Lancaster County Edition
December 2011
Vol. 17 No. 12
Dickens-Inspired Village Ushers in the Holidays By Katie Weeber At Christmastime, George McMurty is always confronted with a challenge: finding the perfect gift for his wife. The challenge is further complicated by the couple’s wedding anniversary, which falls on Dec. 26, turning every holiday season into the search for two special gifts. One year, McMurty’s gift selection inadvertently sparked a tradition that is now a favorite element of the Christmas scenery at their retirement community. That Christmas, McMurty asked his daughter to help him with his gift search. While shopping, both were attracted to a collection of lighted Dickens’ Village houses, and McMurty purchased two of the buildings for his wife. The Dickens’ Village Series was developed and produced in 1984 by Department 56 as part of the company’s Heritage Village Collection. Inspired by Victorian England, the series contained seven shops and a church. Since that time, the Heritage Village Collection has been expanded tremendously to include many new village series, including The New England Village Series and The Alpine Village Series. The result is a line of countless Christmastime houses, figures, and accessories, many inspired by Victorian England or the works of Charles Dickens. After his first purchase, McMurty quickly came to realize just how extensive the village collections were. please see DICKENS page 16 It takes about two weeks for George McMurty to set up and add his own special touches to his 135-piece Dickens’ Village.
Inside:
Christmas Travel page 2
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Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel
Traveltizers
Christmas Travel: Colonial Cakes and Spanish Stew By Andrea Gross artha Washington tops Martha Stewart on my list of hostesses extraordinaire. In order to prepare for her Christmas guests, the first Martha whipped 40 eggs, 4 pounds of butter, 4 pounds of sugar, and 5 pounds of flour into a massive cake. Meanwhile, almost 2,000 miles away, in a part of the country that was most likely beyond the imagination of the first family, Native Americans joined Spanish settlers in serving posole and enchiladas. Today, modern renditions of these holiday festivities take place at George and Martha’s Mount Vernon home in Virginia and around an adobe plaza in New Mexico.
M
A Mount Vernon Christmas I don’t expect to see a camel at Mount Vernon. Christmas trees, poinsettias, even a gingerbread house … sure. But a camel? Then I learn that when
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December 2011
MOUNT VERNON LADIES’ ASSOCIATION
Washington rented a camel to entertain guests during the Christmas holidays. Today, Mount Vernon does the same. MOUNT VERNON LADIES’ ASSOCIATION
A gingerbread version of Mount Vernon is on display throughout the holidays.
Washington wasn’t off winning wars or fathering a country, he enjoyed playing with exotic animals and often rented a camel to entertain his Christmas guests. In 1789, George Washington spent his first Christmas as president attending St. Paul’s Church in New York City. The following week he returned to Mt.
50plus SeniorNews •
Vernon where he and Martha relaxed with family and friends. Camels aside, the president’s Christmas, as most 18th-century Christmases, was low keyed compared to today. There would have been few gifts and certainly no Santas or reindeer, neither of which became popular
Christmas symbols until the 19th century. Today, Christmas at Mount Vernon is still mostly about welcoming guests. In addition to the regular attractions, which include tours of the mansion as well as the slave quarters, stables, gardens, and farm, the holiday season brings a host of special delights. I go into the mansion, past 12 decorated trees, through the dining room where a table is set to accommodate guests, and up to the garret chamber, which is only open during the holidays. “This is where Martha lived the last years of her life,” says a cheery woman who’s dressed in Colonial garb. “After George died, she never returned to their shared quarters.” The thought of a lonely woman huddled in an attic room saddens me, so to lift my spirits, I follow the smell of chocolate and cinnamon. In the kitchen a woman is stirring chocolate by an open fire, just as it was done in Colonial days. please see TRAVEL page 15
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Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Appraisals Steinmetz Coins & Currency (717) 299-1211 (800) 334-3903 Assisted Living/Personal Care Harrison Senior Living – Coatesville (610) 384-6310 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Dri-Masters Carpet Dry Cleaning (717) 299-1888 Dental Services Dental Health Associates (717) 394-9231 Smoketown Family Dentistry (717) 291-6035 Emergency Numbers Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Office of Aging (717) 299-7979/(800) 801-3070 Employment Lancaster County Office of Aging (717) 299-7979 Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (800) 638-6833 Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (717) 898-1900 Funeral Directors Groff Funeral Services (717) 397-8255 Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home (717) 626-2464 Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (717) 393-9661/(717) 872-5041 (717) 627-8668
Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020
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December 2011
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SeniorNews is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.
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December 2011
Candace O’Donnell
I
am afraid we’re robbing them of degree in retail marketing.” dignity. I reply, “Of course, I believe it. I It seems to me that we have know any one of us, including them on lockdown. myself, could be down on her luck.” After an hour I understand that Molly seems to be the oldest of all of us, volunteer “hosts” and our the four—perhaps 70—with white “guests,” are on lockdown. hair growing through the dyed Last week our local TV news strawberry blond. She is the most carried the story that one of our meticulous about her appearance. churches had been forced to turn She plans to take a bus early away some homeless women from tomorrow to check on a house she their winter shelter because they did owns in a nearby town. Drug not have enough volunteers to dealers have taken over her property, accommodate them. They appealed rendering her own home to the community for help. I call uninhabitable to her. and sign up for Friday night. My Sheila is a pretty woman—big shift is from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. eyes and a nice smile (although she My volunteer partner is Judy, a tells me she has no bottom teeth). warm and welcoming member of Her husband, an out-of-work the church. We are set up at a long electrician, is also here tonight, just table to process the four female two floors away. guests expected. (Ten men are Sheila has lupus. She has been staying on a separate floor.) Each waiting for a long time for disability guest must read two pages of compensation. Her lip is swollen detailed rules and sign a statement from a mugging. All of her cash and that she comprehends the routines her cell phone were stolen, and she’s and will abide by them. distraught because her phone had She must surrender cigarettes, her son’s number in Ohio. Now, she matches, liquor, drugs, weapons, can’t remember it and doesn’t know and keys, all of which are sealed in how to reach him. manila envelopes to be returned in Sheila has brought cookies to the morning. They are each handed share with everyone. The church has a plastic bag filled with basic hot food waiting. toiletries. This all proceeds Betty is short, friendly, and peacefully, and no one is patted somewhat weather-beaten. She down. Still, I’m embarrassed at seems the most savvy about how the putting them through such a system works and is willing to share humiliating search. her knowledge with Laura. Betty, The four women arrive fairly well too, is waiting for a check, a bundled against the icy February settlement from a car accident. night, lugging backpacks, large plastic bags, and, in one case, a small suitcase on wheels. They have walked 3 miles from the central shelter, carrying all their worldly possessions. Laura* is a newcomer to “the life.” This is only her second night, and the other three women help to In honor of get her acclimated. She clutches her lower rib, World War II vets ... bruised by a mugging. As and in memory of the we chat, she abruptly announces, “I bet you attack on Pearl Harbor wouldn’t believe I have a
50plus SeniorNews •
We get our guests settled with relatively few glitches. They are to sleep in a large seminar room. Judy and I are stationed in the hallway outside and are to take turns sleeping in the adjacent small nursery-school room. Sheila’s cot collapses, which gives us all a good chuckle, and we fix it easily. There are no pillows. The blankets are thin cotton, and we’re two short. We send for extras. By 10 p.m. all four guests are asleep, but they wake up one by one. Laura comes into the nursery room to dry her hair over the radiator. Molly then disappears into the powder room for over an hour. This worries Judy. She wonders if Molly has fallen ill, possibly even passed out. Just as we’re contemplating a discreet tap on the door to see if she’s all right, Molly emerges, bangs neatly pin-curled. Next, Betty comes out into the hall to report that the sleeping room is freezing. We go in to investigate, proceeding in whispers because Laura seems to be deep in slumber. With the help of Molly’s flashlight, we read that the controls are set to “heat on,” but icy blasts are spewing out of the wall radiators and ceiling fans. There seems to be no choice but to move all the cots into the nursery, which is warmer but really please see ONE NIGHT page 22
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Sammy Loving little Sammy is a fox terrier mix. Although Sammy displays a whiskery gray-andblack coat, she is a youthful 4 years old. She has plenty of pep and is excited to trot at the end of a leash through her new neighborhood. Affectionate and a total sweetheart, Sammy wants to be near her humans more than anything else. She will often ask to jump into your lap or gently be held so she can better reach your face to grant you many little kisses. Sammy needs a loving owner who can help her adjust to her new home and all the new people in it. Once she has gained confidence in a new situation, Sammy is an outgoing and happy companion. Brought to the Humane League due to her owner’s failing health, Sammy is looking for a new lap to snuggle in. Could it be yours? Sammy ID No. 14455036 For more information, please contact the Humane League of Lancaster County at (717) 393-6551.
