Dauphin County Edition
December 2014
Vol. 16 No. 12
A Treasure Chest of Stories Historic Home Now Houses Collection of Local Antiques By Rebecca Hanlon Andy Leh’s fascination with antiques started as a teenager. In the summer of 1972, construction crews were digging along a nearby street when they discovered what was left of a glass-recycling facility. The working men would leave at 4 p.m., and the local kids would jump in the pit, digging until dark to collect the unwanted bottles for themselves. “It was a summer fad for most kids, but it stuck with me,” said Leh, now 56. It was the start of a 42-year-long obsession with antiques. Even as a young boy, Leh remembers spending hours in his grandparents’ basement rooting through boxes and examining random items—from glasses to stoneware and furniture. When he started digging up bottles in the streets of his neighborhood, he unknowingly dug up history. If he found bottles he didn’t want, or duplicates, he would sell them to friends. At 16, Leh’s father let him drive the family station wagon to the flea market to sell the bottles, using the profits to buy better ones. By early high school, his collection was worth several thousand dollars. “My dad thought I was crazy,” Leh said. “He was angry with me for wasting my money on frivolous stuff. Now, he stands back and smiles, please see TREASURE page 14 Andy Leh in front of one of his historic home’s seven fireplaces (six in working order). The 1798 home is the perfect setting for Leh’s extensive antiques collection.
Inside:
She Took a Call from Churchill page 6
Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash page 8
Such is Life
When a Man Can’t Have Food Saralee Perel hen readers meet me, they never want to talk to me. Instead, they excitedly look all around for my husband, saying, “Where’s Bob?” Everyone loves Bob. But they feel sorry for him because I often make him look like a doofus (which he is) in my columns. They look at him with pity and say, “You’re such a good sport.” Well, I’m here to tell you: Bob adores it when I write about him. When I don’t include him, he’ll ask, “What about me?” with an insanely disappointed look on his face. Having said all that, last week he had to fast for routine blood work, which meant no food after midnight. No big deal, right? Early that evening, he was face down on the couch. I knelt down and massaged his shoulders. “What’s the matter?” I said.
W
Ever so slowly he Slowly, I stepped raised his head. backward and “Don’t you whispered, “I—I— remember the may have finished medical procedure them last night.” I’m about to get?” “WHAT?” “It’s not an “Well, I, um. I operation, sweets. It’s wanted cookies.” just a blood test.” “Oh, so you He sat up. “JUST wanted cookies, did A BLOOD TEST?” you? I will never Bob and Saralee at the diner I quietly tiptoed forgive you for this.” out of the room. He dragged At five to midnight, I found him in himself off to bed. I quietly got in bed the kitchen, gorging on frozen pizza. too. In exactly three minutes he started “Sheesh, Bob. Don’t you want to nuke moaning the song from Oliver. “Food, it first?” glorious food—hot sausage and “There’s no time!” mustard.” I lovingly took his hands but he Less than an hour later, he sneezed crazily pulled away and frantically once and said, “Starvation has caused me searched through the cookie jar. to get a cold.” “Where are the peanut butter Now, I don’t like gender stereotyping. cookies?” he said. But I take that back when it comes to a
cold. That’s because Bob gets “man colds.” During his last one, he threw himself an “I’m going to die” party. I realized that the way I was approaching this was all wrong. So I changed. And miraculously, I also found the cure to the common cold. “You’ll be OK,” I said. “Right after your blood work, we’ll get rid of your cold. Instead of heading to your favorite diner like we planned, for a luscious omelet made with grilled apples, cheddar cheese, and bacon, we’ll keep you on nothing but chicken broth all day.” Suddenly he stopped sneezing. “Sweets, we couldn’t have gone to the diner anyway,” I said. “You’re obviously too weak from starvation. We’ll go there someday, sometime—far, far from now, since it will clearly take a long time for you to recover from your horrible fasting ordeal.” And with that, he jumped out of bed
Estate Planning Legal Documents You Need in Preparing for Life and Death Let the experienced estate planning attorneys of Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, assist you in developing a plan to protect you and your family throughout and after your life. s Wills s Powers of Attorney s Living Wills s Trusts Don’t forget ALL members of your family! DZMM also offers Pet Trusts.
Call for an appointment today! 635 N. 12th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043 717.724.9821 Additional offices in Harrisburg and Carlisle
Happy Holidays 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.
dzmmlaw.com 2
December 2014
50plus SeniorNews H
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
and said, “I feel great!” After the blood work, we went to the restaurant, where Bob made a speedy recovery as he reveled in mouthfuls of glorious food. That week, I wound up with a monster cold. I knew Bob would get back at me for how I tricked him into getting better. I stayed in bed—waiting. He found my grandmother’s quilt in the cupboard and placed it on me, tenderly snugging it under my chin. Between sneezes I said, “This is the worst cold I’ve ever had. Go ahead. Make fun of me. I deserve it.” “Yep, you do,” he said, putting on his jacket and getting the car keys. “Bob, you’re going out when I’m on my deathbed?” When he came home, he had a bag
with him. He took out a chicken pot pie, my favorite Kleenex made with aloe, a copy of People magazine, and a carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. He propped up our pillows. We spent the day together, watching Murphy Brown reruns and luxuriating in the breathtaking nearness of each other. So, of course everyone loves Bob. That’s because we all know that he is just like this—sensitive, loving, compassionate, and adoring—even when I don’t have a cold. Saralee Perel is an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist. Her new book is Cracked Nuts & Sentimental Journeys: Stories From a Life Out of Balance. To find out more, visit www.saraleeperel.com or email sperel@saraleeperel.com.
