Dauphin County 50plus LIFE December 2019 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

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December 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 21 No. 12

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ensee endent Lic p e d In n a eCross is sociation Capital Blu Cross BlueShield As of the Blue

Elevate Your Expectations page 4

Military Shopping Benefits Expanded page 3

Special Section: Ortho & Pain page 10

J O I N U S T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N ! DUTCH APPLE GIFT CERTIFICATES Sarah Rose Davis and Eric Ankrim in the 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. Photo by Mark and Tracy Photography.

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By Karen Jowers

3 Million More People Will Get Military Shopping Benefits in 2020

Starting Jan. 1, all service-connected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and primary veteran caregivers will be eligible to shop at commissaries and exchanges, and officials from three federal agencies are preparing the way. The newly eligible customers will also be able to use certain morale, welfare, and recreation activities. It’s the largest patronage expansion in more than 60 years, said Virginia Penrod, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, who spoke at a meeting of the American Logistics Association earlier this year. The departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security have been planning for the expansion for more than six months, with four teams totaling about 70 people. The fiscal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act expanded the pool of eligible shoppers. Because the expansion also applies to Coast Guard facilities, the Department of Homeland Security has been involved. The law also included Medal of Honor recipients, but they already had shopping privileges. Previously, veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities were able to shop; now, all with service-connected disabilities can shop. The benefit extends to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs that are “revenue-generating facilities,” according to the law. The expansion is about a 50% increase in customers. Currently, about 6 million total households are eligible for the benefit; this adds 3 million, said Justin Hall, director of the Department of Defense office of MWR and Resale Policy. “That’s a huge lift across the entire system,” he said. The impact assessments generally show there will be a low-to-moderate impact on military stores overall, said Penrod. But she called on representatives of industry for their help to make sure the supply chain “remains responsive to the increased sales volume to ensure no out-of-stock situations occur” at stores in states with high populations of disabled veterans and in states with higher cost of living. These new shoppers generally don’t have access to military bases. Officials have decided the best form of identification for these groups: Disabled and other eligible veterans: For access into the installation, and for access to the stores, they’ll use the veterans health ID card, Patrick said. Officials have enabled technology at the front gate to scan those veteran cards, and commissary officials have adjusted their technology to enable systems to read the veterans health ID card. Caregivers: The process will be different, initially, Patrick said, since caregivers are not directly affiliated with DoD or VA other than through their annual appointment to be a caregiver. The benefit applies to the primary caregiver of wounded/injured veterans who are registered in the Department of Veterans Affairs caregiver program. The VA will post a memo to VA.gov for caregivers, to be used for access at the front gate, along with a driver’s license or other authorized form of ID. The VA process will later transition to a caregiver-type ID card, which will www.50plusLifePA.com

have scanning-swipe capability, he said. Currently there are about 30,000 VA caregivers who will qualify for this benefit, but over the next several years the number could potentially grow to about 250,000, Patrick noted. Credit Card Fee These new customers will pay a fee for using a credit card at commissaries, except for the military resale system’s Military Star card. The amount of the fee has not yet been determined. By law, this expansion can’t include extra costs associated with using credit cards in commissaries; the cost must be passed on to the customer. Except for the Military Star card, credit card companies charge transaction fees to retailers when customers use their credit cards. The fee applies only to new patrons using credit cards in commissaries, not to Medal of Honor recipients or others who were previously authorized to shop. New customers can avoid the fee by paying by cash or check or by using the Military Star card. The fee only applies at the commissary, which is funded primarily by taxpayer dollars. Reprinted with permission from MilitaryTimes (www.militarytimes.com).

Happy Holidays! We at On-Line Publishers, Inc. are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community in 2019. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus LIFE 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.

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December 2019

Cover Story

Elevate Your Expectations

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December 2019

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By Jason J. Tabor “Embrace your age! unstoppable,” she says. Nobody wants to talk For six years, Dimond about how old they are, worked in local television but I love talking about full-time, first at WHTM it,” laughs Soni Dimond in Harrisburg and then on a recent phone at WGAL 8 in Lancaster, conversation discussing where she was a morning her life, her passions, and anchor, talk show host, her whirlwind career. and assignment reporter. She recently celebrated After establishing nd her 62 birthday and took herself as a popular the time to reflect on an and respected local inspiring career trajectory personality on TV, that has included stints in Dimond was approached television, public relations, by representatives in book authorship, executive Harrisburg to oversee training, and modeling public relations and media and most recently landed for the newly created her a job as a producer on Pennsylvania Department WHTM 27’s Good Day of Environmental PA show. Resources. A Dauphin County She spent two years native, Dimond has working for the state lived in various places government before around the country but becoming a producer for has called Lancaster Commonwealth Media home for close to 25 Service, working on video years with her husband, promotional content Dimond on the set of Good Day PA. Kevin Martorana, a video for various government production company agencies and providing owner. public speaking coaching for top government She recalls herself as an outgoing, energetic officials. majorette during her high school years, more She would then move to Washington, D.C., interested in the arts than science, and heavily where she worked as a public affairs specialist for involved in the school theater when she enrolled at the labor union AFSCME, doing public relations, Gettysburg College to study English. television, and radio ads on the national stage. Dimond’s affinity for the growing field of media In 1995, Dimond started a new chapter in her life studies led to a college internship at local television when she married her longtime friend and partner, station WTPA 27 (now ABC affiliate WHTM), Kevin Martorana. The couple returned to central which would then lead to her becoming one of the Pennsylvania, where Dimond served as the manager first female TV anchors in the area. of media relations for the Pennsylvania Chamber “It was an amazing experience! Here I was going of Business and Industry, the largest business to college full-time, getting paid to be on-air as a organization in Pennsylvania. weekend anchor, running back and forth between In 2003, Dimond formed her own media the station and campus … I’m not sure when I coaching, public relations, and marketing company found time to sleep,” she remembers. called Soni Dimond Multifaceted. She counts Her experiences as an intern opened doors to an among some of her local high-profile clients industry that had previously been dominated by former Jeopardy! champion Brad Rutter and High men. Companies chairman and philanthropist S. Dale “I really fell in love with TV during my High. internship, and I learned a lesson that I try to She has authored two books in her Life’s a Pitch impart to people to this day: When you have a series about marketing and PR; earned multiple passion for something, you can really become professional awards, including Best 50 Women www.50plusLifePA.com

in Business in Pennsylvania; and served as a board member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “One of my favorite things about this business is it gives me the chance to help people and watch them develop, grow, and reach their full potential,” she says. “I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned since starting my own company is realizing it’s very tough for one person to do everything or to even try to be an expert in every aspect of modern business. We can learn so much from younger people, especially about technology, social media, and the internet! “We’re always taught to respect our elders, but I have also come to respect the younger generations … I love being around them, their energy, and their willingness to share. It’s OK to put younger people in the driver’s seat and let them lead.” Dimond recently entered the world of “mature modeling,” a growing industry that connects with the baby boom generation’s interest in physical, mental, and emotional health as they age into a new era of their lives. “Of course my friends all thought I was crazy, but I was given opportunities to do some modeling for some local boutiques, which I did for free, but one thing led to another, and now I have professional representation from the Reinhard Agency,” she laughs. “I always wanted to be a model, and again, one of the lessons I learned when I was younger that I always took to heart: Always be ready for life’s opportunities and be prepared to accept them.”

Dimond on the runway at Scene to be Seen: A Runway Art Show by the Naples Art Association in Naples, Fla.

Photo courtesy of Charlie McDonald Photography, Naples, Fla. Designer: Denise Cummings, New York City.

Dimond at a modeling shoot in New York City’s Penn Station.

which is a blessing for someone with my personality,” she says. She might find herself negotiating with or for her clients; recording video segments and conducting interviews; judging events, such as the Miss Pennsylvania pageant; doing guest speaking appearances; and continuing advisory work. In her limited free time, she enjoys doing volunteer work, keeping up on trends in art and fashion, and finding ways to exercise and stay healthy. Dimond credits her longevity with never taking herself too seriously and embracing the unique experiences in her life that have allowed her to continuously evolve and redefine herself and her career. “I think it’s common for people over 50 to feel it’s time to manage their expectations about what life has to offer. I’ve always wondered why we do that. Why not raise our expectations as we become older? So that’s what I’ve chosen to do, and I hope to energize and inspire others to find their passions along the way! ”

One such opportunity recently presented itself, and Dimond jumped at the chance. Her most recent position at WHTM abc27 signifies a 40-year career looping back to where it originally started: on local TV. As a writer and producer on Good Day PA, Dimond divides her time between scouting shooting locations, interviewing guests in studio and on location, and post-production work. Dimond’s jam-packed schedule keeps her calendar filled well into the future. “I don’t really have a ‘typical’ day,

Did you know? is available online for anytime/anywhere reading!