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December 2011
5
The Beauty in Nature
Beautiful Birch Bark Clyde McMillan-Gamber ix species of birch trees grow in the eastern United States and Canada, including black birches, yellow birches, red birches, gray birches, paper birches, and European white birches. Dangling male catkins (pollenproducing flowers) are attractive on these trees in spring. And their tiny, winged seeds feed mice, squirrels, and a variety of small, seed-eating birds, including wintering grouse, finches, and sparrows. But the bark of these birches is the most striking part of their beauty, which is most easily seen in winter when the trees are devoid of foliage. Red birches and European white birches are even planted on many lawns because of their lovely bark. Birches are small to medium-sized trees that diverged from a common ancestor into different habitats. Each kind adapted to a different niche, reducing competition for its needs with its relatives.
S
The relatively tender bark of birches is eaten by a variety of mammals, including cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, whitetailed deer, moose, mice, and beavers. Beavers also use the logs and branches of birches and other types of trees to build dams on streams and their homes, called lodges, in the resulting ponds. Shade tolerant, black birches grow in deciduous woods on rocky slopes where they are associates of chestnut oaks. Young bark of this species is dark and shiny with obvious horizontal and decorative lenticels and the scent and taste of wintergreen. Yellow birch is a species along cold streams in cool, wooded valleys and is
most common in the northern part of this continent. Its dull-yellow bark peels off in many tight curls that fall from the tree as its trunks and limbs grow broader. Red birch is also called river birch because it flourishes along creeks and rivers. The bark of this species is shaggy because of its many thin peels coming away from trunks and branches. Many older trees are riddled with hollows where wood ducks, barred owls, Carolina chickadees, and other cavity nesters raise young. A more northern, pioneer species, gray birches thrive on poor, upland soil. This tree is one of the first to colonize abandoned farmland, denuded strip mines, and burned woods. It provides
food and shelter where, otherwise, there would be little. The bark of this species is light gray with dark where limbs exit the trunks. Another northern species, paper birches are beautiful in the spruce forests of Canada and the northeastern United States. Its bark is white with dark patches where branches grow from the trunks. It is also called canoe birch because Native Americans made bark canoes from this tree. European white birches aren’t native to America, but they are planted on lawns for their pretty black-and-white bark that is exceptionally beautiful next to planted conifers. Enjoy the bark of birches in their various habitats. It is particularly striking in winter. Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a Lancaster County Parks naturalist.
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December 2011
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Festive Foresight for Furry Friends By Laura Farnish It’s the most wonderful time of the year … Cheerful songs of the season fill the radio as Christmastime approaches. The newspapers are overflowing with sales and specials on the latest toys, trends, and technology. Children anxiously await the arrival of Santa, snow, and school freedom. There are plenty of reasons to engage in the happiest time of the year. Our furry, feathered, and fishy friends, however, can get caught in the holiday hurricane. Be sure to keep your pets’ needs in mind as everyone enjoys this holiday season. There will be much mistletoe-ing … Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas tree, and for some, it wouldn’t be complete without a tree mishap. It is important to securely anchor your tree, so that our pets cannot pull it down. Pine needles can be dangerous if ingested, as they may puncture holes in the pet’s intestine. Aside from injury sustained in the fall,
chemicals in the tree’s water can be harmful to pets’ stomachs. Fertilizers, as well as stagnant water, are additional hazards. Although a Christmas tree may be an inevitable December purchase, other plants around the home can be avoided to ensure safety. You will receive much more than a kiss if a pet ingests mistletoe, as the berries are extremely poisonous. The berries can cause vomiting, excessive urination, and a fast heart rate, among other reactions. Like mistletoe, the berries on the holly plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. It is suggested that the berries be removed before adorning your home. Similarly, poinsettias are a danger for both pets and people. The poinsettia leaves themselves are not poisonous; however, the sap on the leaves is problematic if ingested. The sap can also
cause skin and mouth irritation and vomiting. And parties for hosting … Decorations are a vital addition to holiday parties; however, they may pose a larger problem for our pets. Kittens, who can’t resist sparkling toys, can reap the negative side effects of ingesting tinsel. If swallowed, tinsel can lead to severe damage to the digestive tract, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and potential surgery. Although you can control what you bring into your home around the holidays, the same cannot be said for your guests. The noise and commotion of holiday parties may stress and frighten your pet. Be sure to have a safe place where the pet can seek refuge if the home becomes overly crowded. If your pet is brave enough to socialize with your great-aunt or second-cousin-
twice-removed, ask your relatives to refrain from feeding your pet holiday food. Fatty meats, gravies, bones, and chocolate pose problems to our furry friends. If you suspect your pet has consumed a dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or poison control center immediately. Perhaps you are traveling for the holidays. It is imperative to determine what is best for the pet: Is the pet welcome? Will the pet be in a safe environment? It may be best to hire a pet sitter. When traveling, remember to give your pet plenty of water, and try to keep everyone on a regular schedule. Taking your pet for walks can also help keep nerves calm. And hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near … As the holiday season is filled with cheer, it is important to include your pet in the holiday festivities. Showing your pet love is always the best medicine! Be sure to keep these pet precautions in mind to ensure that the holiday season truly is the most wonderful time of the year for all!
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As On-Line Publishers, Inc. sees the conclusion of yet another year, we are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue to grow in our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Senior News a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainment for our readers in Central Pennsylvania. At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.