Winter is Coming … Before the weather gets too cold, you should protect your house and family from the elements. Here are some essential areas to check: Roof • Look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, and broken, overhanging tree limbs. • Check the chimney for mortar deterioration and loose bricks. Inspect the underside of the roof, from the attic, for signs of leakage. Exterior • Check the foundation for cracks in the
concrete or low spots in the soil where water can accumulate against the foundation. • Examine the caulking in the siding and around the window and door trims. Heat • Turn on the heating system and ensure that the heat is being delivered to all outlets. • Check the filter and change it if necessary. Keep extra filters around so you can change it during the winter season.
Resource Directory 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 Emergency Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging (717) 780-6130
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
Floor Coverings Gipe Floor & Wall Covering 5435 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 545-6103
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
Home Modifications 3-D Consultants (717) 651-5133
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 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Senior Home Repairs (717) 545-8747 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
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 Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLC Attorneys at Law 635 N. 12th St., Lemoyne (717) 724-9821
Toll-Free Numbers American Lung Association (800) LUNG-USA Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555 Meals on Wheels (800) 621-6325
Nursing/Rehab Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7902
National Council on Aging (800) 424-9046
Personal Care Homes Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7902
Veterans Affairs (717) 626-1171 or (800) 827-1000
Pharmacy CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
Social Security Office (800) 772-1213
Transportation CAT Share-A-Ride (717) 232-6100 Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
3
Savvy Senior
Vaccination Options for Seniors this Flu Season
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
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Christina Cardamone Kristy Neideigh BUSINESS INTERNS Mariah K. Hammacher Christopher Lee-Jimenez SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp EVENTS MANAGER Kimberly Shaffer
Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that there are several types of flu vaccines being offered to seniors this flu season. What can you tell me about them? – Cautious Senior Dear Cautious, Depending on your health, age, and personal preference, there’s a buffet of flu shots available to seniors this flu season, along with two vaccinations for pneumonia that you should consider getting too. Flu Shot Options Just as they do every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a seasonal flu shot to almost everyone, but it’s especially important for seniors who are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. The flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills around 24,000—90 percent of whom are seniors. Here’s the rundown of the different options:
CIRCULATION
• Standard (trivalent) flu shot: This tried-and-true shot that’s been around for more than 30 years protects against three strains of influenza. This year’s version protects against the two common A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B virus.
PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer
ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall Member of
Member of
• Quadrivalent flu shot: This vaccine, which was introduced last year, protects against four types of
influenza—the same three strains as the standard flu shot, plus an additional B-strain virus. • High-dose flu shot: Designed specifically for seniors age 65 and older, this vaccine, called the Fluzone High-Dose, has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. But, be aware that the high-dose option may also be more likely to cause side effects, including headache, muscle aches, and fever. • Intradermal flu shot: If you don’t like needles, the intradermal shot is a nice option because it uses a tiny 1/16-inch-long micro-needle to inject the vaccine just under the skin, rather than deeper in the muscle like standard flu shots. This trivalent vaccine is recommended only to those ages 18 to 64. To locate a vaccination site that offers these flu shots, visit www.vaccines.gov and type in your ZIP code. You’ll also be happy to know that if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the costs of any flu shot, as long as your doctor, health clinic, or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. Private health insurers are also required to cover standard flu shots; however, you’ll need to check with your provider to see if they cover the
other vaccination options. Pneumonia Vaccines The other important vaccination the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. An estimated 900,000 people in the U.S. get pneumococcal pneumonia each year, and it kills around 5,000. This year, the CDC is recommending that all seniors 65 or older get two separate vaccines, which is a change of decades-old advice. The vaccines are Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Previously, only Pneumovax 23 was recommended for seniors. Both vaccines, which are administered just once, work in different ways to provide maximum protection. If you haven’t yet received any pneumococcal vaccine, you should get the Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 six to 12 months later. But, if you’ve already been vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, you should get Prevnar 13 at least one year later. Medicare currently covers only one pneumococcal vaccine per older adult. If you’re paying out of pocket, you can expect to pay around $50 to $85 for Pneumovax 23 and around $120 to $150 for Prevnar 13. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
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.
4
December 2014
Keep Stress in Check during the Holidays The holidays should be a joyous time for family and friends, but they can be stressful if you feel stretched too thin. Don’t let the pressure bring you down. Here are some helpful hints for keeping your stress levels under control during what should be a fun and relaxing time:
50plus SeniorNews H
Pay attention to your mood. Recognize the signs of stress, such as irritability and anxiety. Avoid these by getting a handle on things instead of just letting them happen.
holiday treats can affect your mood. Sugar overload will make you sluggish, for example, and the stimulating effect of caffeine may make you overanxious.
Set reasonable limits. Allow yourself to say “no.” Be realistic about what you can and cannot do during this busy month.