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December 2019

Dauphin County

Calendar of Events

Support Groups Free and open to the public Tuesdays, 9 a.m. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Church of the Redeemer 500 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey (781) 932-6300 www.foodaddicts.org Tuesdays, noon Al-Anon Family Group at Work Meeting Penn State Hershey Medical Center Seventh Floor, Room C7521 500 University Drive, Hershey (717) 448-7881 Other meeting times/locations at https://pa-al-anon.org Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Swatara Serenity Al-Anon Family Group Meeting Unitarian Church of Harrisburg 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg (717) 448-7881 Other meeting times/locations at https://pa-al-anon.org Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Adult Children of Alcoholics Support Group St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 2200 Londonderry Road Harrisburg (717) 526-9252 ymt57@comcast.net Dec. 4, 10-11:30 a.m. Life Enrichment Group for Blind and Low-Vision Adults Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania

1130 S. 19th St., Harrisburg (717) 238-2531 Dec. 4 and 18, 7-8:30 p.m. ANAD Eating Disorders Support Group PinnacleHealth Polyclinic Landis Building, Sixth Floor Classroom 1 2501 N. Third St., Harrisburg (717) 712-9535 Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m. Fibromyalgia Support Group LeVan Chiropractic 1000 Briarsdale Road, Suite C Harrisburg (717) 558-3500 Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital Second Floor – Pinnacle Conference Room 2 4300 Londonderry Road Harrisburg (717) 216-2730 elcassel@simpson-rehab.com Dec. 10, 6-7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Greenfield Senior Living at Graysonview 150 Kempton Ave., Harrisburg (717) 561-8010

Senior Center Activities Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. Support Group for Families of Those with Memory-Related Illnesses Frey Village 1020 N. Union St., Middletown (717) 930-1218 Dec. 18, 2-4 p.m. Parkinson’s Support Group The Residence of the Jewish Home Second Floor Library 4004 Linglestown Road Harrisburg (717) 697-2513 Dec. 19, 6 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group Country Meadows of Hershey Second Floor Training Room 451 Sand Hill Road, Hershey (717) 533-6996 astoner@countrymeadows.com Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m. Harrisburg Area Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Support Group Giant Food Stores – Second Floor 2300 Linglestown Road Harrisburg (717) 580-7772

Send event submissions to

Dec. 11, 6-7 p.m. mjoyce@onlinepub.com Alzheimer’s Support Group Brookdale Harrisburg 3560 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg (717) 671-4700

Community Programs Free and open to the public Dec. 4, 7 p.m. World Culture Club of Central Pennsylvania Meeting Penn State Hershey Medical Center Fifth Floor, Lecture Room B 500 University Drive, Hershey www.worldcultureclubpa.org Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Central Pennsylvania World War II Roundtable Meeting Grace United Methodist Church 433 E. Main St., Hummelstown (717) 503-2862 charlie.centralpaww2rt@gmail.com www.centralpaww2roundtable.org Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Central Pennsylvania Vietnam Roundtable Meeting Vietnam Veterans of America Michael Novosel MOH Chapter 542 8000 Derry St., Harrisburg (717) 545-2336

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centralpavietnamrt@verizon.net www.centralpavietnamroundtable.org Dec. 31, 6 p.m. Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Walking Club Bass Pro Shop – Hunt Room Harrisburg Mall 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg (717) 805-9540

Parks & Recreation Weekends through Dec. 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m. – Toy Train Exhibit, Fort Hunter Centennial Barn Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon – Project FeederWatch, Wildwood Park Dec. 11, 6:30-8 p.m. – Saint Thomas Dulcimer Society in Concert, Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Friendship Senior Center – (717) 657-1547 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8-9 a.m. – Light Aerobics Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. – Mah Jong Mohler Senior Center – (717) 533-2002 www.mohlerseniorcenter.com Dec. 7, 12:15 p.m. – Luncheon at the Circular at Hotel Hershey Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. – Holiday Social with Annual Meeting Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682 www.rutherfordcenter.org Mondays, 10 a.m. – Line Dancing Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Art Class Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon – Computer Assistance

Library Programs East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, (717) 652-9380 Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m. – Let’s Play Resonator Bells Dec. 8, 1-2 p.m. – Hilliard Greene Presents: Milestone Negro Spirituals – When Folksongs Bring Freedom Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N. Market St., Elizabethville, (717) 362-9825 Dec. 10, 6-7 p.m. – Let’s Talk about It: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Dec. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Festive Family Fun Johnson Memorial Library, 799 E. Center St., Millersburg, (717) 692-2658 Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Scrap Fabric Wreaths Kline Library, 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-3934 Dec. 3, 6-6:45 p.m. – Gingerbread Friends Dec. 12, 6:30-8 p.m. – Friends of Kline Library Meeting Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N. Third St., Harrisburg, (717) 232-7286 Dec. 16, 6-7 p.m. – Cookbook Book Club: Five Ingredients or Less McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-4976 Wednesdays in December, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Midday Getaway Dec. 20, 6-7 p.m. – Holiday Music: Ray Holland and His Mountain Dulcimer Middletown Public Library, 20 N. Catherine St., Middletown, (717) 944-6412 Northern Dauphin Library, 683 Main St., Lykens, (717) 453-9315 Dec. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Holiday Music: Ray Holland and His Mountain Dulcimer Dec. 18, 6-7 p.m. – Cookbook Book Club: Five Ingredients or Less William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W. Second St., Hummelstown, (717) 566-0949 Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m. – Going Green with Cards and Gift Wrapping Dec. 12, 6-6:45 p.m. – Gingerbread Friends

www.50plusLifePA.com

Tinseltown Talks

A Lassie Christmas with Jon Provost Nick Thomas

During the seven years Jon Provost starred as little Timmy Martin in the CBS TV series Lassie from 1957 to 1964, several end-of-year Christmas episodes aired. Most still stand out in Provost’s mind for one reason. “The crazy thing is we would be filming a Christmas episode during summer in Southern California, where it was 90 degrees,” said Provost from his home north of San Francisco. Photo provided by Jon Provost. Provost and Lassie pose “We were all bundled up like for a Christmas episode. it was 30 degrees and just dying from the heat. But of course, you kept acting and did what had to be done for the episode.” In the 1961 episode “Yochim’s Christmas,” where Timmy, Lassie, and a friend rescue a man trapped under an overturned sleigh, there was plenty of “snow” used for the scene. “It was fake, of course,” explained Provost. “For snow on the ground, a machine almost like a firetruck was used to spray soap suds all over the hillside. We would have to shoot scenes before the suds turned back to liquid. “Knowing that, if you go back and look at the episode again, you’ll notice it’s not really behaving like real snow.” A different technique was employed for scenes depicting snowing. “They would use little shreds of white plastic dropped from above that would appear like snowflakes coming down or landing on our clothes. That was the magic of Hollywood before computer-generated images.” A frequent guest at autograph shows and classic film/TV events, Provost says he still gets asked the same questions about Lassie. “People have the perception that we had three or four dogs on the set at the same time to do different things, but that was not the case. Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie’s owner and trainer, would only allow one real Lassie on the set at a time, although Lassie did have a double that was used for long shots like running, climbing, or swimming.” Provost worked with three different Lassies during his time on the show, and all were males rather than the females portrayed in the series. Then there’s the running joke of Timmy falling down a well and being rescued by Lassie. It remains one of those Hollywood legends that just don’t seem to die, even after Provost penned his 2009 memoir with its tongue-incheek title Timmy’s in the Well: The Jon Provost Story, disproving the myth that his character ever disappeared down a well (see www.jonprovost.com). “When I wrote my autobiography with my wife, Laurie, I looked through the synopsis of all 249 half-hour episode scripts, and there was no mention of Timmy ever falling into a well,” he said, adding its origin remains a mystery. “But that one will follow me forever!” Although it’s been six decades since the series first aired in 1954, reruns of the adventures of Lassie and Timmy still air in dozens of countries, www.50plusLifePA.com

including in the U.S. on cable. As for the Christmas episodes, stories typically tugged on viewers’ heartstrings, such as “The Christmas Story” from 1960, where Timmy helped a homeless family. “People tell me all the time about growing up with Lassie and the warm feeling they still have about the show,” says Provost. “The stories had morals and values attached to all the episodes, which are lacking in today’s television. I think that’s the reason it has retained its appeal.”

Photo provided by Jon Provost.

Provost, as Timmy Martin, watches crew make artifical snow made on set for a Christmas episode.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 750 magazines and newspapers.