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Salute to a Veteran
The Me-109’s Cannon Blasted a 4-Foot Hole in His B-17’s Wing Robert D. Wilcox hen John (Jack) Herr was born in 1925, he was a direct descendant of Hans Herr, who was a Mennonite bishop who came to this country during the early 1700s and became, with his shipmates, the first settlers in Lancaster County. That gentle man had had the courage to cross an enormous ocean in the flimsiest of ships to live among natives who might have thought nothing of killing him at any time. But it would be interesting to speculate on what he would have thought about the grave dangers faced by his descendant of some 18 generations who, with millions of other young people, fought World War II. Jack Herr knew from the beginning that he wanted to be a pilot. So, upon graduating from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the Army and requested assignment to the Aviation Cadet
W
program. Thanks was to become a in part to a strong pilot, navigator, or letter of bombardier. recommendation When Herr got from his high there, however, he school principal, got the bad news D.L. Biemesderfer, that the Air Corps he was accepted had all the men in into the program. those specialties After basic that they could use. training, he was So, he was given a sent to a College number of Training assignments from Detachment at which he could Drake University in choose. One of Des Moines, Iowa. them was gunnery, Then he was sent so that’s what he to the picked. John H. (Jack) Herr as an aviation cadet Classification Off he went to in 1944. Center at Santa Lowery Field in Ana, Calif. During Denver, Colo., the war years, that was one of the centers where he learned how to maintain and where it was determined whether a cadet clean .50-caliber machine guns, how to
tear down and reassemble them, and how to load drums and ammunition belts. Herr remembers well that he had to be able to strip his gun and reassemble it while blindfolded and wearing gloves … and with the gunnery instructor observing with a stopwatch. Blindfolded because it was tough to look straight down when you were zipped up to the neck in a bulky flight suit. In gloves because it was often 60 degrees below zero at altitude. If he were to touch his gun with bare skin, it would freeze to the metal. For a few weeks, they fired daily on the range. And then they flew in aircraft and fired at tow targets, learning how to lead the target so the fired bullets would hit it. From there it was to Kingman Army Air Field, in Kingman, Ariz., for three months where Herr flew in B-17s, please see CANNON page 13
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9
Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Easy Tips to Stop China Damage Dr. Lori hen it comes to fine china, the phrase “handle with care” couldn’t be more important. Everyone knows that china is fragile, yet we still want to use it as if it were paper. Fine china—be it Meissen, Wedgwood, or Royal Copenhagen—should be used with care. Rule No. 1: Don’t place fine china in the dishwasher, refrigerator, or microwave. If you chose to display your fine china in a china cabinet, give your collection breathing room. Do not stack plates more than six plates high, and place separators in between each piece. Display teacups atop their saucers. Don’t hang teacups on hooks within a china cabinet since that display option places undue stress on the teacup’s handle and forces you to screw a hook into your wooden china cabinet, damaging the furniture. A full set of fine china should be displayed by itself in one china cabinet.
W
Display other collectible objects bubble wrap. Do not store your china in (figurines, ceramic bells, etc.) elsewhere. bubble wrap long term because bubble Don’t crowd fine china; it needs room to wrap traps heat. Heat may damage the prevent damage and to show off its glaze or the decorative pigment. beauty. When moving If you must your fine china, move your prepare for the china, wrap each worst. I use the piece old adage “wrap, individually. Do wrap, and not use reinforce.” Wrap newspaper as the piece once in wrapping as the tissue paper, wrap newsprint may twice in bubble bleed onto your wrap or a terrychina and leave cloth towel, and Photo: www.DrLoriV.com gray streaks or then reinforce the A Royal Doulton bone china bowl with dark stains. inside of the box hand-painted decoration. Individually with packaging wrap each piece material in acid-free tissue, then wrap it again in a (newspapers, Styrofoam peanuts, etc). white cotton cloth (small terrycloth face You will use a lot of material but it will cloths or hand towels work well) or protect your valuable china.
Another solution for wrapping china is to use disposable diapers because they are cushiony and have sticky tabs attached; no need for extra tape. Remember that breakage to any one piece in a china set will negatively impact the value of the entire set. When packing or shipping fine china vases, bowls, tureens, chandeliers, etc., it is wise to pack Styrofoam or foam peanuts on the inside as well as on the outside of the piece. The internal and external packaging will protect the body of the china. One last tip … take as much time and care unwrapping your china as you did wrapping it. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and awardwinning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and appears on the Fine Living Network and on TV’s Daytime. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.
Thank You, Columnists!
Thank You!
50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well as entertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News: Chaz Allen (Little-Known Facts) Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry) Wendell Fowler (Preventive Measures) Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield ) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques) Gloria May (NurseNews) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Myles Mellor (crossword puzzles) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior) Candace O’Donnell (Balancing Act) Victor Parachin (Fragments of History) Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) W.E. Reinka (Silver Threads) Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Pat Sinclair (Recipes for Two) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran) Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters) Sherra Zavitsanos (Social Security News)
It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Senior News are enriched by your contributions.
10
December 2011
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Events • Dec. 5, 1933 – The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Prohibition Amendment, was repealed. For nearly 14 years, since Jan. 29, 1920, it had outlawed the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. • Dec. 17, 1903 – After three years of experimentation, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered, controlled airplane flights. They made four flights near Kitty Hawk, N.C., the longest lasting about a minute.
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• Dec. 18, 1865 – The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. It stated, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, save as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
Birthdays • Dec. 6 – Photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995) was born in Dirschau, Prussia. He is best known for his Life magazine cover photos, including the sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, celebrating the end of World War II. • Dec. 19 – British explorer William Parry (1790-1855) was born in Bath, England. He conducted Arctic expeditions and made three attempts to find a Northwest Passage. • Dec. 25 – Film actor Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) was born in New York City. He is best known for The African Queen, The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, and To Have and Have Not.
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50plus SeniorNews •
December 2011
11
Creativity Matters
Creating Age-Friendly Cities, Part 1 Judith Zausner
W
e know it’s coming. The silver tsunami is rising. Baby boomer Americans are getting older and continuing to increase in startling numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that between 2000 and 2050 there will be a 147 percent increase in demographics for individuals aged 65 and over, while the entire population as a whole will increase by only 49 percent. Older adults will represent more than 20 percent of the population. So what are cities and towns doing to prepare for this demographic change? What should be done to build agefriendly cities and towns? Fortunately, there are some leaders and innovators. In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has begun to change the face of senior centers. Once just a drop-off place to avoid isolation, there are eight pilot centers now on their way to being
an intentional destination with vital activities such as underwater photography, rooftop gardening, technology courses, and video conferencing. They will also be the first in the country dedicated to supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities and also focus on seniors with vision problems. This city is also creatively mining their assets. Idle school buses are being used to take seniors grocery shopping from senior centers. Senior centers will offer studio space to artists in exchange for their services, such as teaching art classes to center members. The critical key continues to be communication and support in a networked approach among stakeholders and others to make the Age-Friendly NYC project effective and sustainable. According to the World Health
Organization, “The mayor’s office formed a partnership with The New York Academy of Medicine to consult with the city’s seniors, service providers, advocates, and experts” with a four-year timeline for implementation. With 59 public-sector initiatives in progress, seniors will reap benefits of being safer and more engaged than other large cities facing such changing demographics. Mayor Bloomberg says, “… As older New Yorkers continue to redefine the aging experience, government has a responsibility to keep pace and to find innovative ways to empower this community and improve its quality of life.” It’s no wonder that older New Yorkers are moving back from Florida. Many urban leaders are tackling these issues because creating age-friendly cities is an imperative. They are also aware that when city changes are implemented to assist older adults, it positively impacts
Job Opportunities LANCASTER COUNTY EMPLOYERS NEED YOU!! Age 55 or over? Unemployed? The 55+ Job Bank is one of three services offered by Employment Unit at the Office of Aging. Jobs are matched with those looking for work. Based on an evaluation of your skills and abilities, we can match you with a position needed by a local employer. Some employers are specifically looking for older workers because of the reliability and experience they bring to the workplace. There is a mix of full-time and part-time jobs covering all shifts, requiring varying levels of skill and experience, and offering a wide range of salaries. The other services available through the Office of Aging are the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the regularly scheduled Job Search Workshops.
For more job listings, call the Lancaster County Office of Aging
at (717) 299-7979 or visit www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco_aging
Lancaster County Office of Aging 150 N. Queen Street, Suite 415 Lancaster, PA 12
December 2011
50plus SeniorNews •
other groups. For example, everyone could use outdoor seating, we all would like accessible public toilets, and pedestrian crossings reconfigured to accommodate slow walkers would also help pregnant women, adults with small children, and people with disabilities. Cities are dynamic places to live. Many empty nesters are moving to or staying in urban areas for easy access to transportation, a range of social services, and a plethora of cultural opportunities. They pay taxes, fuel the economy, and contribute in a variety of ways that maintain a diverse and involved presence. Creating age-friendly cities is not only an obligation, but also an important way to grow vital and harmonious communities. Judith Zausner can be reached at judith@caringcrafts.com.