Exercise. Take a walk or visit the gym regularly. Not only will it combat the extra calories you’re consuming, but you’ll also relieve tension and get some relaxation.
Watch your diet. Overindulging in
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Social Security News
Being Aware of Fraud is Your First Step to Avoiding It By John Johnston ith all of the holiday shopping going on this time of year, both in stores and online, there is no better time to remind you to beware of fraud—you never know where it is lurking. When it comes to doing business with Social Security online, there is little to worry about—all of our online services are protected by strong Internet security protocols, and you should have confidence that they are safe and secure. But, there are other ways identity thieves and criminals can obtain your personal information and cause you significant harm. Here are some tips to help keep that from happening. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other identifying information, beware. Don’t provide your personal information without first contacting Social Security to verify if Social Security
W
is really trying to contact you. It could be an identity thief phishing for your personal information. Call Social Security’s toll-free number at (800) 772-1213 or TTY (800) 325-0778. If you receive a suspicious call, report it by going to http://oig.ssa.gov/report. Or call (800) 269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. You should provide as much of the following information as you know: • Names of the alleged suspect(s) and victim(s), address(es), phone number(s), date(s) of birth, and Social Security number(s) • Description of the fraud and the location where the fraud took place • When and how the fraud was committed
• Why the person committed the fraud (if known) • Who else has knowledge of the potential violation Identity theft is one of the fastestgrowing crimes in America. If you or anyone you know has been the victim of an identity thief, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.idtheft.gov; (877) IDTHEFT or (877) 438-4338; or TTY (866) 653-4261. Another form of fraud that people fall victim to: businesses using misleading advertisements that make it look as though they are from Social Security. These businesses often offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. By
law, such an advertisement must indicate that the company is not affiliated with Social Security. If you receive what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, Md. 21235. Also, advise your state’s attorney general or consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau. If you see or hear what you believe is misleading advertising related to Social Security, you can report it at the address above, by calling (800) 269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, or by visiting http://oig.ssa.gov/report. Protect your investment in Social Security and do your part to report potential fraud. We rely on you to let us know when you suspect someone is committing fraud against Social Security. John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.
~ Home Modifications – Aging-in-Place Specialists ~ Helping people live independently and safely in their homes We provide installation of: •Handrails, grab bars, walk-in showers and tubs, and support systems •Barrier-free bathrooms and kitchens Disabled Veterans Discount
•Walkway and ramp installation > Threshold ramps (rentals available)
•Automatic door openers •Door widening/structural alterations/ room additions •Stair lifts
3-D Consultants Technical Consulting Services
Keith Davis www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Please call for a free, in-home consultation.
(717) 651-5133 (Office) (717) 433-2143 (Cell) www.3-DConsultants.com PHIC#012495 MHIC#100216 50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
5
Salute to a Veteran
Churchill Told Her How Sorry He Was to Learn of FDR’s Death Robert D. Wilcox eraldine (Jeri) Kopf was a native of Central Pennsylvania who kept herself in shape through her love of playing sports. So, when the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was formed in World War II, she felt ready to enlist in September 1943 and serve her country. The fact that she had a strong background in stenography didn’t hurt. Having women in the Army was very controversial at the time. But she was determined to go. And she was soon on her way to basic training at Daytona Beach, Fla. Did she have a tough time in basic? “No, not at all,” she laughs. “They gave us the same training they gave the guys, and because of all the sports I had played, I was ready for it. I enjoyed every minute of it.” She was then sent to MacDill Field in Tampa and was assigned to
G
Headquarters Company, where she handled public relations for the base. “At MacDill, pilots were being trained to fly the B-26 medium bomber,” she says. “It was such an unstable plane that an unbelievable number of planes were being lost. In one 30-day training period, 15 planes crashed, leading to the catchphrase: ‘A plane a day in Tampa Bay.’” Fortunately, they soon solved that by adding 6 feet of wingspan and upgrading the engines. “The other big
Pvt. 1st Class Geraldine Kopf at MacDill Field, Tampa, in 1943.
excitement,” she says, “was meeting Don Scott, who was to become my future husband. He was a member of the base band who played all the instruments, as needed. He also had a wonderful voice and was gifted with perfect pitch. “We got engaged before I shipped out to the Pentagon, and he went to the Pacific, where he and the band played at bases throughout the Pacific. “At the Pentagon, I was astonished to be put in charge of the Overseas Conference Room, where I worked
daily with the Army Chief of Staff, General of the Army George C. Marshall and later with General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, when he became Army chief of staff. “Officially, the Overseas Conference Room didn’t exist, because everything that went in there was absolutely top secret. “The room had a thick carpet of deep red with a massive mahogany table and maps of military facilities around the world lining the walls. My job was to see that the room was kept in perfect shape and to manage all contacts with senior officers around the world. “Where messages were to be encoded, I arranged that through the Signal Corps. And I kept copies of everything that was said by anyone and decided for action. Later I saw that copies were then sent to each general in the meeting.” How did she get selected for such an
Thank You,Columnists! 50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well as entertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News: Mike Clark (The Way I See It) Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry) Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield ) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) John Johnston (Social Security News) Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques) Gloria May (NurseNews) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior)
Victor Parachin (Fragments of History) Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Nick Thomas (Tinseltown Talks) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran) Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters)
It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Senior News are enriched by your contributions.