Thank You, Columnists! 50plus LIFE 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 LIFE: Tom Blake (On Life and Love after 50)

Melinda Myers (Melinda’s Garden)

Suzy Cohen (Dear Pharmacist)

Robert Naeye (Soldier Stories)

Andrea Gross (Traveltizers)

Victor Parachin (Grief Relief)

Randal C. Hill (Fifties Flashback, It Was 50 Years Ago Today The Reel Deal)

Saralee Perel (Such is Life)

John Johnston (Social Security News) Bill Levine (Booming Voice) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior)

Mark Rinaudo (Tech Talk) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Terri Schlichenmeyer (The Bookworm Sez) Nick Thomas (Tinseltown Talks) Dr. Lori Verderame (Art and Antiques)

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 LIFE are enriched by your contributions.

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December 2019

Plan-Change Deadline for Community HealthChoices Approaching Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller and Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres are reminding Pennsylvania residents about the upcoming rollout of the Community HealthChoices program. CHC, a managed long-term services and supports program, launches on Jan. 1, 2020, for residents of central, northeast, and northwest Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. CHC is Pennsylvania’s managed-care program for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and for individuals who are 21 or older with physical disabilities requiring long-term services and supports. CHC was developed to improve access to and coordination of medical and person-centered long-term services and supports with a goal of giving people choice, control, and access to a full array of services. Pennsylvania residents who are eligible for CHC were notified and reminded of this transition, what it means for them, and important deadlines throughout the summer and fall. Eligible participants had until Nov. 13 to select their managed care organization. After this, participants were automatically enrolled in one of the three MCOs providing services for CHC participants. If a participant would like to change their MCO, they are able to do that at any time. Participants have until Dec. 20 to make a plan-selection change in

order for it to be effective Jan. 1, 2020. After that point, MCO changes will take effect beginning later in 2020. The Wolf Administration encourages all future CHC participants to review their MCO selection and make necessary changes before Dec. 20, so they are effective when the new year begins. “CHC is providing options for many eligible Pennsylvanians in their communities,” said Torres. “This is especially noteworthy because we know that the majority of older adults want to age in place. CHC is empowering more seniors to live the way they want, while having access to long-term services they need.” The Wolf Administration launched CHC in Pennsylvania’s southwest region in January 2018 and in the southeast in January 2019; the program now includes about 210,000 participants. Data from the southwest region shows that in CHC’s first year, the rate of individuals served in the community increased from 49.7% to 52.2%. The rollout in the remainder of the commonwealth will include approximately 143,000 individuals. When fully implemented across the state, CHC will include approximately 400,000 Pennsylvanians, 94% of whom are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. For more information on plan selection, call (844) 824-3655 (TTY (833) 254-0690) or visit www.enrollchc.com. For more information on the CHC program, visit www.healthchoices. pa.gov/info/about/community or call (833) 735-4416.

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On-line Publishers and 50plus LIFE just won 6 awards from the North American Mature Publishers Association! 50plus LIFE:

50plus Living:

• First Place: General Excellence

• OLP’s annual guide to residence and care options for the 50+ community won first place in its division in the Annual Senior Resource Guide or Directory – Design category.

• First Place: Best Overall Design • First Place: Front Cover Photo • First Place: Profile – “On Wings and Waves, His Life’s Path Led to Pa.” by Jason Tabor

Resource Directory for Caregivers, Aging, and the Disabled: • Produced in seven distinct county editions annually, the Resource Directory won second place in its division in the Annual Senior Resource Guide or Directory – Design category.

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On Life and Love after 50

Tom Blake

The Importance of Appreciation in Relationships

Recently, a friend, age 72, said to me, “It will be nice to be appreciated by someone rather than be taken for granted. What’s your opinion?” He was referring to a relationship that he had recently terminated. He and I had discussed the relationship three times previously. I felt I had heard enough information about his situation to intelligently respond to his question. His decision had been difficult for him, one he pondered time and time again — because he cared about her — but each time he thought about it, he reached the same conclusion: He wasn’t being appreciated. I said to him: “From what you’ve shared with me, it appears you tried hard to make the relationship work. You were always doing nice things for her. And, you accommodated her expressed wishes to dine in upscale restaurants, drink expensive wine, and stay in pricey hotels when you traveled together. “Expressing appreciation to a mate, or actually, anyone, is a considerate, thoughtful, and kind act. It shows you are grateful for their efforts. “People like to be recognized. When they do something nice for a mate, regardless of how small or minor, it’s good to hear that what they did was appreciated. Appreciation and recognition can go a long way to strengthen relationships. “When people are appreciated, they will keep looking for ways to please their mates, because appreciation and recognition are positive taps on the shoulder. But, with your former woman friend, you didn’t get those shoulder taps. As you said, she was taking your kindness for granted. “When people take their mates for granted, and don’t notice or appreciate the little things done for them, relationships can be adversely affected. That’s what happened with you. “A lack of appreciation from a mate might be a red flag that the mate doesn’t care enough about the relationship. That doesn’t mean the mate is a bad person; it could be as simple as the mate isn’t in love. “When a mate doesn’t appreciate you, and that behavior repeats itself, you may say to yourself: ‘I won’t take being treated that way anymore.’ “Lack of appreciation creates disappointment and disillusionment. When it happens too often to a person, he or she may slowly stop caring. The relationship suffers. It’s like decay in a tooth. Let it go long enough without remedial action, and you’ll lose it. “I’ve written about new singles making a list of the qualities they require in a mate. High on their lists should be a partner who appreciates them. In www.50plusLifePA.com

return, they must do the same for the new partner. Appreciation works both ways in relationships. “Your decision to move on was, in my opinion, what was best for you. Moving on is always hard, but when it’s the right thing to do, you’ve got to do it. All you wanted was appreciation; it wasn’t forthcoming.” Lesson for all seniors in relationships: If you appreciate receiving appreciation, don’t overlook giving it. It’s a powerful love tool. For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to www.findingloveafter50.com.

Tom & Randi LaNasa “MEMORY MUSIC”

Attention: RETIREMENT HOMES, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. Looking for entertainment?

Now booking our Christmas, variety, and specialty shows for 2019. We have many variety shows featuring the music from the 1930s to the 60s. Songs by legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Kay Starr, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, and the Mills Brothers. Specialty shows include …

Songs from the WWII Years • The Post WWII Years: 1945 – 1955 AMERICA: From Sea to Shining Sea Salute to the Rat Pack (or if you prefer, just Sinatra) Elvis & Patsy • Classic Country Please contact Memory Music to book your next event!

Phone: (717) 846-6126

E-mail: memrymusic@aol.com

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December 2019

LIFE’S BETTER WHEN YOUR

KNEE DOESN’T HURT. UPMC Pinnacle’s orthopaedics team is here to help increase your mobility. From hip, knee, and joint issues to spine and back treatments, our knowledgeable team will work closely with you to establish goals and create the best path for your recovery. To learn more about what UPMC Pinnacle can do for you, visit UPMCPinnacle.com/Ortho.

December 2019

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Orthopedics & Pain By Sandra Gordon

Bye-Bye, Back Pain

Count yourself lucky if you’ve never groaned about your back. Fact is, the majority of us — 80% — will deal with back pain at some point. It’s one of the most common reasons for a doctor visit. Deciding how to treat it, though, can be tricky. There’s simply no gold standard. “We have a long history of medical interventions that didn’t work,” says spine surgeon Roger Chou, M.D. But today we know more than ever. Check out the latest ways to avoid and deal with pain and implement easy prevention moves. 1. Don’t coddle yourself. Whether your back pain is excruciating or merely annoying, you probably won’t feel like doing much. But don’t take it easy for more than a day or two. Doing so can prolong and worsen pain. Instead, take a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and start moving, says Daniel J. Mazanec, M.D., associate director of the Center for Spine Health at the Cleveland Clinic. “Low-impact activities, like walking or swimming, boost blood flow to your back muscles and help loosen them up.” 2. Avoid the urge to be a weekend warrior. “In general, people who exercise regularly have less back pain than those who don’t,” says Mazanec. But bingeing on exercise over the weekend — to make up for everything you missed during the week — can backfire because your muscles aren’t primed for the activity. Instead, go on a power walk daily. It’s the best prescription for a strong, problem-resistant spine. 3. Stay slim. “Being overweight causes wear and tear on your ankles, knees, and hips that gets transferred to your spine because you limp or favor one side,” says pain specialist Perry G. Fine, M.D. It can also put excess stress on disks, ligaments, and back joints, causing osteoarthritis of the spine. 4. Work your core. Weak stomach muscles are often linked to back issues. The best exercise to practice regularly is the plank. Lie face down on the ground and push yourself up on your forearms and toes to form a straight line with your back. Hold for 30-60 seconds. Sitting on a stability ball for 30 seconds or more each morning helps align ligaments around your disks, says Fine. 5. Quit it. In case you need yet another reason to stop smoking, consider this: Nicotine constricts blood flow to spinal disks, causing them to age faster www.50plusLifePA.com