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We list other jobs on the Web at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco_agi ng. To learn more about applying for the 55+ Job Bank and these jobs, call the Employment Unit at (717) 299-7979.
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The holidays are right around the corner. Give yourself a gift this year by volunteering to assist an older person. For a small investment of time and energy, you’ll receive the invaluable present of knowing that your presence has made a difference in that person’s life! Here are a few of the volunteer opportunities that will change the life of the older person, and yours, for the better! You’re needed by: • A lady who lives in Lancaster city who is asking for help with laundry and/or light cleaning • A woman in Lititz who needs help organizing her paperwork • A man who’d like a Friendly Visitor volunteer If you’d like more information about these opportunities or the many others we have, call Bev Via, volunteer coordinator, at (717) 299-7979 or email us at aging@co.lancaster.pa.us.
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CANNON
from page 9
honing his skills by firing at tow targets. went our aileron control, and we had yet Then, finally, it was to Lincoln, Neb., to fly over the Alps to get home. One of where he was assigned to a B-17 crew. our guys on the right side in the waist The crew went by ship from Newport yelled, ‘Hey, look at our wing’ as he saw News to Marseilles, France. Then it was the big hole and the fuel streaming out to Algiers and back to Naples, Italy, and of it. then going from there by rail to their “We had lost one of our engines in base in Foggia, Italy, where they became the attack, too. So we were sweating out part of the 416th Squadron of the 99th getting past the Alps. Fortunately, Bomb Group. however, our pilot was able to thread his Once there, Herr was to quickly learn way through the peaks and get us back. that combat could kill you. He flew 11 At our base, we had to manually crank missions before war’s end, and on each down the wheels, and we made a pictureone he had not just flak, not just enemy perfect landing on our first (and which fighters, but both. On all of them, he would probably have been our only) pass saw other Bat the field. I 17s going truly don’t down in know how flames, but much flying somehow his time we had crew lucked left, but it was out and next to always got nothing.” back to base. The rest of Was any Herr’s missions mission were tough, especially and when he hairy? “Oh, had finished Four of Herr’s buddies (at right) standing in the hole yeah,” he his combat, that had been blasted in the wing of his B-17. says, with his he had earned eyes closing the European at the memory. “Our second mission was African Middle Eastern Campaign medal Berlin. That was an especially heavily with three Bronze Stars. Herr came back protected target. And it was an to the U.S. from Naples on an ocean exceptionally long-range target for us. liner and was separated from the service We were on oxygen for most of the as a staff sergeant in January 1946. mission, since we turned it on at 10,000 He returned to the family business, feet. You had to remember to squeeze the John Herr’s Village Market, in oxygen tube every few minutes, or it Millersville, Pa., where he had worked would freeze up on you, and you since age 16. wouldn’t get any oxygen at all. In 1974, he presided, as president, at “When we got to the target, the sky the opening of the new and much larger was just black with all the bursts of flak. store and finally retired in 2001. In Then, after we had dropped our bombs retirement, he says with a chuckle, “I still and turned to head home, there came the go in once a week just to make sure fighters. One Me-109 flew right through everything is OK.” our formation and blew a huge hole in Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in our right wing with his cannon. With it Europe in WWII.
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Boomers, Seniors, and Caregivers Convene at 50plus EXPO By Megan Joyce The recent 50plus EXPO in Lancaster was an occasion for county residents over age 50 to come out to the Lancaster Host Resort and enjoy a day that focused on as well as celebrated the multifaceted lives of today’s seniors. The free, one-day event—the 15th annual in Lancaster County—was presented by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and the Lancaster County Office of Aging. It featured more than 90 exhibitors displaying products and services that covered topics like health, retirement living, home improvements, entertainment, and finance. The day’s thousands of visitors attended for a variety of reasons. Some were drawn by the fact that they could speak in person with such a diverse group of businesses and organizations. Carol Kapell of Lititz theorized that many, like her, were at the EXPO seeking information on Medicare plans in the midst of 2011’s open enrollment period. “It gives you a chance to see what’s out there,” Kapell said of the EXPO. “I’m not looking for anything in particular, but I’d imagine there are some people that are looking for specifics.”
Many were also at the Host Resort for the Caregivers Forum, a new event held in conjunction with the 50plus EXPO. With strategies, information, and support for caregivers, the forum included a panel discussion, two seminars, and a presentation by keynote speaker Dr. Linda Rhodes, former Pennsylvania secretary of aging and author of Finding Your Way: A Practical Guide for Family Caregivers. The overriding theme of all the forum’s presentations was the urgency and necessity of planning for your long-term care and encouraging your loved ones to do so as well. “If people don’t plan, they find themselves in a situation where they’re now in a crisis and someone else is planning for them,” said Cindy Davidson of United Disabilities Services. Jane Straub of Lebanon and her husband, both caregivers themselves, had ventured down to the EXPO from Lebanon. “We wanted to hear Linda Rhodes,” Straub said, adding that she found it helpful “just being able to talk with the insurance companies. We had some questions there since we’re about to go on Medicare.” The 50plus EXPO was also brimming with free
health-related opportunities. In addition to the health screenings for bone density, glucose, spinal wellness, hearing, blood pressure, and more, flu shots were available for a fee. Donald Beck of Lancaster city was very pleased with the courtesy and professionalism he received during his free screening for spinal posture, which revealed that his shoulder is out of line. He also had high praise for the EXPO itself. “It’s a beautiful place for a retired citizen to come, and I can bring my wife and it doesn’t cost me anything,” Beck said. When EXPO goers needed a break from the event’s wealth of information, they could pull up a chair and enjoy live music from two of their PA State Senior Idols. Barry Surran (2008) and Peggy Kurtz Keller (2011) each filled the lower level of the Host Resort with song. On-Line Publishers’ 50plus EXPOs will return in spring 2012: on Thursday, March 15, at the Church Farm School in Exton; on Tuesday, May 8, at the Overlook Activities Center in Overlook Park, Lancaster; and on Wednesday, May 30, at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. For more information on the 50plus EXPO, call (717) 285-1350 or visit www.50plusExpoPA.com.
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TRAVEL
from page 2
GAK STONN
Ledoux Street is filled with merrymakers and art lovers during the holidays.
Nearby there’s a large gingerbread house designed to look like Mount Vernon as well as Martha’s grand cake, which was modeled after those traditionally served on the 12th day of Christmas (Jan. 6). A guide offers me the recipe, but the mention of 40 eggs and 4 pounds of butter leads to thoughts of calories and cholesterol, and I politely decline. That night a costumed actor cajoles me into dancing the Virginia reel, and a costumed Martha leads a candlelight tour of the mansion. I sing carols by the fireplace, sip cider, and reluctantly bid goodbye to Mount Vernon and George’s Christmas camel. www.mountvernon.org
TINA LARKIN OF THE TAOS NEWS
GRAHAM’S GRILLE
Christmas trees and luminarias decorate the plaza during the holidays.
A New Mexican Holiday Santa has an easy time in Taos, N.M., where the town’s flat, adobe rooftops provide sure footing for his team of reindeer. But while the town welcomes St. Nick, its holiday charm is rooted in its blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions. The Hispanic culture is represented by the farolitos (small bonfires) and luminarias (paper bags lit with votive candles) that shine from streets to rooftops, bathing the town in a soft glow. Las Posadas, a candlelight procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, takes place from Dec. 16–24. As for Hispanic holiday food, I become addicted to biscochitos, the melt-
Posole is a traditional dish during the holidays.
in-your-mouth Christmas cookies that are flavored with anise and cinnamon. The original recipe dates back to the Spanish colonists. For heartier fare, I try posole, a spicy stew of meat and corn that’s served in most Taos restaurants throughout the holiday season. After the 16th century when missionaries converted many of the Natives to Catholicism, Spanish and Native American customs blended and eventually created traditions that are distinctly New Mexican. In this spirit, the 1,200-year-old Taos Pueblo has a Christmas Eve vespers service as well as Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations that feature the Deer or Matachines (animal) dances.
