Lancaster County Edition
July 2014
Vol. 20 No. 7
Green-Thumb Therapy Horticultural Therapy Helps Seniors Grow Well-Being By Megan Joyce In horticulture therapy, a very tangible activity is used to create intangible healing. Much more than simply planting flowers, horticulture therapy is “the engagement of a participant in horticultural activities facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific and documented treatment goals,” according to the American Horticultural Therapy Association. Increasingly, this type of therapy is a highly effective practice for both seniors and adults with mobility challenges. Physically, the therapy strengthens muscles and boosts coordination, balance, and endurance. And when it comes to those improved intangibles, horticultural therapy has been shown to increase memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization. Paula Swearingen, M.Ed. and owner of Floral Touch Horticultural Therapy and Floral Design, based in Lancaster, is a registered horticultural therapist who has seen the evidence firsthand. “Like most horticultural therapists, I came into this vocation as a secondary career path,” she said. Swearingen spent 17 years as a mental health and special education professional, working with children, youth, and adults with various disabilities. please see GREEN-THUMB page 14 Registered horticultural therapist Paula Swearingen, seated, often treats seniors and people with mobility issues using a ground garden or raised garden table, such as these offered by certified square-foot gardening instructor Joe Manotti, standing.
Inside:
How Reverse Mortgages Work in 2014 page 8
Special Focus: Celebrating Life page 10
Salute to a Veteran
H
Veterans’ expo and Job Fair H
Marine General ‘Chesty’ Puller Made Him an Offer He Couldn’t Refuse Robert D. Wilcox
November 14, 2014 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eden Resort • 222 Eden Road, Lancaster
They served us — now let us serve them! Reserve your space today! The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families. 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.
2 events — 1 location At the Expo Veterans Benefits & Services Community Services Thank-a-Vet Participants Medical/Nonmedical Resources Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs
At the Job Fair Employers Job Counseling Workshops/Seminars Resume Writing Assistance Education/Training Services
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available To become a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact your account representative, call (717) 285-1350, or email info@onlinepub.com
www.veteransexpo.com 2
July 2014
50plus SeniorNews •
uke Wise grew up in Ephrata, Pa., in a family of six boys and six girls. All the boys but Wise went in the
So then, how many missions did he run, and what were they like? “Well, there were 15 of them in all, Army. and they were all pretty hairy. They always His oldest brother served in the meant moving only at night, because the artillery in World War II, and at Fort Sill North Korean troops were everywhere. I he trained under Marine artillery officers. was forbidden to make notes … So he gave his kid brother some sage everything had to be memorized. I was to advice that Luke never forgot: “If you ever zero-in on the ammunition dumps that go into the military, choose the Marines.” our air observers could see but could not So when Wise was 21, that’s exactly what come close enough to target on. he did. “When I got back from The Korean War was missions, the general had on, so after his basic me use my code name, ‘Sgt. training at Parris Island, Dutch,’ and send the exact S.C., he shipped out to coordinates for best Korea. There, he was to bombing to the carrier, USS have an experience that Oriskany (“The Mighty O”). every Marine might have Her aircraft would then fly dreamed about. He was to the missions to flatten those hear, “Wise, the general ammo dumps. We could wants to talk to you.” often see the dumps erupt The general was the in terrific blasts.” legendary Marine “Chesty” Wise had to extend his Puller, who had earned an tour to finish the job, and unheard-of five Navy he says, “When it was over, Sgt. Luke Wise upon his return to the U.S. Crosses for valor in Gen. Puller asked me what in 1953. combat—although he was kind of assignment I’d like best known for his next, saying, ‘You name it, comment, “We’ve been looking for the and you’ve got it.’ I figured I ought to go enemy for some time now. We’ve finally for it, so I said, ‘Sir, I’d like to chauffeur found him. We’re surrounded. That for an admiral.’ simplifies things.” “And the next thing I knew, I was Now, “Chesty” wanted to see Sgt. Luke assigned to the USS Pocono, the flagship Wise. for the Commander, Amphibious Force, “The only thing that came to mind,” Atlantic Fleet. Sure enough, I was the Wise says, “is, ‘What could he possibly admiral’s chauffeur and in charge of the want to talk to me about?’” ship’s orderlies.” He was about to find out. One more thing about Gen. Puller: “Sergeant,” the general said, “they tell Wise later got a personal letter from the me your IQ is off the charts … and that general, thanking and commending him you have a photographic memory. I have a for the work he did in his clandestine hazardous assignment that I won’t order missions. you take, but I’m sure hoping you’ll Aboard the Pocono, Wise toured the volunteer for it.” Caribbean, with stops at many exotic He then explained that they needed ports, from Jamaica to Trinidad. And yes, someone to make repeated forays behind he was the admiral’s chauffeur whenever enemy lines and report details of the admiral was ashore. ammunition dumps the enemy had spread Wise left active duty in July 1954 but out over several miles (and one even across stayed in the Reserve until 1959 as a staff the Yalu River in Manchuria). sergeant. He then returned to Ephrata and What did Wise say? worked in construction and cabinetry “What do you think I said? You think I before retiring in 1999. could stand in front of a man like ‘Chesty’ In retirement, he had one almost unbelievable “small world” experience. Puller, who had specifically asked for me, and tell him, ‘No, General, I think I please see WISE page 7 would really rather not’?”
