos of my grandbabies, and, most important, my husband. At last morning dawns, a feeble gray light. Our guests awake without any prompting. They know they must be out by 7:30. Judy and I do not remind them. They know it only too well. They gulp their coffee and tidy up in the larger bathroom down the hall. They thank us, and I hand each one a little bottle of shampoo, unfortunately marked from one of my cruises. Is this a faux pas? As I hug each one I whisper, “God bless you. You’re in my prayers,” but I feel guilty that I hadn’t found a way to give them that modicum of comfort earlier. Judy and I hug goodbye and promise to keep in touch, which we do. We go down the elevator to the lobby and then out into wind so piercing that every filling in your teeth tingles. I have only 10 minutes to John, warmth, privacy, a hot bath, and all day to sleep. I head for home. *Guests’ names changed. Candace welcomes feedback via letter to 231 N. Shippen St., Unit 424, Lancaster, PA 17602 or by phone at (717) 392-7214.

As On-Line Publishers, Inc. sees the conclusion of yet another year, we are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue to grow in our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Senior News a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainment for our readers in Central Pennsylvania. At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.

Care Through the Continuum of Life Respiratory services:

Nursing services:

Short-term rehabilitation Aggressive pulmonary therapy 24-hour licensed respiratory therapy Long-term skilled nursing 24-hour licensed nursing care Alzheimer’s memory care Tracheostomy care We invite you to come see us Oxygen therapy to 10 L for yourself … tours are given daily. Wall suction Ventilator services

BiPAP/CPAP for sleep apnea Medicated treatments Short-term/permanent placement available

717-565-7000

1205 South 28th Street Harrisburg, PA 17111 50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Nu mb er of Re Be ha ds bi l i t Al at zh i eim on U ni er Sk t ’s ill U ed ni t Li Th ce er n ap se dN y: Th S ur er p e ap sin ec y: h g Oc Th cu er pa ap tio y: Th Re na er l sp ap i ra y: t Lo or Ph ng y ys -Te ica rm l Re sp Ca ite re Ca 24 -Ho re ur Me Re dic cr al ea Ca tio re Sc n al he du Ac led tiv Pr iti En iva es te te rt R Se oo ain mi ms m -Pr en Av iva t a ila Pe t e ble tV Ro isi om tat sA Be i o va au nA ila ty ble l low /B Me ar e d be di ca rS r ho e Me p di ca id Ac cr ed it a tio ns /A ffi lia tio ns

Additional Comments

Bethany Village – The Oaks 325 Wesley Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 www.bethanyvillage.org

Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 1000 Claremont Road Carlisle, PA 17013 717-243-2031 www.ccpa.net

Cumberland Crossings 1 Longsdorf Way Carlisle, PA 17015 717-240-6013 • 800-722-0267 www.diakon.org/cumberlandcrossings

Mennonite Home Communities 1520 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-390-1301 www.mennonitehome.org

Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community 625 Robert Fulton Highway Quarryville, PA 17566 717-786-7321 www.quarryville.com Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Health Care Center 1205 South 28th Street Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-565-7000 www.springcreekcares.com

StoneRidge Retirement Living 440 East Lincoln Avenue Myerstown, PA 17067 717-866-3200 www.stoneridgeretirement.com

The Village of Laurel Run 6375 Chambersburg Road Fayetteville, PA 17222 717-352-2721 www.laurelrunliving.com

290

190

110

404

194

CCAC EAGLE LeadingAge PA

Maplewood Assisted Living also available.

PACHA PADONNA

Claremont offers long-term and short-term rehab care, VA contract and in-house medical services. Serving Cumberland County for over 180 years.

Comprehensive nursing care from a dedicated LeadingAge staff. Come tour our LeadingAge PA facility and sample the Diakon difference.

Person-centered care with reputation for Equal Housing compassion and LeadingAge PA excellence. Established in 1903.

The assurance of quality care in a secured, caring, LeadingAge Christ-centered LeadingAge PA community. New: Great Rock cottages.

A charming campus offering sub-acute rehab, long-term skilled nursing care, respiratory care, and Alzheimer’s memory care.

Continuing care retirement community with two Myerstown sites convenient to Lebanon, Berks, and Lancaster counties.

New addition for 2011: “Stonebrook” independent apartments and cottages. Call for appointment.

PHCA CCRC

This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

ACCESSIBLE VAN RENTALS Wheelchair Getaways of Pennsylvania

for Wheelchair & Scooter Users Make your next trip or vacation memorable, fun, and affordable. Looking for a replacement vehicle or want to rent for the day, week, or month?

Raspberry Trifle By Pat Sinclair

Please call for information or to make a reservation

717-921-2000 • 800-221-6501 info512@wheelchairgetaways.com

On Christmas Eve when my family gathers, we feast on hearty appetizers and rich desserts. Everyone chooses a favorite appetizer and I provide dessert. For many years, Raspberry Trifle has been my contribution for the center of the table. This festive English dessert adds to the celebration, carefully arranged in a large, glass trifle bowl and crowned with mounds of whipped cream. Fresh raspberries and mint leaves mimic the colors of the season. Here is a recipe for two to four servings. I have posted the recipe for 10 to 12 servings on my blog, Pat Cooks and Bakes (http://PatCooksandBakes.blog spot.com). It’s from Baking Basics and Beyond, which has just been reprinted and now includes new photos. Cake (Serves 2 to 4)

Pastry Cream (Makes 1 cup)

4 slices (3/8-inch thick) pound cake 1 tablespoon seedless raspberry jam 2 to 3 tablespoons cream sherry Pastry cream (see right) 1/3 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ pint fresh raspberries

¾ cup half-and-half ¼ cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla Additional flavoring

For trifle, spread the jam on each slice of cake. Arrange the cake in a small glass bowl, breaking to fit, and drizzle with the sherry. Spoon the warm pastry cream into the bowl. Refrigerate until cool. (You can also make individual trifles in wine glasses.) Whip the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beating until thick. Spoon onto the trifle and garnish with raspberries. Refrigerate until serving, at least four hours.