Anglo customs are highlighted (pun intended) with a gloriously tall Christmas tree that dominates the town plaza. In addition, the Taos Chamber Music Group presents “A Classical Holiday Encore.” But my favorite holiday activity is the annual Lighting of Ledoux, a tradition of mixed origins during which luminarias guide people up the winding road that’s home to Taos’ famed art galleries and studios. All the while, the piney aroma of piñón smoke wafts through the chilly desert air. For me as for many people, that signals that Christmas has come to Taos. www.taos.org Story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com)
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December 2011
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DICKENS
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from page 1
“I realized how many buildings there Every Christmas, McMurty would were and I just started buying them take the time to set up his collection in each year,” he said. a winter display for his house. As the From that year on, McMurty number of pieces in his collection grew purchased four to eight buildings each year, the task became more and annually, and his original gift set to his more monumental. McMurty recalls a wife soon grew into a sizeable time when the collection became a collection. permanent He now has fixture in around 135 the house. pieces. “I was Beside able to buildings, have a McMurty’s room in collection the includes basement figures of that we people, dedicated many to the characters Dickens’ from Village. Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol Dickens’ For four or pose outside their home. novels. His five years, I collection never took also features several large, special pieces. it down. I would change it a bit each Some of these are fictional palaces and year, of course,” he said. churches mentioned in Dickens’ works, When the McMurtys moved to while some, like the replicas of Big Ben, Willow Valley Retirement Community, the Tower of London, and Kensington the Dickens’ Village was put in storage, Palace, are wonderful renditions of real- but not for long. One year, residents world locations. began looking for extra Christmas
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December 2011
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decorations to use to decorate some of the building’s common spaces. One such common space is not far from McMurty’s apartment. “It’s usually used as a place where a jigsaw puzzle is set up that the residents work on. At Christmastime they went to decorate it a little differently. One woman asked my wife if there was anything she knew they could use to decorate it with,” McMurty said. McMurty’s wife immediately suggested the use of the Dickens’ Village houses, and, with her help, McMurty went to work on a display. McMurty spends a great deal of time planning the community’s display. He has developed a system of organization, with each house and character holding a specific place. The display contains three tables, each representing three sections of a Victorian town. The first area is the residential section, which contains houses, like Tiny Tim’s, and some other related buildings, like churches and the police department. The second area, located next to the residential section, contains what McMurty calls the “clean” businesses. These buildings in this section are business oriented and include the jewelry store, clothing store, candy store, and leather shop. The third area contains the “unclean” businesses, like the blacksmith shop, warehouses, and the brewery. “I lay it out as much as I can as you would expect a regular town to look,” McMurty said. The display, which contains around 60 houses in total, also receives a
number of special touches from McMurty. He sets up the lighting for each building and then cuts pieces of cotton, which he lays out between and on the houses as a blanket of snow. The result is a beautiful winter scene, complete with children sledding in the streets and workers coming and going from their places of employment. The entire process takes about two weeks. The Dickens’ Village has been a huge success and has become one of the retirement community’s most favored holiday displays. It is not advertised and sits in what might be considered an outof-the-way location, but its popularity continues to grow as residents spread its story by word of mouth. “Each year there have been more and more people. I’ve had a lot of nice compliments about it,” McMurty said. McMurty has enjoyed the Dickens’ Village for years and takes pleasure in sharing it with others. “I just really enjoy putting it together and looking at it afterwards. I never started it as something to put on display or show. It’s been a personal pleasure for me to do. I get a big kick out of it,” he said. McMurty’s wife has occasionally mentioned that the Dickens’ Village grew out of hand over the years, taking over entire rooms and storage cages. As McMurty explains, however, the village never would have come into being without his need to purchase a gift for her. “I think she secretly enjoys it,” he said. The residents of Willow Valley and their holiday visitors certainly do.
Know Your Mistletoe Kissing under the mistletoe is a custom that has spawned any number of popular songs, love affairs, and slaps across the faces of unwanted suitors. The origins of the traditional are unknown. Here’s one story: In Viking mythology, the god Baldr was killed through the trickery of Loki, who caused Baldr’s blind brother to shoot him with a poisoned dart made of mistletoe. Baldr’s mother, Frigga, the goddess of love, was stricken with grief. When her www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
tears fell on a mistletoe plant, the berries turned from red to white (mistletoe has both red and white berries), and this brought her son back from the dead. Because Frigga was so grateful to have her son restored, she kissed everyone who walked beneath the mistletoe. The berries are important to the tradition: According to etiquette, a man who kisses a woman under the mistletoe is supposed to remove one berry for each kiss. When the berries are gone, no more kisses are allowed.
By Myles Mellor and Sally York
Across 1. Graphical user interface feature 5. Latke ingredient 11. Attain 14. Game name 15. Trash container 16. Old Tokyo 17. Restrain 18. Calkins 19. Inflamed 20. Not extreme 23. Like old records 24. Choppers 25. Yellowfin, e.g. Down 1. SALT concern 2. Demand 3. Best 4. “You ___ bother!” 5. Clip 6. Capital on a fjord 7. Grand ___ 8. Decrease 9. Church donation 10. Attack 11. “My ___!” 12. It comes to mind 13. Sarah’s husband 21. Potter
28. 1995 hurricane 32. Its symbol is an omega 35. Present 38. Cartoon art 39. Taking drastic measures 42. Hitchcockian 43. Like some colonies 44. Harvester ___ 45. First place? 46. Cargo boat type 48. Cherokee and Wrangler
53. Foreign currency 56. Tolerance 62. One with a supporting role 63. More viscous 64. Way to go 65. Tide alternative 66. Short musical pieces 67. Mythology anthology 68. Departure announcement 69. Abandon 70. Textile worker
22. 26. 27. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36.
41. 47. 49. 50. 51. 52. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.