L
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Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Coins & Currency Steinmetz Coins & Currency, Inc. 350 Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 299-1211 Dental Services Advanced Denture Center 39 E. Main Street, Ephrata (717) 721-3004 Dental Health Associates 951 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster (717) 394-9231 Lancaster Denture Center 951 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster (717) 394-3773 Smoketown Family Dentistry 2433C Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown (717) 291-6035 Emergency Numbers
Gastroenterology Regional Gastroenterology Associates of Lancaster (RGAL) 2104 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster 694 Good Drive, Suite 23, Lancaster 4140 Oregon Pike, Ephrata (717) 544-3400 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Cancer Society (717) 397-3744 American Diabetes Association (888) DIABETES American Heart Association (717) 393-0725 American Lung Association (717) 397-5203 or (800) LungUSA
Central PA Poison Center (800) 521-6110
American Red Cross (717) 299-5561
Office of Aging (717) 299-7979 or (800) 801-3070
Arthritis Foundation (717) 397-6271
Employment Lancaster County Office of Aging (717) 299-7979 Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 898-1900 Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (717) 291-1994
Building You, LLC 804 New Holland Ave., Lancaster (888) 769-3992 Consumer Information (888) 878-3256 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 Disease and Health Risk (888) 232-3228 Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233
Funeral Directors Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home 216 S. Broad St., Lititz (717) 626-2464
Flu or Influenza (888) 232-3228 Hearing Services
Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Home Care Services Alliance Home Help (717) 587-1998
Real Estate Prudential Homesale Services Group Rocky Welkowitz (717) 393-0100 Senior Move Management
Senior Helpers 1060 S. State St., Suite E, Ephrata (717) 738-0588 Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services Serving Lancaster and surrounding counties (717) 393-3450
A Life Transition Service (717) 799-0648 TLC Ladies (717) 228-8764 Transition Solutions for Seniors Rocky Welkowitz (717) 615-6507 Spirituality
Housing Eastwood Village Homes, LLC 102 Summers Drive, Lancaster (717) 397-3138 Manor House Apartments 1415 Spencer Ave., Lancaster (717) 393-0465
Wells Contemplative Solutions 255 Butler Ave., Suite 301-B, Lancaster (717) 208-3633 Travel Passport Information (877) 487-2778
Insurance Medicare (800) 633-4227
Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771
Pharmacies Volunteer Opportunities
CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Wiley’s Pharmacy Locations in Lancaster, Millersville, Quarryville, and Strasburg (717) 898-8804 Physicians — OB/GYN May•Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology Women & Babies Hospital with other locations in Brownstown, Columbia, Elizabethtown,Willow Street, and Intercourse (717) 397-8177 Strasburg Health Associates (717) 687-7541
RSVP of Capital Region, Inc. (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lancaster County (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lebanon County (717) 454-8956 RSVP York County (443) 619-3842 Women’s Services Building You, LLC 804 New Holland Ave., Lancaster (888) 769-3992
Hearing and Ear Care Center, LLC 806 W. Main St., Mount Joy (717) 653-6300 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
50plus SeniorNews •
July 2014
3
The Search for Our Ancestry
Finding Relatives in the ‘Old Country’
Corporate Office: 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240 Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 E-mail address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com
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July 2014
Angelo Coniglio I plan on visiting my grandparents’ ancestral village of Belpaese in Sicily this fall. I’d like to contact relatives who may still be living there. I know my grandparents’ names on both my paternal and maternal side and their approximate birth dates. They emigrated to the U.S. as young adults around 1900. How should I proceed? – K. Lee Sapi, Buffalo, N.Y.
Q:
A: I have found that when folks plan to find “relatives” in the “old country” they tend to concentrate on relatives with only two surnames: their father’s and their mother’s. That may be because we feel “closer” to relatives who have familiar surnames. But if one’s grandparents all left siblings behind, barring duplication, they would have four different surnames: your paternal grandfather’s (the same as yours); your paternal grandmother’s; your maternal grandfather’s; and your maternal grandmother’s. So if you look for relatives only with your surname, you may leave out three-quarters of any relatives you may have there. If each of your grandparents left siblings behind, the children of those siblings would be your parents’ first cousins, and their children would be your second cousins. But your grandparents’ siblings may have included females. If those women married, their children, your parents’ first cousins, would have surnames different from the four familiar ones discussed above, and marriages by the females of the next generation would create even more variation.
50plus SeniorNews •
All of those second cousins would be as closely related to you, regardless whether their surnames are different from yours and each other’s. Start by finding out if and where your ancestral town’s records exist. There may be civil records of birth, marriage, and death, as well as local church records of baptisms, marriages, and deaths. They could be on Mormon microfilm, on the Mormon website FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org) or other free sites, or on the paid site Ancestry.com.
If none of those venues has the records you seek, you may have to hire a researcher in Sicily to locate them, if you wish to develop enough information before your visit. Then locate your grandparents’ Atti di Nascita, or birth records. Sicilian civil records of birth are available for the year 1910 and earlier, back to about 1820, in the “Napoleonic format.” They give a wealth of information including: the name of the person presenting the baby for registration(usually the father); his age, occupation, and address; the time and date of the birth; the mother’s name; and the names, ages, and occupations of two witnesses to the registration. Additional information may include the names of the fathers of
the parents of the newborn and the signature of the father of the child. Small towns could have several people of about the same age with similar or even identical names, so you need to be sure that the birth records you find are really your grandparents’. A list of your parents and their siblings, by order of age, can help. The names of your parents, aunts, and uncles should be reflected in the names of your grandparents’ parents. Once you’ve found your grandparents’ birth records, you can confirm your great-grandparents’ names. Now search the birth records for nearby years to identify your grandparents’ siblings. Often, birth records are inscribed, years later, with notes that tell when and whom the child married. In the case of girls, this gives their husband’s surnames. Now put all that information in order, as a list or table that shows your family tree, including not only your direct ancestors, but also their siblings, nieces, and nephews whose names you have found and any “new” surnames you’ve uncovered. When you get to Belpaese, you’ll find that the locals are warm, friendly, and eager to speak with Americans. That’s when you pull out your family tree! Hopefully your new friends will recognize their own ancestors’ names and realize that they’re actually your relatives! Coniglio is the author of a novella inspired by his Sicilian research entitled The Lady of the Wheel, available in paperback at amzn.to/racalmuto or in an e-book at bit.ly/LadyOfTheWheelKindle. For more information, check out his webpage at bit.ly/AFCGen or email him at genealogytips@aol.com.
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Humane League Pet of the Month
Lucky Lap-loving and affectionate Lucky just can’t seem to get enough of human affection. She loves to be in your lap, will climb up your chest to nuzzle your face, and even gives “hugs”! This 7-year-old lady was surrendered to the shelter when her owners needed to move, and more than anything, Lucky wants to be a member of a loving family once again. Lucky’s loving personality will thrive in a home with older children or adults where she can enjoy all your attention as an only pet. She is already spayed and litter-box trained. If you are seeking a companion who will make you feel truly special and adored, come meet friendly Lucky and let her climb straight into your heart and home! Lucky ID No. 9648854 For more information, please contact the Humane League of Lancaster County at (717) 393-6551.
Therapeutic Companion Gardening “Connecting people and plants to cultivate life.” Certified horticultural therapist gardens alongside gardeners who have disabilities or physical limitations to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
c Serving individuals and caregivers residing within an hour from Lancaster, Pa. Free initial consultation to assess the needs of the individual and the garden space. Paula Swearingen, M.Ed., HTR, Registered Horticultural Therapist
(717) 598-0347 www.floraltouch.net
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• Spec home and pre-owned homes available to inspect •
Directions: Rt. 30E – Greenfield Road exit, Right onto Greenfield Road to Fallon Drive. Right onto Fallon Drive; follow signs to Sales Center.