6
December 2014
50plus SeniorNews H
Are You Reading? Join the 2015 One Book, One Community campaign by reading Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 85 libraries in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties and their community partners present the regional reading campaign.
Read the book during December and January and attend free library programs and discussions in February!
Visit www.oboc.org or your library to learn more www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
important post? “I haven’t the slightest idea,” she says. “But you know the Army. They don’t explain what they do. They tell you what you’re going to do, and you just do it.” What about that call from Winston Churchill, when he shared his condolences over President Roosevelt’s passing? Did she expect to be talking with a famous man like that? With a little smile, she says, “Not really, but most of the people I talked with regularly were among our most important generals and admirals. And when the prime minister called, I enjoyed only a few words with him before passing him on to General Marshall.” By January 1946, she was a sergeant, and her hitch was over. All WACs were asked to reenlist, but she and her fiancé were discharged on the same day, Jan. 18, 1946, and shortly thereafter were married. She became Mrs. Geraldine (Jeri) Scott and embarked on a wonderful 58 years of married life. The Scotts settled down to live in Central Pennsylvania. And she immersed herself in a wide range of community activities. One close to her
heart was serving as executive director of the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. There, she came up with the idea of a Readathon, during which children would “solve the mystery of MS” by reading books for credit. WGAL-TV filmed the skit through which the program was presented to the local children. That film was sent to the national MS headquarters, who found the film so inspiring that they adopted the Readathon as a national program, sending copies of the film to MS chapters across the U.S. In addition to all her other activities in the community, in 1991 Scott started an art gallery that she still runs today. However, when asked what she thinks today about having actually talked with Winston Churchill so many years ago, she says with a grin, “At that time, I didn’t think of it as something so different from what I did every day. But now I more strongly think of it as a remembrance to be truly cherished.” Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.
Newly Remodeled and Expanded Proudly Family Owned & Operated Serving the Dauphin County Area Since 1865 t Traditional
Funeral Service t Cremation Options t Pre-Planning for Peace of Mind t Veteran’s Benefits Dale A. Auer, Supervisor Amanda J. Seiders, Funeral Director
Easy Access Off of I-83, Exit 50B
(717) 545-4001 • Fax 547-6970
4100 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg 17109
www.zimmerman-auer.com
are you 62+ or Older?
59 Years of Experience Helping People Like You
COme lOOk Us Over
10%
Senior Discount
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
on materials only
Sheet Vinyl • Floor Tile • Carpet Ceramic & Porcelain Tile • Hardwood FLOOR & WALL COVERING
b’nai b’rith apartments
5435 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg
130 South Third Street • Harrisburg (717) 232-7516
www.GipeFloorAndWallcovering.com
PA009846
545-6103
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 50plus Senior News for just $10.
Mail form to: 50plus Senior News, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512
Thank You, Volunteers! On-Line Publishers, Inc. and 50plus Senior News would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the individual and senior group volunteers who donated their time and efforts at our 2014 50plus EXPOs and the Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair. Because of your assistance, we were able to bring the contents and the mission of 50plus Senior News to life for the residents of Central Pennsylvania! www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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 per edition): Expires 12/31/14
Chester Cumberland Lancaster Lebanon
Dauphin York
50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
7
Traveltizers
Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel
Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash By Andrea Gross ’m half-submerged in a luxurious whirlpool tub, sipping from a glass of sweet ice wine and looking out the window at the cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Over there, in the distance, is the United States. Here, at the Radisson Hotel, is Canada. Divided in part by the Niagara River, the two countries share the falls, with Horseshoe on the Canadian side and American and Bridal Veil falls technically in the United States, although better viewed from Canada. They’re not the tallest falls in the world, but they’re among the most powerful, and tonight, illuminated in festive colors, they’re surely the most beautiful. Waterfalls, wine, and a whirlpool tub—could there be a more glorious way to spend New Year’s Eve? I think not, but a party is waiting outside—not just any
I
Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls. From left, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls is wider than seven football fields, and as the water drops the distance of a 13-story building, it creates an explosion of mist.
party, but one of the grandest in Canada and the only one that’s televised from coast to coast. In short, “It’s Canada’s answer to Times Square,” says Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
My husband and I don our parkas— December weather in Niagara typically ranges from the low 20s to the mid30s—and set out for Queen Victoria Park. It’s not far from the hotel, and as we
walk along the path bordering the falls, we’re surrounded by trees sparkling with more than a million lights and more than 100 illuminated displays representing everything from Noah’s ark and an Inuit kayak to humongous Canadian and United States flags. By the time we arrive at the park, music is blaring from the stage, and the place is packed with revelers. Off to the side, the Skylon Tower rises 775 feet above the falls. The circular top, which resembles a space station, is aglow with lights, and the exterior glass-enclosed elevator, called the “Yellow Bug,” streaks up and down, ferrying visitors to and from the revolving dining room and observation deck at the top. The countdown begins shortly before midnight. Eight, seven, six … one! The Yellow Bug zooms to the top, fireworks explode from the tower, and the crowd roars. Then, led by the performers on stage, everyone begins singing “Auld Lang Syne.”