River of Lyon Excluding Asian buffalo Cotton fabric Grace period? In case Double curve Worked the soil Slough Mushroom you can eat 37. Departure 38. Historian Toynbee 40. Soldier of fortune
Black gunk Alate Just beat Gush Reverent Like a snicker “___ or not ...” In reserve Give away Bank Lothario’s look Bucks Start with while Telephone button
Solution on page 18
50plus SeniorNews •
December 2011
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The Squint-Eyed Senior
Christmas by the Book Theodore Rickard ometimes I think we have all become unwitting victims of both Charles Dickens and Norman Rockwell or, at least, our vision of their creations. We became hopelessly self-convinced that the roaring fireplace and jolly Mr. Fezziwig might be real and that there will surely still be a job there when we go back to work on Dec. 26. And, certainly, the smiling turkey carver at the head of the table will still have room on the Visa card for his spouse to hit the postholiday sales. However, we who have survived to retirement know how wishful these little dreams really were in our own times of job holding and child raising. Nevertheless, we treasured the cozy fiction then and I, for one, still do now. The whole family knows that the sonin-law’s employer is downsizing its middle management—again. And the
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oldest son’s business, once so promising, is stuck in the doldrums, even though the bank was willing to extend the loans one more time. I think I’ve heard this before: that was in the ’70s when, besides a frozen economy, we had the additional specter of nuclear incineration threatened by a madman tyrant sworn to destroy us. We wondered then if Norman Rockwell’s beaming holiday family would live long enough for Easter. And we suspected Mr. Fezziwig’s business would be in bankruptcy by New Year’s. But Santa came anyway in those years. He brought more wardrobe pieces for Barbie and extra straight track for the
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electric train. International crises, vicious political confrontations, and domestic financial problems raged unabated. But somehow there were tennis rackets and first baseman’s mitts—and skis followed by several weeks in a cast, being chauffeured to school, and going on crutches to the junior prom. This last was first viewed as the depth of embarrassment to the would-be femme fatale. But the next day we noticed that her cast had been signed by more than a dozen new names, and all of them were male. At Christmas there may be bomb threats in Bethlehem and terror in Wall Street—each with the familiar ring of
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years-ago disasters. However, for a single day at least, we can leave hysteria outside. And we will do so again this year. Now the once-children have children of their own. The electric train has been divided up between two of the boys and, to no one’s surprise, one daughter. And it has been hugely expanded since. The grandchildren aren’t terribly interested in the tin crossing gate that actually goes down when the train approaches, not nearly as much as their fathers and their uncles are. These folks join Grandfather on hands and knees to watch the train go through the tunnel and insist on turning off all the lights so the sweep of the train’s locomotive lights can be seen more clearly—and fully appreciated. A few years ago, Barbie’s original wardrobe and personal property were heartlessly sold on eBay by a college senior facing eviction. Her sisters say
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they have forgiven her. I think her mother has, too. But I’m not so sure the once-impecunious student has forgiven herself. Not if we judge by what she gave her nieces for Christmas: Paris Hilton doesn’t have this kind of wardrobe. The dinner table this year will once more make room for a highchair and a chubby, tow-headed occupant. Highchairs now, I find, have seatbelts. But I’m proud to say that this grandchild has found a way to squirm out of the chair, despite the belts, and end up in Grandmother’s lap, where the sippy cup is waved in juice-strewing triumph and it’s much easier to pull at the tablecloth and tip over the wine glasses. That’s why there are mothers and aunts: to do the mopping up. Grandmother has
the baby in her lap and Grandpa is busy fixing the crossing gate. Dessert will be the traditional choice of pies. Then there is a second crisis—a decision involving whipped cream or ice cream on top. A halfwhispered estimate of “at least 500 calories” will be made, with appropriate scorn, by the high-school freshman granddaughter who is getting a “B” in home ec. She is convinced that her parents have managed to make it this far in life only via miraculous divine intervention—or hers. Then, somewhere around her sophomore year in college after two years of dorm food, she will become a family dinner enthusiast and we won’t hear any more about calories. Mr. Fezziwig didn’t count calories. Not at Christmas. Why should we?
Many Reasons to Celebrate This Month December is a month of many holiday celebrations crossing a variety of cultures, nationalities, and beliefs. Here’s a quick snapshot of what people celebrate, and why: Al Hijra. The Islamic new year, observed in 2011 from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24. Al Hijra marks the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D. Hanukkah. This Jewish holiday begins in 2011 on Dec. 20 (at sundown) and lasts through Dec. 28. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Jewish victory over the Maccabees in 165 B.C. Each night, families light one candle on the menorah, observing the traditional
story of how the oil for the temple’s eternal flame burned for eight days. Christmas. Observed on Dec. 25, this Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus, probably between the years 7 and 2 B.C. The 25th may have been chosen to correspond with a Roman holiday honoring the sun during the same period. Christmas became a federal holiday in the United States in 1870. Kwanzaa. A seven-day celebration of African heritage and culture, Kwanzaa is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Activist Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 to emphasize AfricanAmericans’ shared history and experience. The name Kwanzaa is derived from “matunda ya kwanza,” a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.”
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Braintwisters 1. What holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the United States? A. Sweetest Day B. Freedom Day C. Kwanzaa D. Juneteenth Day 2. Celebration of the Jewish New Year is known as what? A. Yom Kippur B. Rosh Hashanah C. Ramadan D. Purim 3. During what ancient festival did masters temporarily serve their slaves? A. Lupercalia B. Saturnalia C. Floralia D. Agonia 4. What holiday was established in California in 1966 by scholar/activist Dr. Maulana Karenga? A. Earth Day B. Flag Day C. Kwanzaa D. National S’mores Day 5. In the Netherlands, what is the name of Santa Claus’s helper who judges which children were bad during the year? A. Green Eric B. Eli the Elf C. Black Peter D. Mrs. Claus Source: UsefulTrivia.com
This month’s answers on page 20
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December 2011
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Such Is Life
I Married for Love, Sort Of Saralee Perel ne part I loathe about the holiday season is that it’s usually a time of reflection. From age 5 until 8, I reflected on hating my parents because we were Jewish so I didn’t get any Christmas presents. From 9 to 15, I reflected on hating my parents because they wouldn’t let me bring one lousy tree in the house. Hey! People have plant life indoors. So what if it has lights and tinsel on it? At age 16, my reflections changed. I reflected on how rotten my parents were because it was Christmas, for heaven’s sake. How about forking over a huge wad of dough so I could buy my own presents? And Chanukah? You think lighting candles on a menorah was what I dreamed of? No. I dreamed of jewelry and boys. Well, I’d get one present. What all teenagers die for. A new dictionary. There’s nothing like the Christmas
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lights in New England, where I now live. Makes me reflect on evening drives my mom and I took through the infidels’ decorated neighborhoods in Maryland, where I grew up. It must have brought her joy while I’d scream, “They’re just lights, Ma! It’s not like they’re satanic! Why can’t we have them?” She must have loved the constant fracas of changing radio stations from Sinatra to Christmas carols. She’d nearly drive off the road during our handslapping battles while I’d shout, “PA RUM PUM PUM PUM” over Sinatra’s “My Way.” And New Year’s? Oy vey. The Jewish
new year is as close to our national new year as Big Macs are to hamburgers made from soy beans. On Rosh Hashanah (new year), we don’t do fireworks. We go to temple. I’d pretend to listen to the rabbi while I’d play mind games— imagining the Hebrew letters in the prayer book as people in weird positions—when I was 40. At some point, I focused on getting married. Although love is important, I needed something else too. I wanted a man who not only adored me, but who also had a characteristic I’d cherish as much as love: a God-loving, presentgiving Christian. Last month, my Christian husband,
Bob, and I celebrated our anniversary with a whole bunch of presents (oh yeah, we said “I love you” a lot too). The finest present I’ve ever received was from a sad and silent man—my grandfather. I was his fundamental source of joy. And I adored him. Other than when he’d look at me, the only time I’d see rapture on his face was while he’d play his violin. When he’d visit from Manhattan, we’d hug like there was no tomorrow. Born in 1885, he was 76 when I was 10. That Chanukah, he walked the aisles of Woolworths, collecting 5- and 10-cent “pearls” and “sapphires” and hundreds of pieces of sparkling jewelry that he put in a fancy jewelry box. What man would do such a thing in that day and age? As I write this, my eyes fill with tears. I see myself as that little girl opening the magical box. I remember feeling the strands of jewelry but only looking at
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Braintwisters Untwist Your Brain!
1. D. Juneteenth Day 2. B. Rosh Hashanah 3. B. Saturnalia 4. C. Kwanzaa 5. C. Black Peter Questions shown on page 19
Lancaster Lebanon York
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Grandpa. I needed him to see my face filled with delight and adoration because I knew, even then, there was something more important than jewelry. I needed to see him smile. His smiles were so rare. I needed him to know how happy he made me. For that would bring him peace, if only for a few moments. Late in his life, Grandpa was moved to my parents’ house. I can still visualize him, having arrived at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station. He was sitting in a wheelchair outside the train, all alone, while passengers and luggage carriers rushed around. In his arms was his beloved violin, though he could no longer play it. So nowadays, when Bob comes home, we hug like there’s no tomorrow. Bob
has my grandpa’s soul. I must have “sensed” that when we met. I have learned that presents don’t matter (oh, who am I kidding?). What truly matters is the joy on Bob’s lovely face as he tenderly opens a present yet looks at me before seeing what it is. His expression is identical to the look of adoration I had for Grandpa. I have a heart filled with treasures from my grandfather and my husband. And nothing, no matter what may lie ahead, will diminish the wealth these two loves of my life have permanently etched in my heart. Award-winning columnist Saralee Perel welcomes emails at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com.