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50plus SeniorNews •
July 2014
5
The Way I See It
My Workshop Mike Clark here’s a place just off our family room that I like to call my workshop. Workshop is a misnomer, however. There’s hardly room to move in there, let alone do work. It’s become a place where I go only to look for tools when something in the house breaks, leaks, or falls apart. Sometimes I even think about making stuff—until I turn the lights on. I look there because I know I put tools in there at one time or another. I just don’t remember which ones or where. I store tools in other places, too (which exacerbates my problem), but the shop is the principal place for the essential implements that I need to maintain our home. Halloween decorations and paint cans (filled to various levels with paint and dried paint scum) are out in the open on a shelf toward the back of the workshop. I haven’t used either in years, but at
T
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July 2014
50plus SeniorNews •
least they are easy to find. I don’t know why Halloween decorations are in there. I certainly didn’t make them. And the paint colors are outdated. Easily finding things that are no longer of any use to me indicates another problem, as of yet undefined. Hoarding? But specific tools, when I am in urgent need of them, are hard to find. Not all tools, mind you, are hard to find; large, cumbersome tools are difficult to misplace, after all. There’s a 10-inch table saw right about in the center of the shop. It acts as an anchor and is a symbol of the possibilities and potential of what could someday be a viable workshop. To get to it, I must step over a chain saw, a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a router. All these power tools are in their original, molded-plastic cases, which enhances the size of each obstruction. Therefore, they offer a challenge when trying to climb over them.
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The router, by the way, is brand new; I forgot I had it. I also forget why I bought it. I would like to move everything aside while walking to my table saw and the workbench beyond, but pushing these ungainly objects to and fro just jams them more tightly against other articles that should not be on a workshop floor. These power tools can only be stored in the spaces in which they sit. I pick them up, and I set them down. Hand tools are not always so visible, however. And therein lies the gist of my troubles. Any relatively flat surface in the vicinity of a job I’m doing is a potential storage spot for a small hand tool. It is also a convenient spot to deposit wood scraps, bent nails, stripped screws, and other, larger tools. It happens often enough that a significant supply of important hand tools can end up concealed under mounds of things that should have been discarded long ago. Oh, the tools and gadgets that I’ve taken the time and care to hang on my large, brown peg-board are fairly neat and in order. I attribute that to the fact that I seldom use those things. They consist of screwdrivers, chisels, nut-drivers, pliers, wrenches, hand saws, hand drills, leftover plumbing supplies, and miscellaneous doodads that are all the wrong sizes and types for the tasks that I need to tend. I must have needed them at one time.
WISE
I mean, why else would they be there? I have often searched an inordinately long time for a tool that I know I have. And in my frustration, I give up looking. Then I go to the hardware store and buy a new tool. It saves me a lot of time, and the tool I need is usually inexpensive. The hours I waste looking could be spent repairing, I always say. In the latest episode, my garbage disposal jammed. You’ll have to ask my wife why, though. Fine, it could have happened to anyone (as she says). So I went down to my workshop to fetch a quarter-inch Allen wrench to jog the flywheel back and forth, which usually clears the jam. I searched until I found an array of Allen wrenches lying scattershot in a place far from where they should have been. There was no quarter-inch wrench in the pile, although I know I have one— somewhere. In the meantime, I went to the hardware store to get a new one. Someday I’ll clean out and organize my workshop. And when I do, I’ll more than likely find two of everything. I’m going to plan a yard sale. Mike Clark writes a regular column for The Globe Leader newspaper in New Wilmington, Pa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior/applied psychology from Albright College. Mike lives outside Columbia, Pa., and can be contacted at mikemac429@aol.com.
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from page 2
He was shopping one couldn’t believe he day at the Green would ever actually run Dragon Market in into Sgt. Dutch. And at Ephrata, wearing his the Green Dragon, of all Marine Corps cap. places. Turned out he A man stopped him was from Florida, just and said, “We sure passing through. What needed you Marines in were the chances of that? Korea.” When Wise Maybe one in a billion.” asked him how he knew Wise now lives in about that, the guy said, retirement with his wife, “I was flying off the Collette, in a Sgt. Wise and his tent in Korea. Oriskany, bombing comfortable the ammo dumps retirement that you guys community in pinpointed for us.” Ephrata. But he When Wise asked keeps a collection of him if he could Marine Corps caps remember the code that he wears … name of the spotter always glad for the who gave him the chance to meet info, the guy said, other vets with “I’ll never forget it. The USS Oriskany, whose planes destroyed whom he swaps His code name was stories of those the North Korean bomb dumps. ‘Sgt. Dutch.’” terrible—but To which Wise said, “Well … I’m Sgt. wonderful—days in the Marines. Dutch.” Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Wise laughs and says, “You should Europe in World War II. have seen that guy’s jaw drop. He www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
is seeking an ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE On-Line Publishers, Inc. has an opening for a highly motivated person with a professional attitude to sell print and online advertising as well as niche events. The successful candidate should: • Enjoy building and maintaining your own long-term business relationships. • Be highly motivated, detail oriented, and able to multitask. • Have good communication skills. • Show a willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. We offer a competitive compensation plan with a benefits package that includes health insurance and a 401(k) plan. If you have sales experience and are interested in joining our growing sales team, please send your resume and compensation history/requirements to danderson@onlinepub.com. On-Line Publishers, Inc. • 3912 Abel Drive • Columbia, PA 17512 • 717.285.1350 www.onlinepub.com
50plus SeniorNews •
July 2014
7
Savvy Senior
How Reverse Mortgages Work in 2014 Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? I was considering one last year, but now I hear they are more difficult to get. – Ready to Reverse Dear Ready, That’s correct. Tighter rules on reverse mortgages that have recently gone into effect have made them harder to get, especially for seniors with heavy debt problems. The reason the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) made these changes was to strengthen the product, which has suffered from a struggling housing market and a growing number of defaults by borrowers. Here’s a rundown of how reverse mortgages now work in 2014. Overview: The basics are still the
same. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows senior homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their house. The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, sells the house, or moves out for at least 12 months. It’s also important to know that with a reverse mortgage, you, not the bank, own the house, so you’re still responsible for property taxes, insurance, and repairs. Eligibility: To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years
old, own your own home (or owe only a small balance), and currently be living there. You will also need to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you can afford to make all the necessary tax and insurance payments over the projected life of the loan. Lenders will look at your sources of income, your assets, and your credit history. Depending on your financial situation, you may be required to put part of your loan into an escrow account
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 8
July 2014
50plus SeniorNews •
to pay future bills. If the financial assessment finds that you cannot pay your insurance and taxes and have enough cash left to live on, you will be denied. Loans: Nearly all reverse mortgages offered today are home equity conversion mortgages (HECM), which are FHA insured and offered through private mortgage lenders and banks. HECMs also have home-value limits that vary by county but cannot exceed $625,500. See the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development online (hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm) for a list of HUD-approved lenders. Loan amounts: The amount you get through a reverse mortgage depends on your age, your home’s value, and the prevailing interest rates. Generally, the older you are, the more
E.O.E.