Heat the half-and-half in a small saucepan until it almost comes to a boil. Mix the sugar with the cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl; slowly add the sugar mixture and continue whisking until the mixture lightens. Slowly stir in the hot half-andhalf, beating constantly with a whisk. Pour the sauce back into the saucepan and cook over low heat until the custard thickens. Do not let the custard boil. (I use an instant-read thermometer and cook to 160 degrees F.) Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Stir until it cools slightly and cover with plastic wrap until needed.

Cook’s Note: The secret to a smooth pastry cream is cooking over low heat. It takes longer but prevents the egg yolks from curdling. Whisking a little of the hot pudding into the yolks is called tempering and warms them so that they don’t cook too fast and curdle. Use a thermometer to prevent overcooking, and if you have flecks of cooked egg, don’t hesitate to strain it out.

Serving Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware & Southern New Jersey

Braintwisters 1. What holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the United States? A. Sweetest Day B. Freedom Day C. Kwanzaa D. Juneteenth Day 2. Celebration of the Jewish New Year is known as what? A. Yom Kippur B. Rosh Hashanah C. Ramadan D. Purim 3. During what ancient festival did masters temporarily serve their slaves? A. Lupercalia B. Saturnalia C. Floralia D. Agonia 4. What holiday was established in California in 1966 by scholar/activist Dr. Maulana Karenga? A. Earth Day B. Flag Day C. Kwanzaa D. National S’mores Day 5. In the Netherlands, what is the name of Santa Claus’s helper who judges which children were bad during the year? A. Green Eric B. Eli the Elf C. Black Peter D. Mrs. Claus Source: UsefulTrivia.com

Copyright by Pat Sinclair. Pat Sinclair announced the publication of her second cookbook, Scandinavian Classic Baking (Pelican Publishing), in February 2011. This book has a color photo of every recipe. Her first cookbook, Baking Basics and Beyond (Surrey Books), won the 2007 Cordon d’Or from the Culinary Arts Academy. Contact her at http://PatCooksandBakes.blogspot.com

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

This month’s answers on page 8

50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Such Is Life

I Married for Love, Sort Of Saralee Perel ne part I loathe about the holiday season is that it’s usually a time of reflection. From age 5 until 8, I reflected on hating my parents because we were Jewish so I didn’t get any Christmas presents. From 9 to 15, I reflected on hating my parents because they wouldn’t let me bring one lousy tree in the house. Hey! People have plant life indoors. So what if it has lights and tinsel on it? At age 16, my reflections changed. I reflected on how rotten my parents were because it was Christmas, for heaven’s sake. How about forking over a huge wad of dough so I could buy my own presents? And Chanukah? You think lighting candles on a menorah was what I dreamed of? No. I dreamed of jewelry and boys. Well, I’d get one present. What all teenagers die for. A new dictionary.

There’s nothing like the Christmas lights in New England, where I now live. Makes me reflect on evening drives my mom and I took through the infidels’ decorated neighborhoods in Maryland, where I grew up. It must have brought her joy while I’d scream, “They’re just lights, Ma! It’s not like they’re satanic! Why can’t we have them?” She must have loved the constant fracas of changing radio stations from Sinatra to Christmas carols. She’d nearly drive off the road during our handslapping battles while I’d shout, “PA RUM PUM PUM PUM” over Sinatra’s “My Way.”

o List: Winter To-D

y bills 1. Pay utilit in account??) $ h (enoug not to fall) lkway (try a w l e v o h S 2. et to eather to g w d a b e v a r 3. B store the grocery

o be There has t y! a better wa

At Holiday, Even Winter Is Sunny!

If you’re ready to trade the hassles of winter for relaxing time with friends, gourmet meals, and a warm, comfortable home, we invite you to learn more about life at Holiday. To schedule your personal tour, call Essex House at 717-730-7302 or The Manor at Oakridge at 717-540-1895. As an added bonus, tour today and receive a complimentary meal! We look forward to meeting you! The Manor at Oakridge

Essex House 20 N 12th St. Lemoyne, PA 17043 717-730-7302

December 2011

Serving both the East and West Shores of Harrisburg

50plus SeniorNews e

4500 Oakhurst Blvd. Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-540-1895

And New Year’s? Oy vey. The Jewish new year is as close to our national new year as Big Macs are to hamburgers made from soy beans. On Rosh Hashanah (new year), we don’t do fireworks. We go to temple. I’d pretend to listen to the rabbi while I’d play mind games— imagining the Hebrew letters in the prayer book as people in weird positions—when I was 40. At some point, I focused on getting married. Although love is important, I needed something else too. I wanted a man who not only adored me, but who also had a characteristic I’d cherish as much as love: a God-loving, present-

giving Christian. Last month, my Christian husband, Bob, and I celebrated our anniversary with a whole bunch of presents (oh yeah, we said “I love you” a lot too). The finest present I’ve ever received was from a sad and silent man—my grandfather. I was his fundamental source of joy. And I adored him. Other than when he’d look at me, the only time I’d see rapture on his face was while he’d play his violin. When he’d visit from Manhattan, we’d hug like there was no tomorrow. Born in 1885, he was 76 when I was 10. That Chanukah, he walked the aisles of Woolworths, collecting 5- and 10-cent “pearls” and “sapphires” and hundreds of pieces of sparkling jewelry that he put in a fancy jewelry box. What man would do such a thing in that day and age? As I write this, my eyes fill with tears.

Hey ... nice legs!

Locations in Dauphin, Lancaster & York counties

4601 Devonshire Rd., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA

1-800-676-7846

Braintwisters Untwist Your Brain!