SPRING 2015: It’s Just Around the Corner!
Help Your Business Bl
omen’s Expo
m!
Sponsor and exhibitor applications now being accepted.
March 21, 2015
($100 off before 1/31/15.)
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey
Health & Wellness • Finance • Home Technology • Beauty • Nutrition and more!
“Had a fantastic day and I am already receiving business as a result of the expo! Thanks so much!! When is the next event?”
To reserve space or for more information, go to:
— April Y., Thirty One Gifts
717.285.1350
aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com 8
December 2014
50plus SeniorNews H
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
It’s almost 1 a.m. when we head back to the Radisson, and we have to run to catch the Falls Incline Railway before it closes. This saves us the uphill hike from the street-level park to the Fallsview Tourist Area, where the hotels, casino, eateries, and shops are located. We arrive in our room chilled but thrilled, ready to start the new year. The next day we explore more of Niagara’s winter offerings. After walking farther along the 3-mile illumination route, we warm up amongst the poinsettias and Christmas cacti at the Floral Showhouse and then make our way to Journey Behind the Falls, an attraction that helps us truly appreciate the size and splendor of Niagara. Dressed in waterproof ponchos (distributed free at the entrance), we slosh through tunnels to emerge 13 stories below ground level at the point where Horseshoe Falls crashes into the Lower Niagara River. We’re showered with mist as the equivalent of more than 1 million bathtubs full of water rush over the falls every hour, traveling at a speed of 25 mph. (During the winter, the lower observation deck is closed, but there’s drama and moisture aplenty on the upper deck.)
Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
The Falls are illuminated at night, adding to the festive air of the holiday season.
Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
Fireworks mark the coming of the New Year during Niagara’s New Year’s Eve bash.
Although it’s possible to see all three falls from the ground-level walkway, we take a helicopter ride in order to better understand the area’s geography. From up
Photo courtesy of Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights features a Christmas Tree Walk that extends more than 3 miles.
Photo courtesy of Winter Festival of Lights
A three-story-tall illuminated flag of Canada welcomes folks from the United States, who make up half of the 11 million travelers who visit Niagara each year.
high we can see how the Niagara River, which begins in Lake Erie and flows north into Lake Ontario, divides as it circles around Goat Island.
If you go: Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights runs through Jan. 12, 2015. www.niagaraparks.com www.radisson.com/niagarafalls.ca Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com).
n Provider and leader of quality healthcare in Central PA for more than 147 years.
n Exemplary personalized care that enables patients and families to live each day as fully as possible.
n 50 renovated Personal Care Suites.
n Focused on pain relief, comfort, and support for patients and families.
n Applications being accepted for a limited number. n Skilled Nursing Care Unit accommodates 95, including a 24-bed Alzheimer’s Unit.
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
The southern side plummets over a cliff to form Horseshoe Falls, while the northern side leads to American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. These two smaller falls are, in turn, separated from each other by the much smaller landmass of Luna Island. Finally, since the Niagara Peninsula is one of the top ice-wine-producing regions in the world, we visit Inniskillin Estate Winery, an award-winning producer of the luxury wine. We see the vineyards, where harvesting of the frozen grapes has just begun; watch a video of the production process; and sample three different types of ice wine: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Sparkling. We can’t agree on which one we like best, so we splurge on mini-bottles of each. If we can’t make it back to Niagara next year, at least we’ll be able to celebrate at home—but it won’t be the same without the whirlpool tub and the magnificent view of the falls.
n Providing hospice care in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Schuylkill, Lebanon, Perry, York, Adams, Franklin, and Juniata counties. n Call us for details on our full array of services.
717-221-7902
717-221-7890
1901 North Fifth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 www.homelandcenter.org
2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115 Harrisburg, PA 17110 www.homelandhospice.org
50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
9
Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Cool Ideas for the Not-so-Valuables Lori Verderame have been known to say that just because something is old doesn’t mean it is automatically valuable. I have junk in my house, my grandmother had junk in her house … sometimes it’s just older junk. With those sage words of wisdom offered to the masses, here are some creative ideas about what to do with those keepsakes that you just can’t part with but you don’t want to store away in a plastic tub for the rest of your life. Objects that have some value to you on some level but that really won’t make a big difference when it comes to cashing in are the objects that are the topic of this particular column. Repurposing is very popular now. There are more people seeking out antiques and thrift-store items in order to reuse or recycle them than people who just want to collect for collecting’s
I
sake. Be sure you floral plates can be only repurpose used at parties those objects and even given away that really are not to guests as favors. valuable. They really spruce Of course, you up a buffet line, don’t want to block party, or repurpose that family get-together. Chippendale side Look around your table or a Picasso grandma’s, aunt’s, drawing, so get it and neighbor’s Photo courtesy staff of www.DrLoriV.com checked out cupboards and see if Vintage china or mismatched plates with minor damage are before you move you can spot any often repurposed. ahead. Once you plates. I have some know that you chipped yet colorful have a low-value object, consider some examples from the 1970s hanging creative ideas. around my cabinets that would be prime examples for this project. Piecing Up the Plates Some creative craft aficionados Plates can be among some of the most have taken such plates, broken them into inexpensive collectibles that nearly pieces, and used them in craft projects. everyone has hanging around the house, Just break the inexpensive plates into 2attic, or yard sale. Vintage, decorative to 4-inch pieces and then use them as
you would tiles. Some of the most popular repurposing objects for old plates are refrigerator magnets. Just simply stick an adhesivebacked magnet to the back of your plate piece. Some damaged or chipped plates have been recycled into a decorative concrete frame around the kids’ sandbox or kiddie pool area. They will look great stuccoed or glued onto wooden birdhouses, garden jardinieres or birdbaths, and trivets. Some folks have used broken plates as walkways leading to a garden shed or pool house. These are some great ways to use those damaged and not-sovaluable floral plates and keep the memories, too. Picking Up Jewelry Damaged jewelry or fancy buttons— particularly cheap pieces of costume
Advertise in this vital community guide If your organization or business offers a product or service relevant to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, or their families, you should be included in the Dauphin County Resource Directory for the Caregiver, Aging, and Disabled! • Online e-dition for anywhere, anytime access • Complementary print edition — no additional charge • Links consumer with the appropriate information and resources • Supports local agencies and promotes efficient coordination of services • 400+ informative listings (FREE expanded listing with display ad) • 8,000 free copies distributed throughout the county, including government offices, CVS/pharmacies, doctors’ offices, 50plus EXPOS, and wherever 50plus Senior News is distributed
Ad closing date: January 16, 2015
Most comprehensive directory of its kind!