GUEST SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE – PT County hotel/motel is seeking a dependable, well-organized person who enjoys providing top-notch customer service. Must be detail oriented and able to work all shifts, holidays, and weekends. Post-offer drug screen and background check required. SN060031.01 ASSEMBLERS – FT Electronics business needs assemblers with an understanding of production drawings and related instructions. Must have a mechanical aptitude, basic math skills, a detail orientation, and strong reading, comprehension, and retention skills. Training available. SN060043.02
VIEW OUR JOB LIST We list other jobs on the Web at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/ lanco_aging. To learn more about applying for the 55+ Job Bank and these jobs, call the Employment Unit at (717) 299-7979. SN-GEN.03
MERCHANDISE ASSOCIATE – PT Retail soft-goods outlet seeking persons to assist with merchandise presentation, processing, markdowns, cashiering, customer service, and layaway. Must have a professional appearance, good communication skills, and be able to stand for long periods. SN060009.04
— Volunteer Opportunities — Lancaster County Office of Aging offers a volunteer opportunity that doesn't even require you to leave your home. Volunteer phone pals call agency consumers who may not get out of the home very often or have very limited socialization experiences. Phone pal volunteers are assigned to call an agency consumer a few times a week for the purpose of increasing the older person's socialization opportunities. Those phone calls can brighten the day of a homebound person. The frequency and length of the calls depends on the volunteer and the consumer and how much they enjoy communicating by phone. If you are interested in providing socialization for someone with phone calls, contact Bev Via at (717) 2997979 or by emailing aging@co.lancaster.pa.us for more information. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
your house is worth, and the lower the interest rates are, the more you can borrow. A 70-year-old, for example, with a home worth $300,000 could borrow around $170,000 with a fixedrate HECM. To calculate how much you can borrow, visit the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association’s website (www.reversemortgage.org). Loan costs: Reverse mortgages have a number of upfront fees, including a 2 percent lender origination fee for the first $200,000 of the home’s value and 1 percent of the remaining value, with a cap of $6,000. There is also a 0.5 percent initial mortgage insurance premium fee, along with an appraisal fee, closing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Most fees can be deducted for the loan amount to reduce your out-of-pocket cost at closing. In addition, you’ll also have to pay an annual mortgage insurance premium of 1.25 percent of the loan amount.
Payment options: You can receive the money in a lump sum, a line of credit, regular monthly checks, or a combination of these. But in most cases, you cannot withdraw more than 60 percent of the loan during the first year. If you do, you’ll pay a 2.5 percent upfront insurance premium fee. Counseling: All borrowers are required to get face-to-face or telephone counseling through a HUDapproved independent counseling agency before taking out a reverse mortgage. Some agencies are awarded grants that enable them to offer counseling for free, but most charge around $125 to $250. To locate a counseling agency near you, visit HUD’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors webpage (hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/ hecmhome.cfm) or call (800) 569-4287.
The U.S. Department of Labor engagement, enhancing services to recently announced a one-time SCSEP participants through demonstration grant award of development or improvement of $3,224,509 to 14 community service partnerships, and expanding training organizations to improve services to low- options for SCSEP participants. income older workers through the Senior Grant recipients included AARP Inc., Community Service Employment Experience Works, Goodwill Industries, Program. National Able Network, and the “Older workers are National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, essential to the fabric among others. of our nation, but it The federal grants The SCSEP can be difficult for will help older (http://www.doleta. many of these Americans to access workers overcome gov/seniors) provides part-time, community good jobs,” said Portia challenges in service-based job Wu, assistant secretary training for low-income, of labor for re-entering the unemployed individuals employment and workforce 55 and older. training. SCSEP participants “The federal grants gain work experience in a variety of we’re announcing … will help these community service activities at nonprofit individuals overcome challenges in reand public facilities, including schools, entering the workforce and attaining hospitals, daycare centers, and senior economic stability.” centers. The grantees awarded will develop Participants also have access to programs focused on the following three employment assistance through American priorities: improving unsubsidized job Job Centers (http://jobcenter.usa.gov). placements through increased employer
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Reserve your space now for the 18 th annual
Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
Labor Dept. Awards $3.2M in Grants to Improve Services for Older Workers
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Does Your Marketing Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors?
November 5, 2014 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim (Just off Rt. 283 at the Salunga exit)
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars Entertainment • Door Prizes
Why Participate? It’s the premier event for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors in Lancaster County • Face-to-face interaction with 3,000+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products
For sponsorship and exhibitor information:
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Celebrating L i f e Funeral Preplanning – Emotional and Financial Security for Loved Ones By Lori M. Myers We planned our careers, our children’s lives (much to their chagrin), and our travels. But thinking about planning for own death makes us uneasy. We know we should preplan, get it down on paper, and make it official. It’s important. But why? First, it removes the burden of doing so from our loved ones. A death can be an emotional time without the added stress of organizing and paying for those final arrangements while in the midst of grief. It’s even worse if the death is a sudden one, leaving loved ones unprepared and confused. They may rush to pay for a cemetery plot or grave without careful thought. Second, it ensures our own specific wishes will be carried out. Preplanning allows us to have the funeral reflect who we are and what we want. Do you want to be cremated or buried? If cremated, how should the remains be scattered and where? Who
should keep them? If buried, where do you want your final resting place to be? What sort of memorial service do you want? Do you wish something simple with only close family in attendance? Or is more of a large celebration something you feel comfortable with? Are there favorite songs or readings you wish to share with those who are present? Are there photos you want displayed as mourners enter the service? Depending on one’s religious beliefs, some funerals have to be conducted within 24-48 hours. Others have a little bit more time. Funeral preplanning saves a family much time agonizing over what they “think” your wishes could be as well as how to pay and who will pay. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer information, you may wish to make decisions about your arrangements in advance but not pay for them in advance.