1. D. Juneteenth Day 2. B. Rosh Hashanah 3. B. Saturnalia 4. C. Kwanzaa 5. C. Black Peter Questions shown on page 7

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

I see myself as that little girl opening the magical box. I remember feeling the strands of jewelry but only looking at Grandpa. I needed him to see my face filled with delight and adoration because I knew, even then, there was something more important than jewelry. I needed to see him smile. His smiles were so rare. I needed him to know how happy he made me. For that would bring him peace, if only for a few moments. Late in his life, Grandpa was moved to my parents’ house. I can still visualize him, having arrived at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station. He was sitting in a wheelchair outside the train, all alone, while passengers and luggage carriers rushed around. In his arms was his beloved violin, though he could no longer play it.

So nowadays, when Bob comes home, we hug like there’s no tomorrow. Bob has my grandpa’s soul. I must have “sensed” that when we met. I have learned that presents don’t matter (oh, who am I kidding?). What truly matters is the joy on Bob’s lovely face as he tenderly opens a present yet looks at me before seeing what it is. His expression is identical to the look of adoration I had for Grandpa. I have a heart filled with treasures from my grandfather and my husband. And nothing, no matter what may lie ahead, will diminish the wealth these two loves of my life have permanently etched in my heart.

2UGHU 0RXWKZDWHULQJ *LIWV 6$7,6)$&7,21 *8$5$17((' JLDQW VWUDZEHUULHV _ VHOOHU _ RYHU PLOOLRQ EHUULHV GLSSHG

HAND-

BERRDIPPED I from $ ES

19 99

Award-winning columnist Saralee Perel welcomes emails at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com.

Many Reasons to Celebrate

Save 20%

www.berries.com/savings or call 1-888-556-9499

Discount may not be combined with additional offers. Good only on items over $29.99. Expires: 12/31/11

*Discounts do not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day delivery, shipping and handling, taxes or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

December is a month of many holiday celebrations crossing a variety of cultures, nationalities, and beliefs. Here’s a quick snapshot of what people celebrate, and why: Al Hijra. The Islamic new year, observed in 2011 from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24. Al Hijra marks the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D. Hanukkah. This Jewish holiday begins in 2011 on Dec. 20 (at sundown) and lasts through Dec. 28. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Jewish victory over the Maccabees in 165 B.C. Each night, families light one candle on the menorah, observing the traditional story

When you patronize our advertisers, please let them know you saw their ad in

of how the oil for the temple’s eternal flame burned for eight days. Christmas. Observed on Dec. 25, this Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus, probably between the years 7 and 2 B.C. The 25th may have been chosen to correspond with a Roman holiday honoring the sun during the same period. Christmas became a federal holiday in the United States in 1870.

Providing skilled nursing & non-medical in-home support

Kwanzaa. A seven-day celebration of African heritage and culture, Kwanzaa is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Activist Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 to emphasize AfricanAmericans’ shared history and experience. The name Kwanzaa is derived from “matunda ya kwanza,” a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.”

10%

Senior Discount on materials only

Sheet Vinyl • Floor Tile Carpet • Ceramic Tile Hardwood Flooring 5435 Jonestown Rd. Harrisburg

FLOOR & WALL COVERING

545-6103

GipeFloorAndWallcovering.com PA009846 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

“Providing quality care you can depend on at prices you can afford.”

Friendly faces, helping hands, warm hearts. That’s what we at Safe Haven bring to our clients.

24/7/365 Skilled Nursing • Personal Care • Homemaking Respite Care • Errands • Chores • Companionship ~ Free Consultations ~

Safe Haven Skilled Services LLC Safe Haven Quality Care LLC Serving Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties

Caregivers are supervised, licensed, bonded & insured

phone:

717-582-9977

www.safehavenqualitycare.com 50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Traveltizers A Legacy of Service Funerals â&#x20AC;˘ Cremation â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-Planning Ask about our: Sunset Funeral Plan - $3825.00 Complete Value Funeral Plan - $4425.00 Complete Value Funeral/Cremation Plan - $4425.00 Dale A. Auer, Supervisor 4100 Jonestown Road â&#x20AC;˘ Harrisburg, PA 17109

(717) 545-4001

Harrisburg

Lancaster

361-9777

569-0451

flowers | plants | centerpieces | gift baskets | gourmet gifts

0SSOMRK JSV E ,SPMHE] +MJX XLEX [MPP VIEPP] MQTVIWW#

SPECIAL OFFER : 20%* OFF %R] UYEPMJ]MRK KMJX JVSQ

HURRY! ORDER RIGHT NOW AND TAKE 20%* OFF THE PRICE OF ANY OF THESE QUALIFYING HOLIDAY GIFTS.

Visit ProFlowers.com/Dazzle or call 866-489-0986 *Minimum product purchase of $29.99. Does not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day or international delivery, shipping & handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discount will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer expires 12/31/2011.