Sponsorships available for greatest exposure Individual full-color display ads and enhanced listings also available
All at an affordable price to you ... priceless to consumers!
Contact your account representative or call 717.770.0140 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
10
December 2014
50plus SeniorNews H
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
jewelry that can no longer be repaired or worn—can be reused and made into really cool art objects. Damaged pieces of costume jewelry can be the source for jewelry pictures by sewing or gluing the broken pieces onto a piece of velvet, felt, or fabric. Then, the textile
is framed as you would a collage. Old, broken jewelry or pieces thereof can be made into a brooch, tussy mussy, or brooch bouquet comprised of both fresh flowers and colorful, fakegemstone pins in the shape of flowers. Country music star Miranda Lambert carried a brooch bouquet at her country-
themed wedding. It is a cool union of vintage and Victorian, fresh and faux. Some pieces of costume jewelry are valuable, so be sure to check out the value with an appraisal before you start taking apart the jewelry pieces that are still intact. However, the damaged pieces are fair game for you crafters out there.
Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s TV show Auction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori, Lori Verderame at Google+, or call (888) 431-1010.
The Squint-Eyed Senior
Cousins for Christmas Theodore Rickard he best of Christmases and the high point of the feast day marking the beginning of the Christian era was the year I got the electric train. An electric train has a lot of pieces. And you can take the pieces apart and put them back together in your own fashion, any old way you want to.
T
The next best part of Christmas was cousin-visiting. Here the cousins— almost all male and within a couple years of my own age—became real people, not just the last or next wearer of hand-me-down “Sunday best.” They were here in person, kids I could play with, bringing with them the cold-fresh of December into our second-
floor apartment. Gift inspection was the first order of business for visiting cousins. Even before hellos, it was, “Whad-ja-get?”—all one word. Without waiting for a response, this was followed by, “Whad-else-ja-get?” The year of the electric train was a triumph of familial snobbery. Questioning never got past the first
“whad-ja-get.” Instantly, four cousins were on hands and knees, taking everything apart to rearrange it: revising it to anything but the drearily symmetrical layout plotted by Lionel. There was never enough track, of course. There never would be—not for the fledgling empire builders who were please see COUSINS page 13
Calendar of Events
Dauphin County
Programs and Support Groups
Senior Center Activities
Free and open to the public.
Mohler Senior Center – (717) 533-2002, www.hersheyseniorcenter.com Dec. 1, noon – Holiday Card Exchange Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m. – Annual Meeting and Holiday Social Dec. 22, 11 a.m. – Cookies and Carols with Helping Hands
Dec. 9, 6 to 7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Graysonview Personal Care Community 150 Kempton Ave., Harrisburg (717) 561-8010
Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m. Hershey Area AARP Chapter No. 3466 Meeting Spring Creek Church of the Brethren 335 E. Areba Ave., Hershey (717) 832-3282
Dec. 16, 7 p.m. Longest Night Worship Service Derry Presbyterian Church 248 E. Derry Road, Hershey
Dec. 30, 6 p.m. Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Walking Club Gander Mountain 5005 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 991-5232
Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. Parkinson’s Support Group on East Shore Jewish Home of Harrisburg 4004 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg (717) 441-8627
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682, www.rutherfordhouse.org Mondays, 10 a.m. – Line Dancing Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – Zumba Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – Computer Assistance Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.
Dauphin County Library Programs Kline Branch, 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-3934 Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. – Friends of the Kline Library Meeting
Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation
William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W. Second St., Hummelstown, (717) 566-0949 Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. – Novel Thoughts Book Club Weekends through Dec. 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Toy Train Exhibit, Fort Hunter Centennial Barn Dec. 7, 12:30 to 4 p.m. – Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration, Fort Hunter Tavern House Summer Kitchen Dec. 4 and 18, 6 to 8 p.m. – Knitting Club Dec. 10, 6 p.m. – Second Wednesday Cinema
Weekends through Dec. 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Festival of Trees, Fort Hunter Tavern House
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
11
Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes The listings with a shaded background have additional information about their center in a display advertisement in this edition.