• What happens to the money you’ve prepaid? States have different requirements for handling funds paid for prearranged funeral services.
If you decide to take this route, keep in mind that over time, prices will fluctuate and businesses may close or change ownership. It’s a good idea, they say, to review and revise your decisions every few years, and to make sure you communicate any and all plans and changes of those plans to your family. Any preferences should be put in writing and copies given to family members and your attorney, with one copy in a place where it can be easily found. Avoid putting the only copy of your preferences in a safe-deposit box in the event arrangements have to be made on a weekend or holiday before the box can be opened. According to the Federal Trade Commission, if you do prepay some or all of the funeral expenses, it’s important to consider the following:
• What happens to the interest income on money that is prepaid and put into a trust account? • Are you protected if the firm you dealt with goes out of business? • Can you cancel the contract and get a full refund if you change your mind? • What happens if you move to a different area or die while away from home? Some prepaid funeral plans can be transferred, but it could be at an added cost. Whatever planning you do, let your family know the details. Let them know where the documents are filed, whether or not you have prepaid. You may also wish to consult an attorney on the best way to ensure that your wishes are followed.
• What are you paying for? Are you buying only merchandise, like a casket and vault, or are you purchasing funeral services as well?
For more than 18 years, 50plus LIVING has been the guide to living and care options. Will they find your services there? Your guide to choosing the right living and care options for you or a loved one: • Active adult and residential living • Independent and retirement living communities • Assisted living residences and personal care homes • Nursing and healthcare services • Home care, companions, and hospice care providers • Ancillary services
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Celebrating L i f e
Moving Yourself or Moving Mom & Dad ... You Can Count on Rocky!
Personalized Grief to heart. Cultural influences are another factor that determines how someone will How does each of us grieve? It all grieve. Some funerals are somber affairs; depends. others are joyous with dancing and Let’s look at these scenarios: a music. How one’s culture and religion mother loses her child in an accident, a view death and dying is a big factor in husband loses his wife to cancer, a sibling is suddenly without the other, or what we feel is an acceptable, comfortable way to grieve. a beloved community leader dies with Something else that might determine work unfinished. the extent of one’s outward grief is the Some cry, others express anger, and still others hold feelings inside of them. relationship one had with the deceased. Was it a close and loving relationship or Why is it that society “expects” those was it a contentious one filled with left behind to grieve in the exact same resentment? How much stress and/or way? Why do we assume that grief is guilt were one size fits all? associated with that It isn’t. Each person and how person who mourns Why is it that much did you the passing of a loved depend on them one reacts in different society “expects” for your own ways. There are those left behind happiness? reasons for this. Just The depth of as each of us is to grieve in the feeling and hence different in exact same way? the outward signs personality, the of grief will change process of grieving for from person to a loved one can also person. If we feel that the deceased had manifest itself in varied forms. lived a good life and achieved most or For example, each individual is a all of what they set out to do, we may product of past experiences. One only feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness has to examine a person’s childhood to of a life well lived. determine how one might handle a Are we thankful for the time we had death in the future. Were there other with them or are we inconsolable losses in the past? How were they dealt because we yearned for more or regret with? something that was unsaid or undone? As children, we take the lead of our The circumstances that caused the parents or other family members whom death are another dynamic that affects we might consider role models. We how we grieve. Was it old age? Was it watch them, mimic them, and pay an accident or a child with a disease? attention to the signals they give us. If We may grieve more if we feel that the they show strength and resilience, then perhaps we will too. If they fall to pieces death could have been prevented. We may grieve a little less or differently if or experience long-term depression, we the death was out of anyone’s control. may do the same. Grieving is as unique as one’s If they view death and dying as part fingerprints or the snowflakes that fall of a circle of life, then we might grow from the sky. No matter how one up with a similar belief and conduct grieves, remember that all need ourselves accordingly. Did they talk comfort, a phone call, a visit, a covered about the death or were they in denial dish to share. It’s a process — each in and silent? All of these behaviors affect their own way. children who see and hear and take it By Lori M. Myers
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It’s our mission to ensure a better quality of life, both for our clients and their families. We provide companion, personal, and specialized dementia care, so you can enjoy living independently at home or as a resident in a facility setting. We are honored to be guiding and educating our veterans on benefits available to off-set the cost of home care. We are an approved provider with the Office of Long Term Living Waiver Programs and the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Call today for your FREE in-home meeting. 1060 South State Street, Suite E. Ephrata, PA 17522 www.seniorhelpers.com/lancastercounty
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717-738-0588 July 2014
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Calendar of Events
Lancaster County
Support Groups
Free and open to the public
July 2, 7 to 8:15 p.m. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Willow Lakes Outpatient Center 212 Willow Valley Lakes Drive Willow Street (717) 464-9365 July 14, 10 to 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Garden Spot Village Concord Room 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6076 jmorton@gardenspotvillage.org
July 17, noon Brain Tumor Support Group Lancaster General Health Campus Wellness Center 2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster (717) 626-2894
July 28, 2 to 3 p.m. Parkinson’s Support Group Garden Spot Village Concord Room 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6259 jshaffer@gardenspotvillage.org
July 23, 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
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
Community Programs Monday– Saturday through Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home Tours 443 W. Newport Road, Ronks (717) 656-7616 resslermill@gmail.com July 3 and 11, 7 p.m. Yankee Doodle Dandy Garden Spot Village Chapel 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6000
Free and open to the public July 7, 6 p.m. Red Rose Singles Meeting Hoss’s Steak & Sea House 100 W. Airport Road, Lititz (717) 406-6098
July 18, 6 to 9 p.m. Music Fridays Downtown Lancaster (717) 341-0028
July 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pennsylvania Music Expo Continental Inn 2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster (717) 898-1246 www.recordcollectors.org