Join over 12 Million People Who Have Found a Better Way to Send Flowers

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e

Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel

Christmas Travel: Colonial Cakes and Spanish Stew Christmas, as most 18th-century Christmases, was low keyed compared to artha Washington tops Martha today. There would have been few gifts Stewart on my list of hostesses and certainly no Santas or reindeer, extraordinaire. In order to neither of which became popular prepare for her Christmas guests, the first Christmas symbols until the 19th century. Today, Christmas at Mount Vernon is Martha whipped 40 eggs, 4 pounds of still mostly about welcoming guests. In butter, 4 pounds of sugar, and 5 pounds addition to the regular attractions, which of flour into a massive cake. include tours of the mansion as well as Meanwhile, almost 2,000 miles away, the slave quarters, stables, gardens, and in a part of the country that was most farm, the likely holiday season beyond the brings a host of imagination special delights. of the first I go into the family, mansion, past Native 12 decorated Americans trees, through joined the dining room Spanish where a table is settlers in set to serving MOUNT VERNON LADIESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATION accommodate posole and Washington rented a camel to entertain guests during the Christmas holidays. Today, Mount Vernon guests, and up to enchiladas. does the same. the garret Today, chamber, which modern is only open during the renditions of these holidays. holiday festivities take â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is where Martha place at George and lived the last years of her Marthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mount life,â&#x20AC;? says a cheery Vernon home in woman whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dressed in Virginia and around Colonial garb. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After an adobe plaza in New George died, she never Mexico. returned to their shared quarters.â&#x20AC;? A Mount Vernon The thought of a Christmas lonely woman huddled in an attic room saddens I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect to see me, so to lift my spirits, I a camel at Mount follow the smell of Vernon. Christmas chocolate and cinnamon. trees, poinsettias, even MOUNT VERNON LADIESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATION In the kitchen a woman a gingerbread house â&#x20AC;Ś A gingerbread version of Mount is stirring chocolate by sure. But a camel? Vernon is on display throughout an open fire, just as it Then I learn that when the holidays. was done in Colonial Washington wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t off days. winning wars or Nearby thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a large gingerbread fathering a country, he enjoyed playing house designed to look like Mount with exotic animals and often rented a Vernon as well as Marthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand cake, camel to entertain his Christmas guests. which was modeled after those In 1789, George Washington spent his first Christmas as president attending traditionally served on the 12th day of St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in New York City. The Christmas (Jan. 6). A guide offers me the recipe, but the mention of 40 eggs and 4 following week he returned to Mt. pounds of butter leads to thoughts of Vernon where he and Martha relaxed calories and cholesterol, and I politely with family and friends. decline. Camels aside, the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

By Andrea Gross

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

March 15, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Church Farm School GAK STONN

1001 East Lincoln Highway, Exton

Ledoux Street is filled with merrymakers and art lovers during the holidays.

May 8, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Overlook Activities Center

Overlook Park • 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster

TINA LARKIN OF THE TAOS NEWS

Christmas trees and luminarias decorate the plaza during the holidays.

GRAHAM’S GRILLE

Posole is a traditional dish during the holidays.

May 30, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge

That night a costumed actor cajoles me into dancing the Virginia reel, and a costumed Martha leads a candlelight tour of the mansion. I sing carols by the fireplace, sip cider, and reluctantly bid goodbye to Mount Vernon and George’s Christmas camel. www.mountvernon.org A New Mexican Holiday Santa has an easy time in Taos, N.M., where the town’s flat, adobe rooftops provide sure footing for his team of reindeer. But while the town welcomes St. Nick, its holiday charm is rooted in its blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions. The Hispanic culture is represented by the farolitos (small bonfires) and luminarias (paper bags lit with votive candles) that shine from streets to rooftops, bathing the town in a soft glow. Las Posadas, a candlelight procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, takes place from Dec. 16–24. As for Hispanic holiday food, I become addicted to biscochitos, the meltin-your-mouth Christmas cookies that are flavored with anise and cinnamon. The original recipe dates back to the Spanish colonists. For heartier fare, I try

posole, a spicy stew of meat and corn that’s served in most Taos restaurants throughout the holiday season. After the 16th century when missionaries converted many of the Natives to Catholicism, Spanish and Native American customs blended and eventually created traditions that are distinctly New Mexican. In this spirit, the 1,200-year-old Taos Pueblo has a Christmas Eve vespers service as well as Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations that feature the Deer or Matachines (animal) dances. Anglo customs are highlighted (pun intended) with a gloriously tall Christmas tree that dominates the town plaza. In addition, the Taos Chamber Music Group presents “A Classical Holiday Encore.” But my favorite holiday activity is the annual Lighting of Ledoux, a tradition of mixed origins during which luminarias guide people up the winding road that’s home to Taos’ famed art galleries and studios. All the while, the piney aroma of piñón smoke wafts through the chilly desert air. For me as for many people, that signals that Christmas has come to Taos. www.taos.org Story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com)

Never Miss Another Issue! Subscribe online at www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

West Chocolate Avenue & University Drive, Hershey

50plusExpoPA.com

717.285.1350

For more than 143 years, Homeland has provided the highest level of quality care in a charming, home-like environment.

Provider and leader of quality healthcare in Central PA for more than 143 years. 50 renovated Personal Care Suites. Applications being accepted for a limited number. Skilled Nursing Care Unit accommodates 92, including a 20-bed Alzheimer’s Unit.

Exemplary personalized care for those who entrust the end of their lives to us. Respectful, considerate and heart-felt care that assures comfort of patients and families. Professional clinical and bereavement staff available to provide compassionate support.

717-221-7902

717-221-7890

www.homelandcenter.org

www.homelandcenter.org/hospice

“A Continuing Care Retirement Community.” 1901 North Fifth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102

50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

The Squint-Eyed Senior

Christmas by the Book

As of 2010, almost 15 million seniors were on Facebook. Theodore Rickard

In 2012, it’s time we give you something new to “like.”

50plus Senior News is now on Facebook!

Just stop by

www.facebook.com/50plusSeniorNews and “like” us to receive a free 6-month subscription! Plus, you’ll receive event updates, story links, and more!

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e

ometimes I think we have all become unwitting victims of both Charles Dickens and Norman Rockwell or, at least, our vision of their creations. We became hopelessly self-convinced that the roaring fireplace and jolly Mr. Fezziwig might be real and that there will surely still be a job there when we go back to work on Dec. 26. And, certainly, the smiling turkey carver at the head of the table will still have room on the Visa card for his spouse to hit the post-holiday sales. However, we who have survived to retirement know how wishful these little dreams really were in our own times of job holding and child raising. Nevertheless, we treasured the cozy fiction then and I, for one, still do now. The whole family knows that the sonin-law’s employer is downsizing its middle management—again. And the oldest son’s business, once so promising, is stuck in the doldrums, even though the bank was willing to extend the loans one more time. I think I’ve heard this before: that was in the ’70s when, besides a frozen economy, we had the additional specter of nuclear incineration threatened by a madman tyrant sworn to destroy us. We wondered then if Norman Rockwell’s beaming holiday family would live long enough for Easter. And we suspected Mr. Fezziwig’s business would be in bankruptcy by New Year’s. But Santa came anyway in those years. He brought more wardrobe pieces for Barbie and extra straight track for the electric train. International crises, vicious political confrontations, and domestic financial problems raged unabated. But somehow there were tennis rackets and first baseman’s mitts—and skis followed by several weeks in a cast, being chauffeured to school, and going on crutches to the junior prom. This last