Bethany Village — MapleWood
Lakeview at Tel Hai Retirement Community
325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 • www.BethanyVillage.org
1200 Tel Hai Circle • Honey Brook, PA 19344 610-273-4602 • www.telhai.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: Yes Private: 100 Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: One-bedroom suites; secured memory support neighborhood; skilled nursing – The Oaks.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Come discover a wonderful, faith-based community that has been voted No. 1 retirement community by readers of the Daily Local newspaper!
Colonial Lodge Community
Longwood Manor Personal Care & Memory Care
2015 North Reading Road • Denver, PA 17519 717-336-5501 • www.coloniallodgepa.com
2760 Maytown Road • Maytown, PA 17550 717-426-0033 • www.longwoodassisted.com
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 70 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes* Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 144 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes* Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: No Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: No
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: *SSI depends on availability. A veteran-approved “home for heroes” facility, all in a beautiful, rural setting.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Beautiful, homelike environment nestled in the heartland of Lancaster County. Specializing in memory support. *One-time community fee only.
Homeland Center
Mennonite Home Communities
1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7727 • www.homelandcenter.org
1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601 717-393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 50 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 150 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Exemplary care in a caring, beautiful environment has been provided for more than 140 years. Our continuum includes a hospice program.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Supportive, encouraging environment. Various room types and suites available. Secure memory care offered.
Homewood at Plum Creek
The Middletown Home
425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-4166 • www.homewood.com
999 West Harrisburg Pike • Middletown, PA 17057 717-944-3351 • www.middletownhome.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 98 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 64 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Excellent care in a lovely environment. Call to schedule a visit.
Serving from the Heart in the Spirit of Friendship, Love, and Truth
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Beautifully appointed apartments overlooking the garden terrace with the safety and security of 24-hour nursing care.
This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.
12
December 2014
50plus SeniorNews H
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes The listings with a shaded background have additional information about their center in a display advertisement in this edition.
Pleasant View Retirement Community
St. Anne’s Retirement Community
544 North Penryn Road • Manheim, PA 17545 717-665-2445 • www.pleasantviewrc.org
3952 Columbia Avenue West Hempfield Township, PA 17512 717-285-6112 • www.stannesrc.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 96 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes* Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: *Three-year private pay spending. Maintain independence in an enriching and supportive environment; now offering respite stays.
Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Minimal Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Pending Approval Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Select rooms currently available! Call for details.
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community 625 Robert Fulton Highway • Quarryville, PA 17566 717-786-7321• 888-786-7331 • www.quarryville.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 45 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Quarryville assists in maintaining independence and preserving dignity in a safe and secure environment.
If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your account representative or call (717) 285-1350.
This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.
COUSINS
from page 11
already looking down the hall to the dining room, wondering how many pieces and how many Christmases it would take to get there. There was one other Christmas gift that, even among my cousins, would squash the “whad-ja-gets.” If you got an Erector Set, you simply pointed at the box. You tried not to look too superior, acting as though lavish gifts were an everyday thing with you. You might be interrupted by your aunt insisting you try on “at least the jacket” from the Sunday outfit her son had finally outgrown. But the moment was still yours. The Erector Set consisted entirely of parts. Nothing was put together in the first place: hundreds of metal pieces, steel wheels, nuts and bolts—endless possibilities for both construction and eventual dismemberment—and the ruination of hundreds of vacuum cleaners. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
(My Aunt Ella used to claim that the Erector Set people were subsidized by the Hoover people. But then, Aunt Ella also claimed that opening an umbrella indoors made the roof leak, and one rainy spring she turned out to be right about that.) One year, a cousin we visited got an Irish Mail. This was a sidewalk vehicle that you steered with your feet and propelled by working a handlebar back and forth. It was really a neat machine, and once you got the rhythm of it, you could work up some real speed—plenty enough to become a pedestrian hazard and get yelled at. But the Irish Mail was expensive and
thus unheard of in his neighborhood, so it simply had to be “dorky,” which meant it was soon abandoned and left in a dark corner of the cousin’s basement. It was a gift from the other side of the family: an uncle by marriage who lived in a swell apartment building that didn’t allow kids. There was a super-deluxe model of the Erector Set that actually had a miniature steam engine with it. None of us cousins had one, but there was an only child named Arnold who lived in a first-floor apartment down the block who did. The engine would have made a lot of friends for Arnold, who could have used some help in that department, since he not only had steel-rimmed glasses but
wore braces, too. But his mother wouldn’t let anybody play with it because it was too dangerous. So we kept pushing Arnold into snow banks or bushes for all the next year until he and his steam engine finally moved to the suburbs. Eventually, the cousins went separate ways. Some uncles became prosperous and relocated to airier neighborhoods. Today, the children of the cousins and the cousins of the cousins don’t even know one another. Which is a pity, really. If all the cousins chipped in, we could get the extra track for the train and the Erector Set with the miniature steam engine. Then we’d get together again and make all those nifty things that are pictured on the lids of the boxes. A collection of Ted Rickard’s family-fun essays is titled Anything Worth Knowing I Learned from the Grandkids. It is now available in paperback on Amazon.com.