Library Programs Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz, (717) 626-2255 July 10, 7 p.m. – “Gettysburg in Sight and Sound” Multimedia Presentation July 12, 11:30 a.m. – Outdoor Lunchtime Concert: The Myopics July 15, noon – Reel Talk for Everyone: Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation 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. July 18, 6 to 10 p.m.; July 19, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Class July 18 or 19, 9 to 10 p.m. – Astronomy Series and Star Watch, Lancaster County Central Park Environmental Center
What’s Happening? Give Us the Scoop! Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Lancaster County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com Let
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Senior Center Activities
Cocalico Senior Association – (717) 336-7489 July 3, 10 a.m. – Fourth of July Party July 10, 11 a.m. – Lunch Outing July 24, 8:30 a.m. – Hot Breakfast Columbia Senior Center – (717) 684-4850 July 3, 9:15 a.m. – Bingo with Joe from Hospice July 10, 10:15 a.m. – Computer Class: Working with Email July 21, 10:15 a.m. – Beach Party Music with Dan Martin Elizabethtown Area Senior Center – (717) 367-7984 Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Walking in the Gym Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Sewing Circle and Conversation Fridays, 10 a.m. – Bible Study Lancaster House North Happy Hearts Club Senior Center – (717) 299-1278 Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – Varied Activities Thursdays, noon – Pinochle Lancaster Neighborhood Senior Center – (717) 299-3943 July 3, 9:30 a.m. – Crafts with Nora July 9 – Mystery Trip: Sightseeing and Shopping July 24, 9:30 a.m. – Learning Spanish/English Lancaster Rec. Senior Center – (717) 392-2115, ext. 147 July 9, 10:30 a.m. – Facials and Makeup by Mary Kay Cosmetics July 16, 10:30 a.m. – Estate Planning Presentation July 24, 10 a.m. – Haircuts and Manicures Lititz Senior Center – (717) 626-2800 July 16, 10 a.m. – Diabetic 101 Program July 17, 10:15 a.m. – Music and Dancing with Lost & Found July 24, 10 a.m. – Mental Health Presentation Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center – (717) 295-7989 July 3, 9 a.m. – Fourth of July Celebration Next Gen Senior Center – (717) 786-4770 July 2, 10:30 a.m. – Flood Safety and Thunderstorms Program July 7, 10 a.m. – Lancaster Parks Program: Summer Birds July 25, 10 a.m. – Virtual Trip Rodney Park Happy Hearts Club Senior Center – (717) 393-7786 Tuesdays, noon – Pinochle Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – Varied Activities Thursdays, noon – Bingo Please call or visit the centers’ websites for additional activities.
help you get the word out! (717) 285-1350
50plus SeniorNews •
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Tinseltown Talks
Here’s to You, Mrs. Robinson Nick Thomas hen NASA honored June Lockhart last October, it would have been quite fitting to borrow the above lyrics from a popular Simon and Garfunkel song to salute the 89-year-old actress. Best remembered by sci-fi fans for her role of TV space mom Maureen Robinson in the ’60s series Lost in Space, Lockhart told me recently that the NASA recognition was a highlight of her long career, which includes a Tony Award, an Emmy nomination, and a couple of stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I was presented with the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for my work with the space agency,” she explained. “I’ve been to two space shuttle launches and worked with NASA since the 1970s, addressing their employees and traveling on NASA’s behalf to promote the agency. “So I’m absolutely thrilled by this recognition,” she said. “No other actress has received this honor.” One of her memorable experiences occurred during a space shuttle mission in 1992. “I called NASA one day and spoke with astronaut Ken Reightler and told him I had a good wake-up song for them to use,” recalled Lockhart. She was referring to “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise,” a catchy ’50s hit by Les Paul and Mary Ford. The song held special significance because the lyrics were written by her father, beloved character actor Gene Lockhart. “So I went to mission control in Houston, and at around 2 a.m. they played the song for the crew of the Columbia mission,” she explained. “Then a voice from space came over the speaker: ‘Some of us up here want to know what Lassie’s mother is doing in mission control at 2 o’clock in the morning!’” Lassie, one of TV’s longest-running shows (1954-1973), was Lockhart’s other big hit in which she dispensed maternal wisdom, this time for six seasons as a farm mom. Later, she morphed from matriarch to medic as Dr. Janet Craig for three seasons on Petticoat Junction. “Petticoat Junction was a delight to do with wonderful scripts,” said Lockhart.
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The1960 cast of Lassie. Pictured are June Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Jon Provost, and Lassie.
Publicity photo of Guy Williams and June Lockhart promoting their roles on the television series Lost in Space. National Symphony Orchestra Conductor Emil de Cou, right, listens to Lockhart introduce a set of space-themed music during the “Salute to Apollo” ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
“It was great playing comedy after Lost in Space, which was more dramatic, and Lassie, which didn’t have many laughs.” On the big screen, 12-year-old Lockhart made her debut in the 1938 holiday classic A Christmas Carol, alongside both her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, who played the Cratchits. While she went on to costar with greats such as Gary Cooper in Sergeant York and Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis, A Christmas Carol is special since it was the only time she appeared with her parents in a motion picture. But it was memorable for other reasons, too. “My daughter, Junie, and granddaughter, Christianna, have never let me forget that the first words I ever spoke in movies were: ‘I know, I know– sausages!’” said Lockhart, referring to her on-screen guess for the contents of a food package Mr. Cratchit brings home. “We all shriek with laugher when we watch it now.” In addition to being an advocate for NASA and many other causes, Lockhart continues to work and co-starred in the comedy spoof Zombie Hamlet, which had its world premiere at the 2012 Palm Beach International Film Festival and was
released on DVD in December 2013. In 2013, she appeared in the interactive movie series Tex Murphy, a gaming platform that combines animation with full-motion video of real actors. “That was a new experience, and I really enjoyed it. And in December, I also celebrated my 80th year as a paid performer in the business! I made my debut at the age of 8 in Peter Ibbetson at the Metropolitan Opera House.” While actors are used to receiving accolades for career milestones, Lockhart admits to still being quite overwhelmed by the NASA recognition and is, she says, “over the moon about it!” Congratulations, Mrs. Robinson! Thomas’ features and columns have appeared in more than 300 magazines and newspapers, and he is the author of Raised by the Stars, published by McFarland. He can be reached at his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com
Who Has the Best Bites in Central PA? 50plus Senior News readers have spoken! Here are the Lancaster County dining favorites for 2014! Breakfast: George’s Kendig Square Restaurant
Fast Food: McDonald’s
Lunch: Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches
Seafood: Red Lobster
Dinner: Symposium Ethnic Cuisine: Hong Kong Garden
Steak: Stockyard Inn Outdoor Dining: T.J. Rockwell’s
Celebrating: The Brasserie
Romantic Setting: The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar
Bakery: Achenbach’s Pastry Shop
Smorgasbord/Buffet: Shady Maple Smorgasboard
Coffeehouse: Square One Coffee
Caterer: Hess’s Barbecue Catering
Winner of $50 Giant Food Stores Gift Card: Sharon Gettel Congratulations!