was first viewed as the depth of embarrassment to the would-be femme fatale. But the next day we noticed that her cast had been signed by more than a dozen new names, and all of them were male. At Christmas there may be bomb threats in Bethlehem and terror in Wall Street—each with the familiar ring of years-ago disasters. However, for a single day at least, we can leave hysteria outside. And we will do so again this year. Now the once-children have children of their own. The electric train has been divided up between two of the boys and, to no one’s surprise, one daughter. And it has been hugely expanded since. The grandchildren aren’t terribly interested in the tin crossing gate that actually goes down when the train approaches, not nearly as much as their fathers and their uncles are. These folks join Grandfather on hands and knees to watch the train go through the tunnel and insist on turning off all the lights so the sweep of the train’s locomotive lights can be seen more clearly—and fully appreciated. A few years ago, Barbie’s original wardrobe and personal property were heartlessly sold on eBay by a college senior facing eviction. Her sisters say they have forgiven her. I think her mother has, too. But I’m not so sure the once-impecunious student has forgiven herself. Not if we judge by what she gave her nieces for Christmas: Paris Hilton doesn’t have this kind of wardrobe. The dinner table this year will once more make room for a highchair and a chubby, tow-headed occupant. Highchairs now, I find, have seatbelts. But I’m proud to say that this grandchild has found a way to squirm out of the chair, despite the belts, and end up in Grandmother’s lap, where the sippy cup is waved in juice-strewing triumph and it’s much easier to pull at www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

the tablecloth and tip over the wine glasses. That’s why there are mothers and aunts: to do the mopping up. Grandmother has the baby in her lap and Grandpa is busy fixing the crossing gate. Dessert will be the traditional choice of pies. Then there is a second crisis—a decision involving whipped cream or ice cream on top. A halfwhispered estimate of “at least 500 calories” will be made, with appropriate scorn, by the high-school

freshman granddaughter who is getting a “B” in home ec. She is convinced that her parents have managed to make it this far in life only via miraculous divine intervention—or hers. Then, somewhere around her sophomore year in college after two years of dorm food, she will become a family dinner enthusiast and we won’t hear any more about calories. Mr. Fezziwig didn’t count calories. Not at Christmas. Why should we?

This Month in History: December Events • Dec. 5, 1933 – The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Prohibition Amendment, was repealed. For nearly 14 years, since Jan. 29, 1920, it had outlawed the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the U.S.

• Dec. 18, 1865 – The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. It stated, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, save as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

Birthdays • Dec. 6 – Photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995) was born in Dirschau, Prussia. He is best known for his Life magazine cover photos, including the sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, celebrating the end of World War II. • Dec. 19 – British explorer William Parry (1790-1855) was born in Bath, England. He conducted Arctic expeditions and made three attempts to find a Northwest Passage. • Dec. 25 – Film actor Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) was born in New York City. He is best known for The African Queen, The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, and To Have and Have Not.

Thank You, Columnists! 50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well as entertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News:

Thank You!

• Dec. 17, 1903 – After three years of experimentation, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered, controlled airplane flights. They made four flights near Kitty Hawk, N.C., the longest lasting about a minute.

Chaz Allen (Little-Known Facts) Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry) Wendell Fowler (Preventive Measures) Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield ) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques) Gloria May (NurseNews) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Myles Mellor (crossword puzzles) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior) Candace O’Donnell (Balancing Act) Victor Parachin (Fragments of History) Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) W.E. Reinka (Silver Threads) Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Pat Sinclair (Recipes for Two) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran) Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters) Sherra Zavitsanos (Social Security News)

It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Senior News are enriched by your contributions.

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Dauphin County

Calendar of Events Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation

Senior Center Activities

Dec. 4, 1 to 4 p.m. – Open Hearth Cooking Demonstrations, Tavern House Summer Kitchen

Bistline Senior Center – (717) 564-5633

Dec. 7, 7 p.m. – Harp Concert, Fort Hunter Park Through Dec. 18, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Festival of Trees, Fort Hunter Tavern House

Edgemont Senior Center – (717) 236-2221 Friendship Senior Center – (717) 657-1547

Dauphin County Library Programs East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, (717) 652-9380

Heinz-Menaker Senior Center – (717) 238-7860

Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N. Market St., Elizabethville, (717) 362-9825

Highspire Area Senior Center – (717) 939-4580

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

Hummelstown Senior Center – (717) 566-6855

Kline Branch, 530 S. 29 St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-3934 Jewish Community Center – (717) 236-9555 Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N. Third St., Harrisburg, (717) 232-7286 Lick Towers Senior Center – (717) 233-0388 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 Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. – Novel Thoughts Book Club Dec. 20, 1 p.m. – Novel Thoughts, Too! Book Club

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

Programs and Support Groups Free and open to the public. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. Free Art Classes Thrive 100 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg (717) 238-1887 or cglover@jumpstreet.org

Dec. 15, 1:30 p.m. Hershey Area AARP Monthly Meeting Spring Creek Church of the Brethren 335 E. Areba Ave., Hershey (717) 832-3282

Dec. 1, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Beyond Kubler-Ross: New Perspectives on Death, Dying, and Grief Harrisburg Hospital Brady Hall, Susquehanna Room 111 S. Front St., Harrisburg (717) 231-8900

Dec. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parental Loss Support Group AseraCare Hospice 75 S. Houcks Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg (717) 541-4466

Dec. 10 Teamster 776 Retirees Club Christmas Party Union Hall 2552 Jefferson St., Harrisburg (717) 233-8766 Call for time

Royalton Senior Center – (717) 944-4831 Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682, www.rutherfordhouse.org Steelton Senior Center – (717) 939-0693

Give Us the Scoop!