than normal. Visit www.cancer.org/smokeout or call the national tobacco quit line at (800) 784-8669. 6. Reconfigure your computer setup. Looking down at a screen, what people often do when working on laptops, puts strain on neck and back muscles, says Carneiro. Your monitor should be at eye level, elbows and shoulders at 90 degrees. If you use a laptop, consider getting a separate keyboard to make these ergonomic adjustments. 7. Find pressure points. Studies indicate that acupuncture (the Chinese medicine technique of inserting thin needles into the skin) can help reduce back pain. If you shy away from needles, try shiatsu, which uses massage at acupuncture points. “I typically recommend massage or acupuncture to patients with muscles that won’t relax, even with physical therapy,” says Heidi Prather, D.O. Find an acupuncturist or shiatsu therapist from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at www.nccaom.org. 8. Stress less. The neurochemicals that flood your system when you’re dealing with tough times can lead to emotional and physical pain. Reduce anxiety with regular exercise, a healthy diet, psychotherapy, and, if necessary, antianxiety/antidepressant prescription medication. 9. Consider steroids. When other attempts at relieving pain fail, especially if you have a herniated disc and sciatica (leg pain), steroid injections may provide relief. “A shot of dexamethasone or methylprednisolone in the back can decrease inflammation and keep you moving,” says Wellington Hsu, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These medications can ease discomfort for months. 10. Give your spine support. Your lower back naturally curves inward, but most chairs cause it to round out, which can throw off alignment. “Cushioning your lumbar is the key to maintaining your spine’s neutral curvature,” says physical therapist Mary Ann Wilmarth. Scoot all the way back in your chair with a roll of paper towels or a lumbar pillow wedged behind your waist. In a car or a public place, stuff your coat behind you. “Once your low back is supported, your neck and upper back will stay in proper position,” Wilmarth says.

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December 2019

Orthopedics & Pain Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

Acupuncture Can Relieve Pain and Many Other Ailments

Dear Savvy Senior, Is acupuncture a proven treatment for arthritis pain? I have a lot of back and neck pain and am wondering if it’s worth trying. What can you tell me about acupuncture? – Afraid of Needles Dear Afraid, Many well-designed studies over the years — funded by the National Institutes of Health — have found acupuncture to be very effective in easing arthritis pain, and it can help with a variety of other ailments too. First used in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past 40 years. While acupuncture isn’t a cure-all treatment, it is a safe, drug-free option for relieving many different types of pain, including osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, postoperative pain, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and more. Studies have also shown that it can be helpful in treating asthma, depression, digestive disorders, addictions, menopause symptoms like hot flashes, and nausea caused by chemotherapy or anesthesia. Exactly how or why acupuncture works is still not fully understood, but it’s based on the traditional Eastern theory that vital energy flows through pathways in the body, and when any of these pathways gets blocked, pain and illness result. Acupuncture unblocks the pathways to restore health. However, today most U.S. medical doctors tend to believe that acupuncture works because it stimulates the nerves, causing the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkiller hormones. It’s also shown to increase blood circulation, decrease inflammation, and

stimulate the immune system. What to Know If the thought of getting needles stuck into your body makes you a little uneasy, you’ll be happy to know that an acupuncture treatment is nothing like getting a shot. In fact, it’s quite relaxing. Here are some additional points you should know: The needles: They’re solid, sterile, and disposable (used only once), and as thin as a cat’s whisker. The number of needles used for each treatment can vary anywhere from a few, up to a dozen or more. And where the needles are actually stuck depends on the condition being treated, but they are typically inserted about one-quarter to 1 inch deep and are left in place for about 20 minutes. After placement, the needles are sometimes twirled or manipulated, or stimulated with electricity or heat. Does it hurt? You may feel a brief, sharp sensation when the needle is inserted, but generally it’s not painful. Once the needle is in place, however, you may feel a tingling sensation, numbness, mild pressure, or warmth. Treatments: How many treatments you’ll need will depend on the severity of your condition — 12 treatments done weekly or biweekly is very common. It’s also important to know that acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other conventional medical treatments or by itself. Cost and coverage: The cost per treatment typically runs anywhere from $50 to $100 or more. Unfortunately, most private health plans, including Medicare, do not cover acupuncture. To find an acupuncturist in your area, ask your doctor for a referral, or you can do a search online at the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org) and Acufinder.com. Both sites provide a national database of certified and/or licensed practitioners. Or visit the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (www. medicalacupuncture.org), which offers a directory of M.D.s who are certified to practice acupuncture. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

December 2019

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Orthopedics & Pain Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen

3 Tips to Survive on Hydrocodone and Other Opioids

Vicodin and Lortab are two brand names of one of the most popular drugs in the entire world. Generically, it is called “hydrocodone with apap,” where the “apap” is an abbreviation for acetaminophen (a.k.a., Tylenol). When I worked in a busy retail pharmacy, this medication was on the fast-mover shelf because it was dispensed by the thousands each day. Hydrocodone/apap is a prescription analgesic and in the category of “opioids,” which you’ve been hearing a lot about lately. Opioids are manmade drugs intended to work similarly to the naturally produced opiates made in your body. The opioid drug binds to the receptor on your cell’s outer membrane and unlocks a variety of feel-good, numbing compounds that relax your body, increase pleasurable feelings, and suppress pain signals. If you require this medication, there are three important tips you should know about: 1. Never stop suddenly. If you’ve been supported on this medication for more than two weeks, do not stop suddenly. It has to be weaned. Your body has already grown tolerant to the medication, and stopping suddenly could produce dangerous withdrawal effects. Step down your dose due to the downregulation of receptors that normally process important neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, and dopamine. 2. Reduce side effects. Hydrocodone/apap (Vicodin) is known to cause constipation as its No. 1 side effect. You can and should anticipate it, and take a stool softener like docusate. I recommend plenty of water each day and a diet that is rich in fiber, fruits like prunes, and even oatmeal. This Are you 62+ may not help, and in that case, an or Older? over-the-counter laxative like Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) or a fiber Welcome to supplement like Metamucil could your new home! help. utilities included! For those of you who have been Look at all we have to offer ... on this medication or a similar one, Newly Renovated Units, Fitness Center, such as oxycodone/apap (Percocet) or Service Coordinator, and More ... OxyContin, for a long time, be aware Give us a call and check out of a condition termed “Narcotic our fabulous facilities. We offer congregate meals to Bowel Syndrome,” or NBS. all residents, Mon.–Fri., at 11:30 a.m. This condition causes b’nai B’rith Apartments gastrointestinal hypersensitivity. It’s 130 South Third Street • Harrisburg (717) 232-7516

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terribly under-recognized! NBS is characterized by the progressive and somewhat paradoxical increase in abdominal pain despite continued or escalating dosages of narcotics prescribed in an effort to relieve the pain. 3. Never drink alcohol or take sleepers. Opioids are CNS depressant agents that slow everything down, including respiration. Alcohol please see Hydrocodone page 16

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December 2019

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December 2019

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New device stops a cold

More and more people are saying PRQWKV Âł6L[WHHQ Ă&#x20AC;LJKWV DQG QRW D they just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get colds anymore. VQLŕľˇH Â´ VKH H[FODLPHG Businesswoman Rosaleen says They are using a new device made of pure copper, which scientists say when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night. NLOOV FROG DQG Ă&#x20AC;X YLUXVHV Doug Cornell invented the device â&#x20AC;&#x153;It saved me last holidays,â&#x20AC;? she said. in 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a single cold â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids had colds going round and round, but not me.â&#x20AC;? since then,â&#x20AC;? he says. People were skeptical but EPA and university studies demonstrate repeatedly that viruses and bacteria die almost instantly when touched by copper. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify Research: Copper stops colds if used early. Some users say it also helps with water and heal wounds. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about viruses and bacteria, but sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her now we do. Scientists say the high conduc- CopperZap arrived, she tried it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tance of copper disrupts the electri- am shocked!â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My head cal balance in a microbe cell and de- cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.â&#x20AC;? stroys the cell in seconds. Some users say copper stops So some hospitals tried copper touch surfaces like faucets and door- QLJKWWLPH VWXŕľśQHVV LI XVHG MXVW EHknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA fore bed. One man said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best sleep and other illnesses by over half, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had in years.â&#x20AC;? &RSSHU FDQ DOVR VWRS Ă&#x20AC;X LI XVHG saved lives. Colds start after cold viruses get early and for several days. Lab techin your nose, so the vast body of re- QLFLDQV SODFHG PLOOLRQ OLYH Ă&#x20AC;X search gave Cornell an idea. When viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses he next felt a cold about to start, he were found alive soon after. 'U %LOO .HHYLO OHG RQH RI WKH fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 WHDPV FRQÂżUPLQJ WKH GLVFRYHU\ +H placed millions of disease germs on seconds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It worked!â&#x20AC;? he exclaimed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The copper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They started to die literally cold never got going.â&#x20AC;? It worked as soon as they touched the surface,â&#x20AC;? he said. again every time. People have used it on cold sores He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them, and say it can completely prevent too, so he patented CopperZapâ&#x201E;˘ and outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on wounds, cuts, or lesions to combat put it on the market. Now tens of thousands of people infections. 7KH KDQGOH LV FXUYHG DQG ÂżQHO\ have tried it. Nearly 100% of feedback said the copper stops colds if textured to improve contact. It kills XVHG ZLWKLQ KRXUV DIWHU WKH ÂżUVW JHUPV SLFNHG XS RQ ÂżQJHUV DQG KDQGV sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still to protect you and your family. Copper even kills deadly germs get the cold it is milder than usual that have become resistant to antibiand they feel better. Users wrote things like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It otics. The EPA says copper still works stopped my cold right away,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is even when tarnished. It kills hunit supposed to work that fast?â&#x20AC;? Pat McAllister, age 70, received GUHGV RI GLŕľľHUHQW GLVHDVH JHUPV VR one for Christmas and called it â&#x20AC;&#x153;one it can prevent serious or even fatal of the best presents ever. This little illness. CopperZap is made in America of jewel really works.â&#x20AC;? Now thousands of users have simply stopped getting pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. It is $69.95. colds. *HW Rŕľľ HDFK &RSSHU=DS ZLWK People often use CopperZap preYHQWLYHO\ )UHTXHQW Ă&#x20AC;LHU .DUHQ *DX- code PAFP6. Go to www.CopperZap.com or ci used to get colds after crowded Ă&#x20AC;LJKWV 7KRXJK VNHSWLFDO VKH WULHG LW call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. several times a day on travel days for (paid advertisement)