50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
13
TREASURE
from page 1
because I eventually got him into it, too.” Leh began to study antiques, learning from older people he’d meet at the flea markets who would show him what to look for and what wasn’t worth it. From there, he gained an interest in blue-decorated stoneware, which he found more interesting than bottles, as each was handmade and uniquely decorated. “I learned at some point that diversity is good,” he said. “I got into all avenues of antiquing, buying painted furniture, iron, glass, pottery, oil paintings, baskets, and china.” While he works full-time as a salesman estimator, Leh has filled his weekends running to different auctions. He still loves variety, but he keeps a sharp eye out for his favorite blue crocks. He looks for ones with special decorations. Tulips and other floral designs are most common, with fruit falling as a close second and birds as a third. The rarest finds have moons, cats, or dogs. Leh has close to 100 crocks in his personal collection and said he can’t even begin to count the bottles. No matter
Leh acquired this local farm table (circa 1820) in summer 2014.
Some of Leh’s antique bottle collection, including figural bitters bottles, historical flasks, and early medicine bottles.
how many he gets, he keeps his finds local. His fascination with history pushed
Help 50plus Senior News spread your local news! • a birthday or anniversary milestone • a volunteer who should be recognized • a photo of a smile that begs to be shared • a groundbreaking event • community activities • support programs • local news
Please note: submissions must be received by the 10th of the month prior to insertion.* * Submissions will be included as space permits.
For more information or to submit your happenings, email Megan Joyce at mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail to: 50plus Senior News Megan Joyce 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512
14
December 2014
him to sell his home and move in September to a 1798 stone house built by Thomas Pettit, the son of a county founder. The architecture is unparalleled, Leh said. There are seven fireplaces, thick window boxes, and original chair rails and hardwood floors through the home. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is the perfect environment for Leh’s numerous treasures, now displayed and incorporated into the house’s décor. “I just love history,” he said. “It makes perfect sense for me to have a place like this to fill with the items I am so fascinated with.” While antiques became a huge part of Leh’s life, he slowly made it a family affair. His father bought a home in upstate New York that was built in 1894, and together, they decorated it with period items that fit the theme of the home. Over the years, his father’s collection grew and he started selling things with
Back row, from left, Gaudy Dutch cup and plate, Rabbitware plate, Leeds plate. Center, from left, eagle butter print, pewter master salt, seated Redware dog, and cow butter print.
50plus SeniorNews H
his son, sharing a booth at a local antique mart. Soon, they had two booths and eventually three. The younger Leh no longer has a booth, but his father still runs one out of Easton, Pa. A lot of the antiques Leh tries to sell are higher-end items that can sit too long at a local market. He finds better luck sending those to auctions. Visiting one is an experience, he said. “It’s the people, it’s the food, it’s the trip,” he said. “There’s not an auction I don’t go to where I don’t know people.” Although antiquing can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be, Leh said. He’s bought many things for more than $10,000, including a Lancaster County farm table he bought this summer. But there are a variety of levels at which people can get involved, he added. Every year he goes to the Baltimore Bottle Show, where he sees many kids getting started at the same age he did. Some of them walk in with $5 and leave with 10 bottles, ready to start a collection they can build on. Many of them can even specialize in certain bottles, such as medicine bottles, or soda and beer bottles. “My problem was I specialized in everything,” he said, laughing. Leh also finds value, not necessarily in the expensive items, but in the ones that are the most unusual. “What they were, wherever they came from, what they were used for—those stories are what interest me,” Leh said. Early Pennsylvania settlers brought a little bit of nature into their own homes, he said, painting furniture, pottery, and other decorations. “Those are some of my favorite items,” he said. “At one point, they were all close to someone’s heart. And I like to think I can appreciate them now.”
Time is a Priceless Gift Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’
Volunteer Spotlight!
Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Travelers Follow the Footsteps of Major Winters
Forty-four travelers on the Hershey Historical Society’s annual “In the Footsteps of Major Dick Winters” tour recently posed at the Winters Leadership Statue in Normandy, France. Winters, a decorated World War II U.S. Army officer, was a native of Lancaster County. For more information on next year’s 13-day, five-country tour, contact the Hershey Historical Society at trips@hersheyhistory.org.
Does Your Marketing Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors?
Reserve your space now for the 16th annual
If you have local news you’d like considered for
Around Town, please email mjoyce@onlinepub.com
April 2, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 16th Annual
16th Annual
DAUPHIN COUNTY
LANCASTER COUNTY
April 2, 2015
May 14, 2015
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey
12th Annual
CHESTER COUNTY
Date and location to be determined Please watch website for updates!
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Millersville University Marauder Court 21 South George Street Millersville
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available
(717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240
www.50plusExpoPA.com www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars Entertainment • Door Prizes
Why Participate? It’s the premier event for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors in Dauphin County • Face-to-face interaction with 2,500+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products
For sponsorship and exhibitor information:
(717) 770-0140 Brought to you by:
&
www.50plusExpoPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H
December 2014
15
16
December 2014
50plus SeniorNews H
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com