If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Dauphin County!

First Day of Winter

Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com

Dec. 22 Bundle Up! 14

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e

(717) 770-0140 (717) 285-1350

Let Help you get the word out!

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

NurseNews

Autonomy in Treatment

Through the years, all that’s changed is our ability to do even more.

Gloria May, M.S., R.N., CHES t took only hours after the news of Steve Jobs’ death for the medical journalists and bloggers to begin: Did he “succumb to alternative medicine”? Did he put his life in jeopardy by choosing, as one writer put it, “woo” over medicine? And, as his biographer Walter Isaacson claims, did he ultimately express regret over trying for so long to beat his cancer with these methods? In 2003, Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—not the Patrick Swayze/ Michael Landon/ Luciano Pavarotti kind (with the grimmest of prognoses), but a rare form called islet cell neuroendocrine cancer, which is much more treatable if managed aggressively from the get-go. Jobs declined the surgery that was initially recommended and instead pursued a regime of acupuncture, diet, herbs, and supplements. Months later, when these remedies proved to have been of no benefit, Jobs had surgery, chemotherapy, and, eventually, a liver transplant. But by that time, his odds of survival had plummeted. While the debate will probably go on for years over what kind of care Jobs chose, didn’t choose, or should have chosen, the issue is really not his treatment choices per se, but his right to choose them, to be autonomous, and, in this case, to follow his own path—reportedly to the dismay and distress of his doctors, family, and friends. Given that your spouse, partner, parent, or best friend is competent (a legal determination, not a medical one) to make life and treatment decisions, and given that they understand the benefits and consequences of their choices, whatever they decide to do or not to do is their own decision. If we

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

try to take control of another competent adult’s behavior, the resulting resistance will not lead to compliance or cooperation but to an unwinnable power struggle with plenty of anger and resentment to go around. But that doesn’t at all mean that we should give up. When it comes to trying to help someone, to guide them, to protect them, or to provide for them, we can often make a difference and affect change if we first realize that the most difficult task is readjusting not their way of thinking or behaving, but ours. Whether you are dealing with your aunt who won’t wear her hearing aids, your uncle who won’t quit smoking, your spouse who won’t lose weight, or your parent who won’t accept outside help in their home (a common concern), what we need to do, after stepping back and taking a deep breath, is to get help ourselves. Yes, they are the one with the problem, but we are the ones who need help. And there is plenty out there: doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, friends, other family members, websites, even blogs. In these ridiculously frustrating and ludicrously exasperating situations where we are only trying to help and our efforts are met with resistance and rejection, we often need to be reminded and encouraged to value baby steps over sweeping reforms, to appreciate the value of patience over expediency, to embrace flexibility over the hard line, to choose negotiating over dictating, and to share control rather than trying to assume it.

For over 80 years, Rolling Green Cemetery and Neill Funeral Homes have served the Central PA area with the highest level of personal service. As a Dignity Memorial® provider, we’re pleased to offer a number of additional benefits exclusive to the Dignity network. Like our 100% Service Guarantee, that assures you of service beyond expectation before, during, and after the service. But what makes us even prouder is the way we work with each individual family, helping to create lasting memorials as unique as the loved ones they honor.

ONE-OF-A-KIND MEMORIALS | GRIEF COUNSELING BEREAVEMENT TRAVEL PROGRAM | SERVICE GUARANTEE

NEILL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Steven Wilsbach, Supervisor 3501 Derry Street Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-564-2633

ROLLING GREEN CEMETERY 1811 Carlisle Road Camp Hill, PA 17011 717-761-4055

NEILL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Kevin Shillabeer, Supervisor 3401 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 717-737-8726

Gloria May is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in adult health education and a Certified Health Education Specialist designation.

50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Social Security News

Questions and Answers for December • Dependent parents age 62 or older

Question: When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, are benefits payable on that person’s record? Answer: Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to: • A widow or widower—unreduced benefits at full retirement age or reduced benefits as early as age 60 • A disabled widow or widower—as early as age 50 • A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits • Unmarried children under 18 or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time; under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled

benefits on work credits. Anyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 Social Security Even if you are divorced, you still may credits to be eligible for retirement qualify for survivors benefits. For more benefits. You can earn up to four credits information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov. a year, so you will need to work at least 10 years to become eligible for Question: I lost my Social Security retirement benefits. Learn more by card. Should I get a new one? reading the Answer: You publication How may not need to You Earn Credits at Learn more about get a www.socialsecurity. replacement Social Security at gov/pubs/10072. card. Knowing html. socialsecurity.gov. your Social

“

Security number is what is important. However, you can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. Remember, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: How long does a person need to work to become eligible for retirement benefits? Answer: We base Social Security

“

By Sherra Zavitsanos

Question: Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments paid only to disabled or blind people? Answer: No. In addition to people with disabilities or blindness, SSI payments can be made to people who are age 65 or older and have limited income and financial resources. For more information, read our publication, Supplemental Security Income, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.

Question: If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits, is there any reduction in our payments because we are married? Answer: No. We calculate lifetime earnings independently to determine each spouse’s Social Security benefit amount. When each member of a married couple meets all other eligibility requirements to receive Social Security retirement benefits, each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. Couples are not penalized simply because they are married. If one member of the couple earned low wages or failed to earn enough Social Security credits (40) to be insured for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov. Sherra Zavitsanos is the Social Security public affairs specialist in Harrisburg.

Are you 62+ or Older?

COME LOOK US OVER

Harrisburg’s Oldies Channel!