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Traveltizers

An Unlikely Place for Miracles By Andrea Gross

Alabama is not a place where I normally expect to find miracles. Bushes may burn, but angels don’t appear from the flames. Flowers are abundant, but they don’t rain from the sky. And although the Tennessee River has less Northwest Alabama is known for water sports and water some years hiking trails as well as for music and miracles. than others, it has never parted to make way for an exodus of 5 million people. Yet here I was, in northwest Alabama, witnessing the recreation of a miracle that happened more than 125 years ago, and in the next few days, I would witness miracles that have happened here more recently. While these may not have been messages from a deity, they were at least miracles in an earthly sense. Amazing Grace in Tuscumbia The small, black pump stands in front of a modest clapboard house. A 7-year-old girl reaches out and feels the cool water as it flows into her hands. The audience is absolutely silent. We’ve all seen The Miracle Worker, the play and movie that tell the story of Helen Keller. We know what’s going to happen, but we want to see it portrayed here, on the grounds of Ivy Green, the home where she grew up. The house in the background is the one in which she and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, struggled; the gardens are the ones through which they walked, and the pump is the very same pump that spilled out the water that awakened Helen’s brain. With a frenzied cry, the young actress begins to fingerspell into the hand of the woman standing next to her. W … A … T … E … R. Helen Keller has learned to communicate. A miracle has occurred. For those in the audience, many who are deaf or blind, the moment is electric. After the play several of them walk over to a life-size statue of Keller and the pump. A woman looks with her eyes, but asks questions with her hands. Her companion fingerspells the answers. A man who sees with his hands runs his fingers over the statue. “I wish I could have met her,” he says. Helen Keller still serves as an inspiration to everyone, but especially to those who need her most. Chalk it up to another miracle. Resurrection in Muscle Shoals The word “resurrection” is always tinged with the miraculous, whether it’s used in the biblical sense or simply as a synonym for “restoration,” as when I speak of resurrecting my vintage bathtub from the garbage bin. www.50plusLifePA.com

But here in Muscle Shoals, it’s an entire tradition that is being resurrected. Back in the ’60s and ’70s, Muscle Shoals was a musical mecca, luring the country’s greatest artists to its small production studios. The Helen Keller was born in the house that Allman Brothers, was built by her grandparents in 1820. Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and the Rolling Stones were among the many who made pilgrimages to Alabama to record songs that personified America. But by the 1990s, technological advances had nearly decimated the please see Unlikely Place page 16

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December 2019

Unlikely Place from page 15 recording business. Music was no longer produced, distributed, or listened to in the same way, and Muscle Shoals was in danger of losing its identity as well as its industry. Then in 2013 a documentary celebrating the town’s musical As her teacher, Annie Sullivan, watches, legacy was released Helen connects the word “water,” which Annie to critical acclaim at has been fingerspelling into her hand, with the the Sundance Film reality of the liquid flowing from the pump. Festival, and folks began clamoring to see the old sound studio at 3614 Jackson Highway. The Muscle Shoals Music Foundation has restored it to look like it did during its glory days, and it serves as a museum as well as a studio and gathering place for musicians. Tom Hendrix used 8.5 million pounds of stone The rebirth of to honor his great-great-grandmother. the Muscle Shoals sound as well as the Muscle Shoals town has begun. Renewal in Florence Tom Hendrix had heard stories about his great-great-grandmother all his life. He knew how she, along with other Indians from the Southeast, had been relocated to Oklahoma in the 1830s, how she was determined to find her way back to nunnushae, the “singing river” that flowed near her Alabama

Photos ©Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (andreagross.com). www.traveltizers.com

Are You Reading? Join the 2020 One Book, One Community campaign by reading Heartland by Sarah Smarsh.

December 2019

Hydrocodone from page 13 does that too, and so do Benadryl and a host of benzodiazepine drugs. You should never combine two or more CNS depressants because it could slow your breathing down or stop it completely! This is how unintended deaths occur. By the same token, herbal sedatives are also CNS depressants, so do not combine your opioid medication with magnolia bark, skullcap, lavender, California poppy, lemon balm, valerian root, and others.

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home, and how she walked more than 700 miles to do so, guided only by her dreams. When he told this story to a tribal elder, her answer changed his life. “You too will follow your path and sing your song,” she said. Hendrix — who A man who is blind discusses the statue passed away in of Helen Keller with a woman who is deaf. 2017 — set forth on his path more than 30 years ago, and it resulted in the longest unmortared wall in America, one that winds 1.5 miles through the north Alabama countryside. It contains 8.5 million pounds of stone — all put into place by Hendrix, without help, without heavy machinery, and Hendrix’s wall runs 1.5 miles through without complaint. the north Alabama countryside. “We shall all pass through this earth. Only the stones remain,” he said. “We honor our ancestors with stone.” Part of the wall is straight, as was his great-great-grandmother’s mandatory march along the Trail of Tears. Another part, which represents her return, is full of twists and turns. In between are stone prayer circles, where visitors can sit, reflect, and dream. Hendrix found his miracle in stones, and through his wall, he helped countless others find their miracles as well. (www.visitflorenceal.com)

Photo credit: Michael Lionstar

Visit www.oboc.org or your library to learn more

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This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.

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Soldier Stories

Robert Naeye

Dead on the Drawing Board: The Controversial ‘Atomic Canal’

Like many young men of military age, Ken Weiler was fully prepared to serve in Vietnam. He had enlisted in the Army, received extensive training in tank warfare, and received orders to be shipped overseas. But while on a two-week leave at home, he and his family received terrible news: Weiler’s older brother Alain had been killed in action in Vietnam. Shortly thereafter, the Army notified Weiler that he was being granted a compassionate reassignment, meaning he was not permitted to enter a combat zone for a full year. This photo of Weiler in uniform Weiler would avoid the was taken during his last days risks of Vietnam, but this did serving in the U.S. Army. not mean his remaining 2 ½ years of service would be dull. Among other things, he became involved in a project to use nuclear explosives to dig a new canal across Central America. Weiler was born in the Bronx in July 1948 to an American father and a French-Canadian mother. He enjoyed a normal childhood on Long Island, playing baseball, football, and war games. His father served in the Marines in World War II and had been wounded during the invasion of Saipan. But like many veterans, he rarely talked about his experiences. An indifferent student, Weiler eventually found his true passion: military history. He devoured books about warfare, especially tank combat. Weiler admits that he was drifting after graduating from Hempstead High School in 1966. He was taking the easiest possible courses at Nassau Community College to boost his grade-point average. Realizing that many of his friends were receiving draft notices, Weiler decided “to beat the Selective Service to the punch” by enlisting in the Army in 1968. “I went into the military rather than getting into trouble. The Army was the best possible thing that happened to me,” he recalls. Better yet, by enlisting for three years instead of being drafted, he could join the branch specialty that fascinated him since childhood: the heavy armor. Weiler was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training and then to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for armor school. For Weiler, this training was like a childhood fantasy, where stories from his history books turned into reality. “Driving and firing the Army’s main battle tanks, the M-48 and M-60 models, was a lot of fun for a 19-year-old,” he says. Weiler traveled home to Hempstead, Long Island, for a two-week leave before he was scheduled to go to Fort Ord in California, where he would then be shipped to Vietnam. www.50plusLifePA.com