“Jump on the bandwagon” Old-time political campaigns would attempt to gain supporters with what amounted to a small parade, which included a band when a candidate had sufficient support. Jumping on the bandwagon was akin to providing support for this already-popular candidate.
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ONE NIGHT
from page 4
too small for six cots. There is some giggling when I apologize for the irony of the situation: We are supposed to be keeping these ladies out of the chill. After these adjustments, our guests fall back asleep with ease. I suppose they are so exhausted from hours of shuffling around from place to place, trying to stay warm, that they can crash anywhere. Judy and I return to our posts at the long table just outside the seminar room and nursery. At least one of us must remain awake â&#x20AC;&#x153;in case of an emergency.â&#x20AC;? We understand that this is code for actually being on guard. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine what harm these four beaten-down women could possibly cause. Anything remotely dangerous has been confiscated. The adjacent hallways are blocked off with yellow tape, and we hostesses are ever vigilant. Judy and I sit up whispering. We are both uncomfortable in our role as guards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all these rules seem a little harsh to you?â&#x20AC;? she asks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes,â&#x20AC;? I sputter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel as if all of us are in prison, but I guess thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fine line between stripping them of dignity and letting unsafe behavior slip by.â&#x20AC;? I offer to take the first shift so Judy
can sleep from midnight to 3 a.m. This is not purely altruistic. I am a night owl. The night grinds on. I read, pray, walk up and down the corridor, even file my nails to keep awake. I feel a steadily growing sense of claustrophobiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a new sensation for me. This is illogical. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of space here. Why am I such a wimp? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve forgotten my watch. What time is it? I stealthily open doors to all the Sunday-school classrooms on my hall. No clocks on the walls. Finally, I break the rules and slip under the yellow tape and down a forbidden hall. Eurekaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the fifth-grade room has a working clock. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only 1:20. Six hours and 10 minutes to go. I return sheepishly to my post. Shortly before 3 a.m., Judy comes through the door. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have had the heart to wake her. She is bleary-eyed and estimates sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slept a total of one hour. I feel my way to my cot. The room is
frigid. I shiver, fully clothed, under my thin blanket and heavy coat. I doze fitfully amid strange dreams. As I slip in and out of sleep, the tune of â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Night Onlyâ&#x20AC;? keeps pulsing through my brain. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from Dreamgirls, which I have just seen with my daughters, but it seems strange that this risquĂŠ rock phrase would come welling up from my subconscious in this particular situation. Then it hits me. I am in this prison for â&#x20AC;&#x153;one night only.â&#x20AC;? Laura, Molly, Sheila, and Betty, and all their fellow homeless, are mired in this for the foreseeable futureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who knows how many months or years? I keep tiptoeing past the other cots to peer through the stained-glass windows. The outside world does exist and is waiting for me. If tall buildings didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intervene, I could see my own windows, just four blocks awayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;my own lovely condo with its high ceilings, and Oriental carpets, and original art, and framed
photos of my grandbabies, and, most important, my husband. At last morning dawns, a feeble gray light. Our guests awake without any prompting. They know they must be out by 7:30. Judy and I do not remind them. They know it only too well. They gulp their coffee and tidy up in the larger bathroom down the hall. They thank us, and I hand each one a little bottle of shampoo, unfortunately marked from one of my cruises. Is this a faux pas? As I hug each one I whisper, â&#x20AC;&#x153;God bless you. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in my prayers,â&#x20AC;? but I feel guilty that I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t found a way to give them that modicum of comfort earlier. Judy and I hug goodbye and promise to keep in touch, which we do. We go down the elevator to the lobby and then out into wind so piercing that every filling in your teeth tingles. I have only 10 minutes to John, warmth, privacy, a hot bath, and all day to sleep. I head for home. *Guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names changed. Candace welcomes feedback via letter to 231 N. Shippen St., Unit 424, Lancaster, PA 17602 or by phone at (717) 392-7214.
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December 2011
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Lancaster County
Calendar of Events Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation
Senior Center Activities
Pre-registration is required for these programs. All activities are held at the Environmental Center in Central Park unless otherwise noted. To register or to find out more about these activities or any additional scheduled activities, call (717) 295-2055 or visit www.lancastercountyparks.org.
Cocalico Senior Association – (717) 336-7489 Dec. 10, 6 p.m. – Senior Christmas Dance Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – Center Christmas Party Dec. 30, 10 a.m. – New Year’s Party
Dec. 5, 7 to 8 p.m. – “Evergreens and Poinsettias: Christmas Plants” Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to noon – Winter Solstice Hike Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to noon – Winter Woodsy Walk
Columbia Senior Center – (717) 684-4850 Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – Crafts with the Garden Society Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. – Program on Holiday Depression Dec. 26 – New Year’s Party
Library Programs Elizabethtown Public Library, 10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, (717) 367-7467 Ephrata Public Library, 550 S. Reading Road, Ephrata, (717) 738-9291
Elizabethtown Senior Center – (717) 367-7984 Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – Wii Bowling Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m. – Holiday Traditions Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. – Music with Harmonica Jack
Lancaster Public Library, 125 N. Duke St., Lancaster, (717) 394-2651 Lancaster Public Library Leola Branch, 46 Hillcrest Ave., Leola, (717) 656-7920 Ephrata Public Library, 550 S. Reading Road, Ephrata, (717) 738-9291
Lancaster House North – (717) 299-1278 Thursdays, noon to 3 p.m. – Happy Hearts Club Pinochle
Lancaster Public Library, 125 N. Duke St., Lancaster, (717) 394-2651 Lancaster Public Library Leola Branch, 46 Hillcrest Ave., Leola, (717) 656-7920 Lancaster Public Library Mountville Branch, 2 College Ave., Mountville, (717) 285-3231 Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz, (717) 626-2255 Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. – Astronomy Enthusiasts of Lancaster County Dec. 15, 7 p.m. – Celtic Christmas Concert: Fire in the Glen Dec. 20, noon – Reel Talk for Everyone: The Big Sleep
Lancaster Neighborhood Senior Center – (717) 299-3943 Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m. – Program on Holiday Cheer Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m. – Program on Holiday Stress Dec. 29, 10 a.m. – New Year’s Party Lancaster Rec. Center – (717) 392-2115, ext. 147 Fridays, 12:30 to 3 p.m. – Happy Hearts Club Bridge
Manheim Community Library, 15 E. High St., Manheim, (717) 665-6700 Manheim Township Public Library, 2121 Oregon Pike, Suite 101, Lancaster, (717) 560-6441 Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy, (717) 653-1510 Moores Memorial Library, 326 N. Bridge St., Christiana, (717) 593-6683
Lititz Senior Center – (717) 626-2800 Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – Haircuts and Manicures Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Party and Games Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. – Music and Dancing with Lost & Found
Pequea Valley Public Library, 3660 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, (717) 768-3160
Programs and Support Groups Dec. 3, 10, 17, 26, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Model Railroad Club Open House Garden Spot Village 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6000 Dec. 6, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parents/Grandparents with Special Cares Support Group Garden Spot Village Village Square Board Room 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6010 khorning@gardenspotvillage.org Dec. 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Grief and the Holidays: Coping with Any Loss PATHways Center for Grief & Loss 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy (717) 391-2413 Dec. 6, 13, 20, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Three-Week Session: Newly Bereaved Support Program PATHways Center for Grief & Loss 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy (717) 391-2413
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Free and open to the public
Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pennsylvania Music Expo Continental Inn 2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster (717) 898-1246 www.recordcollectors.org
Dec. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Grief and the Holidays: Coping with the Loss of a Child PATHways Center for Grief & Loss 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy (717) 391-2413
Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Public Singing of Handel’s Messiah Grace Lutheran Church 517 N. Queen St., Lancaster (717) 397-2748
Dec. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania Support Group Lancaster General Hospital Stager Room 5 555 N. Duke St., Lancaster (800) 887-7165, ext. 104
Dec. 15, noon Brain Tumor Support Group Lancaster General Health Campus Wellness Center 2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster (717) 626-2894 Dec. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. Music Fridays 200 and 300 Blocks of North Queen Street 24 W. Walnut St., Lancaster (717) 341-0028
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
LRC Senior Center – (717) 399-7671 Dec. 8, 10:15 a.m. – Conestoga View Choir Holiday Program Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – Blood Pressure Checks Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – Christmas Party Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center – (717) 295-7989 Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – Arts & Crafts with Irma Rodriguez Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – Educational Bingo Dec. 23, 10 a.m. – Christmas Holiday Celebration Millersville Senior Center – (717) 871-9600 Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – Holiday Party Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – Holiday Music with Honey & Nelson Dec. 30, 10 a.m. – Town Meeting Next Gen Senior Center – (717) 786-4770 Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Card Open House Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Cochranville Golden Age Choir Dec. 30, 10:30 a.m. – New Year’s Resolutions Rodney Park Center – (717) 393-7786 Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. – Happy Hearts Club Pinochle and Bingo Just a snippet of what you may be missing … please call or visit their website for more information.