Look at all we have to offer... Meal Programs, Beauty Shop, Grocery Store and More... Give us a call and check out our fabulous facilities

Would you like to advertise here? Call: (717) 770-0140

B’NAI B’RITH APARTMENTS 130 South Third Street • Harrisburg (717) 232-7516

• Breakfast with Ben Barber and News with Dennis Edwards • John Tesh with Music and Intelligence for Your Workday • Bruce Collier & The Drive Home • Mike Huckabee Three Times Daily

Online 24/7 at whylradio.com

WE PLAY OVER 1500 GREAT SONGS! 16

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e

Thank You, Volunteers! On-Line Publishers, Inc. and 50plus Senior News would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the individual and senior group volunteers who donated their time and efforts at our 2011 50plus EXPOs. Because of your assistance, we were able to bring the contents and the mission of 50plus Senior News to life for the residents of Central Pennsylvania!

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

By Myles Mellor and Sally York

As of December 2011, 50plus Senior News is no longer available at Karns Quality Foods. For your convenience, the following is a list of nearby alternative pickup locations in your area. For Karns Quality Foods at 101 S. Union St., Middletown: Essex House – 320 Market St., Middletown Kuppy’s Diner – Brown and Poplar streets, Middletown Middletown Borough Building – 60 W. Emmaus St., Middletown Middletown Public Library – 20 N. Catherine St., Middletown Royalton Senior Center – 101 Northumberland St., Royalton Turkey Hill – 158 E. Main Street, Middletown Across 1. Graphical user interface feature 5. Latke ingredient 11. Attain 14. Game name 15. Trash container 16. Old Tokyo 17. Restrain 18. Calkins 19. Inflamed 20. Not extreme 23. Like old records 24. Choppers 25. Yellowfin, e.g.

28. 1995 hurricane 32. Its symbol is an omega 35. Present 38. Cartoon art 39. Taking drastic measures 42. Hitchcockian 43. Like some colonies 44. Harvester ___ 45. First place? 46. Cargo boat type 48. Cherokee and Wrangler

53. Foreign currency 56. Tolerance 62. One with a supporting role 63. More viscous 64. Way to go 65. Tide alternative 66. Short musical pieces 67. Mythology anthology 68. Departure announcement 69. Abandon 70. Textile worker

r For Karns Quality Foods at 761 Cherry Drive, Hershey: Briarcrest Gardens Apartments – 999 Briarcrest Drive, Hershey Central PA Eye Institute – 825 Fishburn Road, Hershey Hershey Medical Cardiac Rehabilitation – Campus Drive, Parking Lot K, Hershey Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center – 15 Hope Drive, Hershey Mohler Senior Center – 660 Cherry Drive, Hershey University Physician Group – 670 Cherry Drive, Hershey

r Down 1. SALT concern 2. Demand 3. Best 4. “You ___ bother!” 5. Clip 6. Capital on a fjord 7. Grand ___ 8. Decrease 9. Church donation 10. Attack 11. “My ___!” 12. It comes to mind 13. Sarah’s husband 21. Potter

22. 26. 27. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36.

River of Lyon Excluding Asian buffalo Cotton fabric Grace period? In case Double curve Worked the soil Slough Mushroom you can eat 37. Departure 38. Historian Toynbee 40. Soldier of fortune

Solution on page 18

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

41. 47. 49. 50. 51. 52. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.

Black gunk Alate Just beat Gush Reverent Like a snicker “___ or not ...” In reserve Give away Bank Lothario’s look Bucks Start with while Telephone button

For Karns Quality Foods, 6001 Allentown Blvd., Paxton Square, Harrisburg: Charlton United Methodist Church – 5920 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg CVS/pharmacy – 6007 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg Friendship Community Center – 5000 Commons Drive, Harrisburg Old Country Buffet – 5083 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg RSVP – 5301 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg Turkey Hill – 707 N. Mountain Road, Harrisburg Questions? Call (717) 285-1350 or email info@onlinepub.com. Thanks for reading!

50plus SeniorNews e

December 2011

Festive Foresight for Furry Friends By Laura Farnish It’s the most wonderful time of the year … Cheerful songs of the season fill the radio as Christmastime approaches. The newspapers are overflowing with sales and specials on the latest toys, trends, and technology. Children anxiously await the arrival of Santa, snow, and school freedom. There are plenty of reasons to engage in the happiest time of the year. Our furry, feathered, and fishy friends, however, can get caught in the holiday hurricane. Be sure to keep your pets’ needs in mind as everyone enjoys this holiday season. There will be much mistletoe-ing … Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas tree, and for some, it wouldn’t be complete without a tree mishap. It is important to securely anchor your tree, so that our pets cannot pull it down. Pine needles can be dangerous if ingested, as they may puncture holes in the pet’s intestine. Aside from injury sustained in the fall,

chemicals in the tree’s water can be harmful to pets’ stomachs. Fertilizers, as well as stagnant water, are additional hazards. Although a Christmas tree may be an inevitable December purchase, other plants around the home can be avoided to ensure safety. You will receive much more than a kiss if a pet ingests mistletoe, as the berries are extremely poisonous. The berries can cause vomiting, excessive urination, and a fast heart rate, among other reactions. Like mistletoe, the berries on the holly plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. It is suggested that the berries be removed before adorning your home. Similarly, poinsettias are a danger for both pets and people. The poinsettia leaves themselves are not poisonous; however, the sap on the leaves is problematic if ingested. The sap can also

Give someone you love the gift that entertains, informs, and inspires, month after month! Or renew an existing subscription! Get a 12-month subscription to Senior News for just $10.00.