It was in Hempstead that he learned the tragic news about his older brother, whom Weiler looked up to for guidance and inspiration. Weiler says Alain was “very religious.” Alain was thinking of going into the priesthood but joined the Army to save the world from “godless communism.” “I was so numb with all the levels of shock. I would just sit there and stare at the wall,” says Weiler, who is quick to add that despite his sense of trauma and sadness, he never felt helplessness. After the funeral, the Army reassigned Weiler to Fort Belvoir Weiler is working on his fourth book in northern Virginia, not far on the military history of World War II. from Washington, D.C. To Weiler, his new assignment made no sense. He reported to the Department of Engineering & Military Science in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He never saw a tank in his two years there. “Perhaps it was just the Army way of doing things,” he says. Life at Fort Belvoir was much cushier than anything he had previously experienced. The food was good and plentiful, and the living accommodations were comfortable, with modern air conditioning. The officers and enlisted men were highly educated engineers or involved in engineer training. Most were involved in projects such as building bridges and dams. Weiler was assigned to type notes in meetings involving the most interesting and controversial project of all. The Navy was building aircraft carriers and ships that could no longer fit through the Panama Canal. The Department of Defense was considering building a new canal through the small nation of Nicaragua, taking advantage of its large lake (Lake Nicaragua) to minimize construction. What made the project controversial was the idea of detonating nuclear munitions from decommissioned warheads to excavate a trench. “The engineering plan was conceived that the exploding nuclear charge would cause a vacant chamber to be created by the melting soil, which would then collapse, forming a crater. The series of craters would then form the canal,” Weiler recalls. “I thought it was the coolest project in the world.” According to the plan, the liquefied soil would chill to form a hardened shell, which would prevent radiation from leaking to the surface. But the project never really got off the drawing board. “When news of the atomic canal reached public consciousness, the response was overwhelmingly negative, and there were few congressional supporters for the project. As such, the atomic canal died a slow and quiet death,” Weiler says. please see Atomic Canal page 21

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December 2019

Puzzle Page

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 26 SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH

Sailing Words

Across 1. Liturgical vestments 5. Dracula author Stoker 9. Hints 13. Harvest 14. Disney dog 15. Ultimatum word 16. Ballet moves 18. Guitar relative 19. Slowpoke 22. Farm implement 25. Like some leaders 29. Chapel vow 30. Take back Down

34. Rap sheet abbr. 35. Stake driver 37. Hideaway 38. Crayola color 40. Compete 42. ___ de France 43. ___ Paulo, Brazil 44. Measures 46. Eyepiece 48. Pass over 51. Craggy peak 52. Waxworks Marie 55. Harem room

56. Flunkies 58. Dam builder 60. Sufﬁx with sect 63. Newsman Rather 64. Collar type 67. Depth of wisdom 72. Stallion’s mate 73. Stan’s partner in comedy 74. Great Lakes city 75. Poses 76. Kind of prize 77. Ooze

1. Sculptor Jean 2. Hilo garland 3. Tavern 4. Thread holder 5. Deli sandwich 6. Dead-end jobs 7. Solar disk 8. Artistic olio 9. Quartet member 10. Eskimo knife 11. “C’___ la vie!” 12. Get the picture 14. Oceanic bird 17. Consumer 21. Seizure, e.g.

22. He was Tiny 23. Cretan peak 24. Jalousie parts 26. Lolita novelist 27. White House nickname 28. Elevator part 31. Flip response? 32. Steams up 33. Boxing venue 36. Back talk 39. More, in Madrid 41. Banana oil, e.g. 44. Hog haven 45. Corn site 47. Quell

49. Chemical sufﬁx 50. Average 53. One-legged support 54. Student overseer 57. Flowing tresses 59. Chilean range 61. Folk singer Guthrie 62. ___ contendere 64. German spa 65. ___ chi (martial art) 66. Morsel 68. Evergreen 69. Hot temper 70. Dead heat 71. Slangy assent

Your ad could be here on this popular page! Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.

December 2019

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www.50plusLifePA.com

Heating Assistance Program Now Open Residents who are struggling with their home heating bills can apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel, or termination of utility service. The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. The income limit for an individual is $18,735; for a couple, the limit is $25,365; and for a family of four, it is $38,625. Residents may apply for LIHEAP online (www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/ heatingassistanceliheap) or by contacting their county assistance office.

County Assistance Offices

March 31, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wyndham Hotel York 2000 Loucks Road, York

This event is FREE to attend. Veterans (of all ages), the military community, and their families are invited to join us!

Chester County

Lancaster County

Cumberland County

Lebanon County

The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families.

Dauphin County

York County

The Job Fair brings veterans and spouses who need jobs together with employers who can benefit from this rich source of talent to aid their organizations.

100 James Buchanan Drive, Thorndale (610) 466-1042 33 Westminster Drive, Carlisle (717) 240-2700 2432 N. Seventh St., Harrisburg (717) 265-8919

832 Manor St., Lancaster (717) 299-7543 625 S. Eighth St., Lebanon (717) 273-1641 130 N. Duke St., York (800) 991-0929

Support the Troops This Holiday Season!

Our troops deserve our help and to know they aren’t forgotten!

Veterans Benefits & Services Medical/Nonmedical Resources Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services

Keystone Military Families, a PA-based nonprofit, encourages you to brighten the holidays for our troops overseas by sponsoring a care package! Thousands of essential items have been received for veterans, but monetary donations to defray shipping costs are desperately needed.

Sending 10,000 stockings to troops all over the world. Registered 501c-3

Please send your monetary donation by Dec. 15 The cost for one box is $27-$77, depending on the destination.

We need your help to make this happen!

Donations can be made online at www.KeystoneMilitaryFamilies.org or mail checks to:

Keystone Military Families 331 Main Street, Shoemakersville, PA 19555

For more information, visit KeystoneMilitaryFamilies.org, call (610) 698-2122, or email keystonemilitary@yahoo.com. www.50plusLifePA.com

At the Expo

At the Job Fair

Employers Job Counseling Workshops Employment Seminars Resume Writing Assistance Hosted by:

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

www.veteransexpo.com (717) 285-1350 www.olpevents.com

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December 2019

Grief Relief

You Can Grieve and Remain Optimistic Victor M. Parachin

Though you are grieving the death of someone greatly loved, try to remember that you can grieve and, at the same time, you can remain optimistic about life. Dealing with loss skillfully means grieving fully while continuing to be positive, hopeful, and optimistic. Here are eight things optimists do regularly. 1. They express gratitude. When people were told to write and then personally deliver a letter of gratitude to someone who had been especially kind to them, but whom they had never thanked properly, they experienced a huge increase in happiness, according to a study at the University of Pennsylvania. Even more, that happiness boost lasted an entire month. 2. They smile more. Smiling does more than make us look happy — it makes us feel happy, too. Studies have found that smiling provides a variety of psychological and physical benefits including: lowering stress levels, improving your mood, and helping you make more friends. Researchers believe this is because smiling reduces stress hormones and makes you appear more approachable. 3. They forgive. Although it may be easier said than done, learning to forgive instead of holding a grudge leads to a more positive lifestyle, says David Mezzapelle, author of Contagious Optimism. “Make peace with your past so that it won’t spoil the present. Once you accomplish this, you will close those chapters and live a more positive and happy life.” 4. They write down good things that come into their lives. Those who pay attention to the positive and write down the good that comes their way tend to be happier, notes psychologist Amy Przeworski, Ph.D. Even if it wasn’t a particularly great day, try to find something positive to say about it, she advises. “Most situations can be seen in both a positive and negative light. You just have to find the positive one and keep reminding yourself of it in order to eventually believe it.” Taking time to write down positive experiences is a way of training the brain to be more optimistic in general. And, the benefits of being a positive person extend far beyond the writing

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exercise. A study of Catholic nuns who journaled regularly found that those who focused on more uplifting content ended up living longer. 5. They spend time around positive people. One study reported that 48% of the women surveyed strongly agreed they are happier when around optimistic people. Good moods are contagious, as are bad ones. Associating with positive people breeds more positivity in your own life. It’s an upward spiral rather than a downward one when spending too much time with negative individuals. 6. They cultivate resilience. According to University of Miami psychologist Charles S. Carver, Ph.D., who has written extensively about optimism, when compared with pessimists, optimists are far more resilient. Optimists bounce back from painful experiences faster than pessimists do, says Carver. “They stay in the struggle because they expect the ship to right itself.” 7. They are persistent. No matter what storms enter their lives, optimists keep their focus on getting through. Inch by inch, they tap into inner strengths and find a way through the challenge. Optimists find ways to selfmotivate themselves day after day. Their guiding credo is based on this wisdom from U.S. president Calvin Coolidge: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” 8. They remain confident. That means they are able to deal with challenges following their own intuitive sense rather than be directed by other voices that say “yes, no, maybe; do this, not that; go in this direction, not that one.” They know that always following the opinion of others creates uncertainty, erodes individuality, and results in confusion. Victor M. Parachin, M.Div., is a grief counselor, bereavement educator, and author of several books, including Healing Grief.