50plus SeniorNews •
July 2014
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GREEN-THUMB
from page 1
“As the new millennium approached, it became more important to me to create a more balanced life—one where I could experience joy and pleasure while still serving others.” More than a decade ago, Swearingen resigned her job as an assistant director of special education in a public school district, sold her house, and started from scratch working as a landscape gardener at a local retirement community. After completing coursework and interning under the direction of a horticultural therapist, Swearingen earned a certificate in horticultural therapy from Temple University, effectively combining her background in human services with her love of plants and flowers. The therapeutic benefits of gardens and gardening have been documented for centuries, but it was Dr. Benjamin Rush, the “father of American psychiatry” and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who first recorded the positive effects the therapy had on patients with mental illness in the 1800s. In the mid-20th century, horticultural therapy was used to aid the rehabilitation of hospitalized war veterans, expanding
the practice beyond the confines of began participating in flower-arranging mental-illness treatment. programs. “Seniors often find themselves facing “Eventually, she proudly found her loss of all types,” Swearingen said. “They designs on display in the main lobby. She may often find became that they are recognized by offered fewer the entire opportunities to community for contribute to her beautiful the happenings creations,” within their Swearingen family, their recalled. “She churches, or improved their emotionally communities.” and physically Swearingen to the point cited the that she was example of a able to leave the pastor’s wife skilled care named Jane community and who had move in with created the her family.” Seniors gardening in raised garden beds. flower Swearingen arrangements also recounted for her church for 40 years. After her her experience with three men who husband died, she moved to a skilled regularly grew and harvested vegetables nursing care community and her health for the local food bank, raising many deteriorated. pounds of food for their community She also became withdrawn and “despite having ailments such as clinically depressed, refusing to leave her congestive heart failure, dementia, and room for months until she gradually limited mobility,” she said. “They grew all of their vegetables in raised garden beds, harvesting from the comfort and stability of their chairs.” Raised garden beds are the specialty and passion of Joe Manotti, certified square-foot gardening instructor for Your Garden Solution. These gardens consist of soil enclosed by a square frame, usually made of wood, which is raised above the surrounding soil. Raised garden beds are available in two types: a ground garden is raised Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to about 8 inches off the ground, and a garden table stands on legs 3 feet high, a others? Tell us what makes him or her so special perfect height for those unable to bend and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’ over to garden. Manotti was inspired to offer raised garden beds after his aging father, a lifelong gardener, had not gardened in 15 years due health issues and limited mobility. “Two years ago, we built him a garden table, and this has enabled him to do what he had done almost all of his life, and that was to grow his own vegetables,” Manotti said. “We thought, if he needed this, so did a lot of other people.” Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and Your Garden Solution’s garden tables photos are encouraged. Email preferred to are created by local Amish craftsmen out of Douglas fir, sassafras, and cedar mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to woods. Manotti recommends a 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, technique called square-foot gardening, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512. where the 4-foot by 4-foot garden bed is
Time is a Priceless Gift
Volunteer Spotlight!
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filled with 6 inches of soil and subdivided into 16 square-foot sections. Each square foot grows different vegetables or flowers, enabling a gardener to grow a lot of plants in a small space. A square-foot garden bed typically yields many more vegetables than traditional row gardening and with fewer weeds. “The average person quits gardening after 2.5 years. Why? Because of the maintenance involved, such as weeding,” Manotti said. “Raised beds eliminate much of the maintenance since the soil [we offer] is formulated to provide plants with the optimal growing environment.” Manotti said that garden tables can grow most vegetables, with the exception of some deep-rooted plants like potatoes or garlic, which need more than 6 inches of soil. Raised garden beds—both ground gardens and garden tables—have become important elements of horticultural therapy, enabling horticultural therapists to bring the practice to patients with physical limitations. “Seniors and those with limited mobility love the garden tables! It enables them to enjoy gardening again,” Manotti said. Manotti shared the story of a Central Pennsylvania woman with severe arthritis in one knee that prohibited her from kneeling to tend to a vegetable garden. As a result, she had not had a garden for many years and missed it greatly— until her son told her about square-foot gardening and purchased her a garden table, which quickly yielded so many vegetables she was able to share them with others. Swearingen noted that horticulture therapy is often used as a complement to traditional therapeutic treatments. Therapists, she said, are trained to support participants who have physical limitations through the use of adaptive tools and proper body mechanics. “Horticultural therapy is unique in that it involves tangible outcomes that are valued by the participant and the community. The activities provide opportunities for decision making, creative expression, and contribution to others,” she said. Avid gardeners as well as those who have never tended a garden in their lives can benefit from horticulture both in and out of a therapeutic setting. “Plants are not influenced by poverty or wealth, by age or ability,” said Swearingen. “Nurture them, and they will grow. The same is true for us—if we nurture ourselves, we will grow. It is never too late.” www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
50 Years of Service to the 50-plus Community By Molly Carl Those in the 50-plus community know the hard work and dedication it takes to experience half a century. This year, Landis Homes Retirement Community celebrates its 50th anniversary, joining its residents in the golden years. The official anniversary of Landis Homes, whose slogan is “Serving One Another,” took place on Feb. 18, celebrating 50 years of serving the senior population of Lancaster County. The event was commemorated by several special announcements, the pinnacle of which came from Larry Zook, Landis Homes’ president/CEO, ensuring that the anniversary would not come and go like any other day. Zook introduced the 50th Anniversary Giving Project, a $50,000 fundraising campaign whose proceeds will go toward making the Leaman Woods portion of the campus more accessible to residents. The campaign will run until Nov. 6, at which point the nine-month celebration will come to a close with one final day of festivities. For every $50 raised during the Giving Project, a luminary will be placed along the path to Leaman Woods. The Nov. 6 event will begin with a service of thanksgiving with the Landis Homes Chorus, followed by an art exhibit by Molly Kraybill called “100 Faces.” The Eastern Mennonite University student created this exhibit by photographing and interviewing 100 women between the ages of 1 and 100, providing insight into what it means to age. The day will close with the Luminary Walk along the trail through Leaman Woods, a well-lit path to symbolize the Homes’ bright future. As much as this is a celebration for the future of Landis Homes, it is also a remembrance of the past 50 years.