50plus

Mail form to: 50plus Senior News, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Please start a gift subscription for: Beginning (month) _________________________ Name ___________________________________ Street ___________________________________ Apt. ____________________________________ City/State ________________________________ Zip _____________________________________ Sign card from: Your name _______________________________ Street ___________________________________ Apt. ____________________________________ City/State ________________________________ Zip _____________________________________ Your phone number ________________________ Paper (or papers/$10.00 per edition): Expires 12/31/11 Chester Cumberland Dauphin

cause skin and mouth irritation and vomiting. And parties for hosting … Decorations are a vital addition to holiday parties; however, they may pose a larger problem for our pets. Kittens, who can’t resist sparkling toys, can reap the negative side effects of ingesting tinsel. If swallowed, tinsel can lead to severe damage to the digestive tract, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and potential surgery. Although you can control what you bring into your home around the holidays, the same cannot be said for your guests. The noise and commotion of holiday parties may stress and frighten your pet. Be sure to have a safe place where the pet can seek refuge if the home becomes overly crowded. If your pet is brave enough to socialize with your great-aunt or second-cousin-

twice-removed, ask your relatives to refrain from feeding your pet holiday food. Fatty meats, gravies, bones, and chocolate pose problems to our furry friends. If you suspect your pet has consumed a dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or poison control center immediately. Perhaps you are traveling for the holidays. It is imperative to determine what is best for the pet: Is the pet welcome? Will the pet be in a safe environment? It may be best to hire a pet sitter. When traveling, remember to give your pet plenty of water, and try to keep everyone on a regular schedule. Taking your pet for walks can also help keep nerves calm. And hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near … As the holiday season is filled with cheer, it is important to include your pet in the holiday festivities. Showing your pet love is always the best medicine! Be sure to keep these pet precautions in mind to ensure that the holiday season truly is the most wonderful time of the year for all!

The Middletown Home A Continuing Care Retirement Community Courtyard Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Crescent View Personal Care West View Terrace Apartments • • • • • •

Skilled Nursing Personal Care and Apartments Respite and Vacation Stays Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Pet Visitation Computer and Wii Availability

(717) 944-3351 • www.middletownhome.org 999 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057

Crossword shown on page 17

Lancaster Lebanon York

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

DICKENS

from page 1

“I realized how many buildings there which contains houses, like Tiny Tim’s, were and I just started buying them each and some other related buildings, like year,” he said. churches and the police department. From that year on, McMurty The second area, located next to the purchased four to eight buildings residential section, contains what annually, and his original gift set to his McMurty calls the “clean” businesses. wife soon grew into a sizeable collection. These buildings in this section are He now has around 135 pieces. business oriented and include the jewelry Beside buildings, McMurty’s collection store, clothing store, candy store, and includes figures of people, many leather shop. characters from Dickens’ novels. His The third area contains the “unclean” collection also features several large, businesses, like the blacksmith shop, special pieces. Some of these are fictional warehouses, and the brewery. palaces and churches mentioned in “I lay it out as much as I can as you Dickens’ works, while some, like the would expect a regular town to look,” replicas of Big Ben, the Tower of London, McMurty said. and Kensington The display, Palace, are wonderful which contains renditions of realaround 60 houses in world locations. total, also receives a Every Christmas, number of special McMurty would touches from take the time to set McMurty. He sets up his collection in a up the lighting for winter display for his each building and house. As the then cuts pieces of number of pieces in cotton, which he lays his collection grew out between and on each year, the task the houses as a Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim from became more and blanket of snow. The A Christmas Carol pose outside more monumental. result is a beautiful their home. McMurty recalls a winter scene, time when the collection became a complete with children sledding in the permanent fixture in the house. streets and workers coming and going “I was able to have a room in the from their places of employment. The basement that we dedicated to the entire process takes about two weeks. Dickens’ Village. For four or five years, I The Dickens’ Village has been a huge never took it down. I would change it a success and has become one of the bit each year, of course,” he said. retirement community’s most favored When the McMurtys moved to Willow holiday displays. It is not advertised and Valley Retirement Community, the sits in what might be considered an outDickens’ Village was put in storage, but of-the-way location, but its popularity not for long. One year, residents began continues to grow as residents spread its looking for extra Christmas decorations to story by word of mouth. use to decorate some of the building’s “Each year there have been more and common spaces. One such common space more people. I’ve had a lot of nice is not far from McMurty’s apartment. compliments about it,” McMurty said. “It’s usually used as a place where a McMurty has enjoyed the Dickens’ jigsaw puzzle is set up that the residents Village for years and takes pleasure in work on. At Christmastime they went to sharing it with others. decorate it a little differently. One woman “I just really enjoy putting it together asked my wife if there was anything she and looking at it afterwards. I never knew they could use to decorate it with,” started it as something to put on display McMurty said. or show. It’s been a personal pleasure for McMurty’s wife immediately suggested me to do. I get a big kick out of it,” he the use of the Dickens’ Village houses, said. and, with her help, McMurty went to McMurty’s wife has occasionally work on a display. mentioned that the Dickens’ Village grew McMurty spends a great deal of time out of hand over the years, taking over planning the community’s display. He has entire rooms and storage cages. As developed a system of organization, with McMurty explains, however, the village each house and character holding a never would have come into being specific place. The display contains three without his need to purchase a gift for her. tables, each representing three sections of “I think she secretly enjoys it,” he said. a Victorian town. The residents of Willow Valley and The first area is the residential section, their holiday visitors certainly do. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Time is running out to make your Medicare coverage decision for 2012 Don’t delay! Medicare Annual Enrollment ends on December 7!

Call today to receive Lighting Your Way to Better Health, our no-cost, no-obligation informational kit. In it you’ll discover important answers to your Medicare questions.

Call 1-866-218-9822 (TTY/TDD 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Or go online for more information www.MyHealthAmericaMedicare.com/CPA. Let us shine a light on our Medicare Advantage plans: • Monthly plan premiums as low as $0! • A maximum out-of-pocket cost protection that puts a fixed limit on how much you have to pay for health care costs in a year • Low copays for primary care physician office visits • $0 copays for routine vision and hearing exams

A Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Y0022_CCP_2012_4002_498_Final13

50plus SeniorNews e

File & Use date: 10/23/2011

December 2011

50plus SeniorNews e