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December 2011
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Health Matters
Handling Family Tension During the Holidays Lisa M. Petsche he holiday season is a hectic time for many people, due to the preparations and festivities that typically take place. Staying sane, not to mention enjoying this time of the year, is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family. Every family has dysfunction, of course, because no member is perfect. But some families are prone to more interpersonal tension than others, due to diverse personalities, circumstances, values, and lifestyles among members. Read on for some tips on how to cope with the almost inevitable stress inherent when relatives get together for the holidays.
T
Preparation Make it a point to practice self-care at this time of the year. Eat healthy foods,
make time for exercise, and get adequate sleep. Allow plenty of time to get ready for a family event, so you’re relaxed and feel your best. Give yourself a pep talk. Reassure yourself that you are up to the challenge of gracefully handling a few hours with anyone. Conjure up compassion for family members who emanate negativity, bearing in mind that they are unhappy individuals. Try to feel pity rather than anger toward them.
Set realistic expectations about family members’ behavior. The narcissistic, nonstop talker or chronic complainer is not going to change. Plan to steer clear of them if possible; otherwise, try to limit the amount of time you spend with them. If you are particularly anxious about a gathering, invite a good friend along for support. Aim to cut your visit short as a last resort. Plan something to look forward to afterward—for example, visiting your favorite café or watching a holiday movie.
During a Gathering: Dos and Don’ts Avoid consuming alcohol; otherwise, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Disinhibition can cause you to say things you may regret. Practice good listening skills: pay attention, don’t interrupt, and ask openended questions. Be conscious of your non-verbal language, keeping your posture open (avoid crossing your arms), making eye contact, and nodding periodically in acknowledgement. This will help you project a positive vibe. Show common courtesy toward everyone. When you can’t manage any more politeness toward a particular individual, find a reason to excuse yourself and move on. Give people the benefit of the doubt when you wonder if they are being sarcastic or condescending. Use humor to please see TENSION page 27
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NurseNews
Autonomy in Treatment Gloria May, M.S., R.N., CHES t took only hours after the news of Steve Jobs’ death for the medical journalists and bloggers to begin: Did he “succumb to alternative medicine”? Did he put his life in jeopardy by choosing, as one writer put it, “woo” over medicine? And, as his biographer Walter Isaacson claims, did he ultimately express regret over trying for so long to beat his cancer with these methods? In 2003, Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—not the Patrick Swayze/Michael Landon/Luciano Pavarotti kind (with the grimmest of prognoses), but a rare form called islet cell neuroendocrine cancer, which is much more treatable if managed aggressively from the get-go. Jobs declined the surgery that was initially recommended and instead pursued a regime of acupuncture, diet, herbs, and supplements. Months later,
I
when these remedies proved to have been of no benefit, Jobs had surgery, chemotherapy, and, eventually, a liver transplant. But by that time, his odds of survival had plummeted. While the debate will probably go on for years over what kind of care Jobs chose, didn’t choose, or should have chosen, the issue is really not his treatment choices per se, but his right to choose them, to be autonomous, and, in this case, to follow his own path— reportedly to the dismay and distress of his doctors, family, and friends. Given that your spouse, partner, parent, or best friend is competent (a legal determination, not a medical one) to make life and treatment decisions, and given that they understand the benefits and consequences of their choices, whatever they decide to do or not to do is their own decision. If we try to take
control of another competent adult’s behavior, the resulting resistance will not lead to compliance or cooperation but to an unwinnable power struggle with plenty of anger and resentment to go around. But that doesn’t at all mean that we should give up. When it comes to trying to help someone, to guide them, to protect them, or to provide for them, we can often make a difference and affect change if we first realize that the most difficult task is readjusting not their way of thinking or behaving, but ours. Whether you are dealing with your aunt who won’t wear her hearing aids, your uncle who won’t quit smoking, your spouse who won’t lose weight, or your parent who won’t accept outside help in their home (a common concern), what we need to do, after stepping back and taking a deep breath, is to get help ourselves.
Yes, they are the one with the problem, but we are the ones who need help. And there is plenty out there: doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, friends, other family members, websites, even blogs. In these ridiculously frustrating and ludicrously exasperating situations where we are only trying to help and our efforts are met with resistance and rejection, we often need to be reminded and encouraged to value baby steps over sweeping reforms, to appreciate the value of patience over expediency, to embrace flexibility over the hard line, to choose negotiating over dictating, and to share control rather than trying to assume it. Gloria May is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in adult health education and a Certified Health Education Specialist designation.
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TENSION
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defuse tension. Count to 10 before responding when someone says or does something that irritates you. The holidays are not the time for confrontation. Refuse to take the bait when someone tries to one-up you or goad you into an argument. Instead, adopt a “stupid and cheerful” demeanor—signature advice from syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne. Stay away from contentious topics and change the subject if others raise them. Do be sensitive to relatives’ circumstances. For example, don’t gush about expensive gifts you’ve received around someone who is experiencing financial difficulties. Don’t participate in gossip or putdowns of others or bring up unpleasant past events. Engage relatives positively by reminiscing about pleasant times or inquiring about something meaningful to them, such as their children or grandchildren, work, a hobby, or a
recent vacation. Breathe deeply if you find yourself getting stressed. If that doesn’t help, head to the bathroom or step outside to compose yourself. Parting Thoughts If you keep in mind that you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own, and that it’s always within your power to be civil and, yes, even kind to a certain degree, you will make it through family events, perhaps even better than you anticipated. If things don’t go well in spite of your best efforts to be congenial, plan a vacation over the holidays next year so you can have a guilt-free break from family functions—and other sources of seasonal stress—and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.
“The Swiss have an interesting army. Five hundred years without a war. Pretty impressive. Also pretty lucky for them. Ever see that little Swiss Army knife they have to fight with? Not much of a weapon there. Corkscrews. Bottle openers. ‘Come on, buddy, let’s go. You get past me, the guy in back of me, he’s got a spoon. Back off. I’ve got the toe clippers right here.’” – Jerry Seinfeld
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