www.50plusLifePA.com

Keep Winter Weather, Crowds from Ruining Travel Plans By Chris Holbert November and December tend to be two of the busiest months to travel. It was reported that around 54.3 million people traveled for Thanksgiving, and 112 million people traveled for Christmas last year. Crowded airports, crowded roads, people in a rush, and bad weather all make traveling during the holiday season stressful and potentially dangerous. But, planning ahead, packing the right gear, and having the right travel strategy can help make sure you arrive at your destination safely and still in the holiday spirit. Travel at Off Times – If possible, plan on traveling to your holiday destinations at off-peak times. Build a few extra days into your trip if necessary, or book a flight when the airport is usually less busy, late at night. If you are driving to your destination, map out alternative routes you can take to avoid traffic jams. Don’t always rely on GPS to find you the best route once you’re already in heavy traffic. And, in case you hit bad weather that prevents you from driving any farther, identify hotels along your route that you can stay at, especially if you

are traveling with pets. Keep Friends and Family Informed – Everyone has a cellphone, but you never know if you might get caught in a situation where you have no signal or the battery dies. It is best to provide friends and family with your travel itinerary before you leave home. And then, if you have to make any changes, update them along the way. A check-in every few hours with an updated location is a good idea when driving so that if anything does go wrong, people know a general area of where to look for you.

Call Ahead – Before you hit the road, call the nonemergency number for highway patrol, the local police, or forest service in the areas you’ll be driving through that day. Talking to a real person will give you better insights into road and weather conditions in real time than you will get from searching online. please see Travel Plans page 23

Atomic Canal from page 17 Six months before his enlistment ended in February 1971, and after being promoted to staff sergeant, Weiler was transferred to the Pentagon to serve with the Safeguard Anti-Ballistic Missile Project. He had very little work to do but sometimes helped write reports for congressional aides. But this missile system was never built, mainly because the U.S. and the Soviet Union agreed to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. During his time at Fort Belvoir, Weiler met a woman from central Pennsylvania named Sally. They married in 1972, shortly after he left the Army. Sally worked in the intelligence community. Weiler later earned an undergraduate degree from George Mason University and then a graduate degree from the University of Virginia. In 2003, Weiler and his wife moved to their current home in central Pennsylvania. He worked various jobs, including management, until his retirement in 2008. In recent years, Weiler has fulfilled yet another childhood fantasy: writing three books about World War II. He has taken particular interest in the Soviet-German conflict, by far the largest, deadliest, and most consequential front in the war. Weiler is quick to point out a truth that many Americans fail to realize: the Red Army killed far more German soldiers and destroyed far more Nazi equipment than did their American and British counterparts. Weiler is currently working on his fourth book (https://weilerpublications. com/meet-ken). He is happy to have plenty of spare time to work on his book projects, participate in his local historical society, and volunteer at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg. He also gives lectures on military history. Robert Naeye visited Nicaragua for several days in February 2013 and took a twohour boat ride on Lake Nicaragua. He’s glad no canal was ever built there with atomic bombs.

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December 2019

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

325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 • www.BethanyVillage.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: Yes Personal Care Home: No Private: 100 Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes 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: Yes Comments: One-bedroom suites; secured memory support neighborhood; skilled nursing – The Oaks.

Cross Keys Village The Brethren Home Community

1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7901 • www.homelandcenter.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 56 Assisted Living Residence: No Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes

Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Providing exemplary care in a beautiful environment for more than 150 years. Our continuum of care includes therapy services, skilled rehab, 24-hour medical staffing, plus Hospice, HomeHealth, and HomeCare outreach programs. All-private rooms include a full bath and kitchenette.

Homestead Village

2990 Carlisle Pike • New Oxford, PA 17350 717-624-5436 • www.crosskeysvillage.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 123 Assisted Living Residence: No 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

Homeland Center

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: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: A regional leader in all aspects of memory care and a program designed for optimal engagement and socialization.

1800 Village Circle • Lancaster, PA 17603 717-397-4831 • www.homesteadvillage.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: No Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes

Harrison House of Chester County

Homewood at Plum Creek

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 80 Assisted Living Residence: No 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: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 92 Assisted Living Residence: No 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

300 Strode Avenue • Coatesville, PA 19320 610-384-6310 • www.harrisonseniorliving.com 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: Yes Comments: Located in western Chester County, Harrison House provides an array of amenities with nursing care.

425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-4166 • www.homewoodplumcreek.org

The Hickman Friends Senior Community

Mennonite Home Communities

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 114 Assisted Living Residence: No 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: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 150 Assisted Living Residence: No 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

400 North Walnut Street • West Chester, PA 19380 484-760-6300 • www.TheHickman.org 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: Nonprofit personal care community in downtown West Chester. Includes secure dementia care neighborhood. Call to schedule a personal tour.

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: One-bedroom deluxe and studio apartments available! New Harvest House Memory Support now available.

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: Excellent care in a lovely environment. Call to schedule a visit.

1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601 717-393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org 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: No Comments: Supportive, encouraging environment. Various room types and suites available. Secure memory care offered.

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

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.

Normandie Ridge

1700 Normandie Drive • York, PA 17408 717-764-6262 • https://normandieridge.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 27 Assisted Living Residence: No Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes 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: 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: Our dementia care residence features the Kaleidoscope therapeutic engagement program designed for our residents.

Pleasant View Communities

544 North Penryn Road • Manheim, PA 17545 717-664-6237 • www.pvcommunities.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 96 Assisted Living Residence: No 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.

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

Bipartisan Letter Urges VA to Track Scams Targeting Veterans During a recent hearing entitled “Veterans Scams: Protecting Those Who Protect Us,” Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, highlighted his bipartisan letter that calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to take a more active role in tracking these scams and educating veterans about these schemes. According to a 2017 AARP report, 78% of veterans reported receiving a scam attempt related to their veteran status. The same study also found that veterans are twice as likely as civilians to lose money to a scam. Senators Casey and Susan Collins (R-ME), chair of the Special Committee on Aging, joined by 11 members of the committee, are sending a letter urging the VA to play a more active role in combatting financial exploitation by scammers. “We must fight back against unscrupulous con artists by ensuring that not one more veteran loses one more penny to a scam,” Casey said. “I urge the VA

to do more to combat scams against veterans.” In the letter, the senators cite an October 2019 Government Accountability Office report, which found that the VA does not centrally collect or analyze information assessing the threat of scams against veterans receiving pension benefits. Casey invited Sgt. LaVerne Foreman, an 82-year-old veteran from Herndon, Pennsylvania, to testify at the hearing about his experience losing money to a veterans charity scam. “It isn’t easy to talk about being scammed, but what I am doing today is an extension of my service,” Foreman said. “These scam artists rip off innocent people, and as a result, contributions are diverted away from the organizations actually doing the work of caring for those who served and who are now in need … On behalf of veterans, I ask everyone who can help to stop this activity to play their part.”

Travel Plans from page 21 Pack the Right Gear – If you will be driving through freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, or snow during your trip, having the right gear in your car is essential. Blankets, snacks, a shovel, a flashlight, and water are basics. You might also want to consider throwing in some kitty litter if you go off the road and need traction. And extra bottles of windshield wiper fluid; there’s nothing worse than running out while on a wet, slushy road with trucks driving past. For air travel, make sure that you put any cellphone chargers, medication, travel paperwork, identification, etc., in your personal item instead of a checked bag or carryon. This way there is no chance of you being separated from them if luggage is lost or overhead bins are full and your bag must be checked. Rely on Technology – Portable power is a must for the road or air travel to ensure your phone is always powered. And, keep any mobile personal emergency-response devices, or SOS button, www.50plusLifePA.com

you may have in an accessible garment pocket. This way, if you have an emergency and cannot dial your phone, it is within easy reach to call for help. Consider downloading helpful weather, route guidance, gas station finders, and airline or airport apps to your phone. These can give you alerts about bad weather, where to find gas, if your flight is delayed, or let you check how long lines are at security checkpoints. There is always a lot to get done during the holiday season. Between holiday get-togethers, endless trips to the grocery store, and holiday shopping, taking the extra time to prepare for travel can help to make the process a little easier. While you cannot completely avoid heavy traffic and long lines this winter, you can minimize the frustrations of dealing with them by being ready ahead of time. Chris Holbert is the CEO of SecuraTrac. As the CEO, he is responsible for leading the company’s vision of developing, marketing, and selling a suite of mobile health and safety solutions that bring families closer together and improve employee safety through state-of-the-art location-based services and mobile health technology.

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December 2019

The Beauty in Nature

North American Jays Clyde McMillan-Gamber

We’ve had blue jays in our yard for the more than 30 years I’ve lived at my home. Having blue feathering with black and white markings, blue jays are attractive and welcome on our lawn. And, related to crows, as all species of jays are, our jays at home are adaptable, boisterous, and entertaining, as all jays are. Blue jays are the only kind of jay native to the northeastern United Blue jay States. But five other species of jays live in North America, most of them in the American West. All species of jays are intelligent and social and have other characteristics in

Please join us for these FREE events! 21st Annual

April 22, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LANCASTER COUNTY

Shady Maple Conference Center Smorgasbord Building 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl

21st Annual

May 6, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

DAUPHIN COUNTY

Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey

17th Annual

June 10, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CHESTER COUNTY

Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton

Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available (717) 285-1350 (717) 770-0140 (610) 675-6240

www.50plusExpoPA.com

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common, demonstrating their common ancestry. Most jays are colorful and all are attractive, each type in its own way. All species are omnivorous, eating invertebrates, birds’ eggs, seeds, fruit, and most everything else, each kind in its own niche. Each kind of jay has its own traits, making it a distinct species. Steller’s jays are 11 inches long and have dark-brown feathering in front and blue jay-like feathering Canada jay on their wings, backs, and tails. Each Steller’s has a dark crest on its head that makes it taller. Like blue jays, Steller’s imitate bird sounds. But this elegant species lives and nests only in coniferous forests along America’s Pacific Coast from Mexico to Alaska. Ten inches long, scrub jays have long, blue tails and blue wings and heads but have beige-gray feathering elsewhere. This pretty species mostly inhabits pinyon pine-juniper woods in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the American West and Mexico. There, they mostly consume pinyon seeds and juniper cones. Nine inches long, pinyon jays resemble small crows, but these handsome jays have blue-gray feathering all over. This kind of jay is well named because it lives among pinyon pines and relies heavily on those pines on mountains in the western United States. These jays have large, stout beaks because their staple food is pinyon seeds. And they nest in pinyon pines. Canada, or gray, jays are the plainest of North American jays. Ten inches long, they have gray feathering all over, except white on their foreheads and necks and black caps, which make them look a little like large chickadees. Their plumages are thick and fluffy for great insulation during cold Canadian winters. Gray jays live in the mixed coniferous/deciduous forests of Canada. They ingest anything edible and store food for winter. Green jays are the most striking of their clan. They are light green all over, except for blue and black on their heads and black on their throats. They also have a few yellow feathers under their tails. Green jays live and nest in brushy habitats from northern Central America to southern Texas. They mimic other birds and use sticks to pry loose tree bark to seize exposed invertebrates. Jays are a colorful, intelligent, and interesting family of birds. They offer joy and intrigue to anyone who spots them.

www.50plusLifePA.com

It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Whole Lotta Love’ Randal Hill

Did you ever wonder how Led Zeppelin came up with As with the other band members, Page was livid. such a weird name for their band? “Weeks before its release, [Atlantic] sent me an acetate of The group had their roots in the Yardbirds, the bluesthe edit. I played it once, hated it, and never listened to the based mid-’60s UK outfit whose members included, at short version again.” various times, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. But Atlantic’s decision turned out to be a good one; the In 1968, with their popularity fading fast, they became shortened “Whole Lotta Love” shot to No. 4 on Billboard’s the harder-edged New Yardbirds and, later that year, Led Hot 100 singles chart. Zeppelin — after Who members Keith Moon and John The story has a postscript. In 1985, blues guru Willie Entwistle teased the New Yardbirds that they would go Dixon brought legal action against Atlantic Records, since over “like a lead balloon.” much of “Whole Lotta Love” had been gleaned from Proving the Who members wrong, Led Zeppelin soon Dixon’s obscure 1962 Chess Records ’45 of “You Need became concert headliners. They eventually dispensed with Love.” (A YouTube comparison bears this out.) “Whole Lotta Love” opening acts and instead offered fans three hours of highThe writing credits on “Whole Lotta Love” always Led Zeppelin December 1969 decibel, mind-numbing rock, with blues shouter Robert listed the four Led Zeppelin members — Plant, Page, John Plant and guitar wizard Page radiating ultimate coolness Bonham, and John Paul Jones — as the creators of the from the front of the stage. tune. Everything about the band seemed larger than life, and Led Zeppelin Atlantic, though, gave Dixon a one-time payment and writing credit on became the first rock group to become fully realized heavy-metal gods. subsequent releases of “Whole Lotta Love.” The band’s first hit song would knock the standard rock ’n’ roll world back Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be on its heels. reached at wryterhill@msn.com. “I came up with the guitar riff for ‘Whole Lotta Love’ in the summer of 1968,” Jimmy Page explains. “I suppose my early love for big intros by rockabilly guitarists was an inspiration, but as soon as I developed the riff, I Stories of ordinary men and women knew it was strong enough to drive the entire song, not just open it.” called to perform extraordinary military service. The song was recorded in one afternoon. Page recalls the watershed moment. From 1999–2016, writer and World War II “[Robert] kept gaining confidence during the session and gave it everything veteran Col. Robert D. Wilcox preserved the he had. His vocals, like my [guitar] solos, were about performance. He was firsthand wartime experiences of more than pushing to see what he could get out of himself. We were performing for each 200 veterans through Salute to a Veteran, his other, almost competitively.” monthly column featured in 50plus LIFE. Led Zeppelin abhorred the thought of having their extensive album tracks Now, for the first time, 50 of those stories— become abbreviated 45s for the AM radio audience; however, Atlantic Records selected by Wilcox himself—are available to did exactly that in order to bring “Whole Lotta Love” to listeners who had yet own in this soft-cover book. to embrace the FM rock world. The tune ran 5:33, which was acceptable for an album track but too long Simply complete and mail this form with your payment for an AM-radio-oriented single. Over Led Zeppelin’s protestations, Atlantic to the address below to order Salute to Our Veterans. trimmed the song to a running time of 3:12. On-Line Publishers • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Name_ _______________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State_ ____ Zip_ ______________ Phone_ _____________________ Email______________________________ Number of copies_ ______ (Please include $20.80 for each copy) Credit card #______________________________________ Exp. date________ Signature of cardholder_________________________________CVV #________

Or send a check made payable to On-Line Publishers, Inc. You can also order online at www.50plusLIFEpa.com! www.50plusLifePA.com

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December 2019

At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away. Emergency Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (800) 521-6110

Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (717) 238-2531

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

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

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

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937

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

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

American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 Arthritis Foundation Central Pennsylvania Chapter (717) 763-0900 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 The National Kidney Foundation (717) 757-0604 (800) 697-7007 PACE (800) 225-7223 Social Security Information (800) 772-1213

Insurance Apprise Insurance Counseling (800) 783-7067 Capital Blue (888) 989-9015 (TTY: 711)

Services Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging (717) 780-6130 The Salvation Army Edgemont Temple Corps (717) 238-8678 Toll-Free Numbers American Lung Association (800) LUNG-USA Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555

HOME IMPROVEMENT West Shore Home 5024 Simpson Ferry Road Mechanicsburg (717) 937-1148

Medicare (800) 633-4227 Nursing/Rehab Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7902

Meals on Wheels (800) 621-6325

Hospice Services Homeland Hospice 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115 Harrisburg (717) 221-7890

Personal Care Homes Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7902

Social Security Office (800) 772-1213

Housing/Apartments B’Nai B’rith Apartments 130 S. Third St., Harrisburg (717) 232-7516

Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com

National Council on Aging (800) 424-9046

Veterans Affairs (717) 626-1171 or (800) 827-1000 Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771

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December 2019

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Santa by Another Name Santa Claus has been a fixture of Christmas for centuries, but he goes under many different names: Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas, Father Christmas. Here’s what the “jolly old elf” is called around the world: Brazil: Papai Noel China: Shengdan Laoren Hungary: Mikulas Italy: Babbo Natale Netherlands: Sinterklaas Portugal: Pai Natal Russia: Ded Moroz Sweden: Jultomten Turkey: Noel Baba

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A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

1901 N 5th St., Harrisburg

717-221-7900

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2300 Vartan Way, Harrisburg

717-857-7400

HomelandatHome.org

Homeland Hospice … A Toast to the 10th … An Encore for More! Join us on NOV. 10th | HomelandHospice.org/10years

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December 2019

This is care for generations. Our goal is keeping the people of our communities healthy so they can live the way they want. This is why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re continuing to innovate, and to expand and invest in the areas we serve, the conditions we treat, and the people we care for.

This is Penn State Health.

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