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Since 1964, Landis Homes has also updated the services it provides. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Adult Day Services, which began in August 1989, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Children’s Learning Center, which opened in November 2004. Two of Landis Homes’ residents also have a special anniversary this year. Walter and Lorraine Shirk will be celebrating their 25th wedding Photo courtesy of Mark Van Scyoc One of the many changes Landis Homes anniversary this fall after tying the knot Aerial view of the Landis Homes campus. has implemented since its beginning is the creation of hybrid housing, a cross between in a chapel on the Homes’ campus in 1989. apartment- and cottage-style living. In light of Landis Homes’ 50th anniversary, Deb Laws-Landis, community relations director, wanted people to remember the values and ideals that originated with the company. “Landis Homes is built on good history and operates based on good values,” said Laws-Landis. “[It] has much to celebrate as it is and has proven to be a wonderful place to live, retire, serve, receive services from, and work.” For more information on the 50th Walter and Lorraine Shirk Landis Homes’ first residents from 1964 standing anniversary festivities, or on Landis were married in a in front of the first building. From left to right: Homes in general, visit Landis Homes chapel in 1989. Lizzie Mumma, Edith Brown, Barbara Reist, th www.LandisHomes.org or call (717) 569They will celebrate their 25 Martin and Rosa Miller, Lizzie Hess, Mary and 3271. anniversary this fall. Henry Weber, Ben Brackbill, and Graybill Landis. In 1961, several Mennonite community leaders started a retirement community with support from a $100,000 donation from Graybill Landis and a land donation from Clayton and Ellen Landis. On Feb. 18, 1964, the first tenants moved into Landis Homes. Over the past five decades, Landis Homes has come leaps and bounds from what one of the first residents described as a “few buildings in the vast area of farmland.” The campus now houses nearly 800 residents with over 500 employees to provide service and care in virtually every aspect of the residents’ lives.
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July 2014
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Book Review What is a Pacemaker? A Cardiologist’s Guide for Patients and Care Providers By Jeffery L. Williams, MD, MS he fastest-growing population segment in the United States, seniors commonly undergo pacemaker implantation. Although doctors’ offices typically provide short pamphlets on the procedure, there is rarely any comprehensive yet understandable reference material for patients to obtain. Explaining the “what, why, and how” of pacemaker implantation, What is a Pacemaker? is an invaluable new guide providing an in-depth summary of pacemakers, from the initial patient evaluation and device implantation to the issues that could potentially arise during a long-term follow-up. What is a Pacemaker? A Cardiologist’s Guide for Patients and Care Providers is a
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complete reference tool for patients who are undergoing, or who have undergone, pacemaker implantation. From doctor selection to long-term care issues, the book is easy to read and well organized. About the Author Dr. Jeff Williams is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology and is currently medical director of electrophysiology at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon. Williams has earned numerous accolades within the academic and clinical settings, including awards from both the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
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CROSSWORD
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 18
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The Beauty in Nature
Creatures Feeding on Lawns Clyde McMillan-Gamber everal kinds of adaptable creatures get much of their food from shortgrass lawns in southeastern Pennsylvania, as elsewhere. Those animals have added banquet tables that bolster their populations and add to our enjoyment of lawns, which are new, human-made habitats. American robins, purple grackles, and starlings are medium-sized birds that move across lawns in search of invertebrates, particularly earthworms. These species also rear young in trees and on buildings on lawns. Canada geese, cottontail rabbits, and woodchucks eat grass and white clover leaves. Geese and chucks consume those plants by day while the rabbits do so mostly during evenings and into the night. Northern flickers are a type of woodpecker that eats ants in the soil. Unlike their black-and-white relatives, flickers are mostly brown, which
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camouflages them on the ground. They run their long, sticky tongues into the tunnels of anthills in the soil to snare ants and their eggs and larvae, pull them out of their labyrinths, and swallow them.
A few kinds of attractive, seed-eating birds eat dandelion seeds in May, a time when few other seeds are available. Permanent resident northern cardinals, song sparrows, American goldfinches and house finches, nesting chipping sparrows, and migrant indigo buntings make dandelion fluff float on the wind without their seed cargoes. Several kinds of insects sip sugary nectar from white clover flowers from late May through summer. Honeybees, bumblebees, and a few kinds of small
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“Spiritual direction can be an invaluable solution to the many challenges of successful aging.”
Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist.
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butterflies, including cabbage whites, visit the blooms of white clovers. White clover plants respond to mowing by producing new blossoms after each cutting. The result is fresh nectar for these insects all summer. The act of mowing grass is like a dinner bell for a couple of species of birds. I have seen gray catbirds watching the mowing from the security of bushes and flipping out to catch small moths stirred out of hiding in the grass by the mower. Barn swallows swoop over lawns to catch froghoppers in mid-air. Those little insects were stirred into flight by the mower. Watch lawns a little closer to see some of these critters feeding on them. They make the lawns more interesting and enjoyable.
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Deal Me In By Mark Pilarski
Did This Player Deserve to Be Tossed from the Casino? Dear Mark: I was asked to leave a casino by security for, if you can believe this, playing someone else’s leftover $12 worth of credits that they had left on a slot machine and didn’t cash out. Although not banned for life, I was rudely told it was against the law, made to return the $12, and told not to come back for 30 days. You have got to be kidding me! Whatever happened to “finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers?” – Matt N. For starters, Matt, the casino made you give back the money simply because it didn’t belong to you. “Finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers” is not a defense for taking credits discovered on a slot machine. You are basing your newly found booty on the premise that when something is abandoned, whoever finds it can claim it. Unfortunately, within the casino walls, this raises ethical and legal challenges. On the casino floor, credits left on machines do not belong to the person who finds them, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they belong to the casino either. Casinos, as well as some gaming jurisdictions, have specific policies on how to handle abandoned credits. The children’s rhyme, “finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers” may apply in children’s games but doesn’t pass muster in gambling establishments. Like a pair of sunglasses left at a blackjack game, in the joints where I worked, we regarded credits left on a slot machine specifically as “lost property” and did our best to find their rightful owner. Today, especially if one uses his or her Player’s card, it is relatively easy to track the previous player. Nevertheless, a tip to you and other slot-playing patrons: before you walk away from any slot machine, don’t forget to press the cash-out button. As for you being 86’d from the casino, well, that might have been a bit over the top. I have never heard of any leftoverwww.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
credits-playing player being given the heave-ho. That said, that doesn’t mean there are not swindlers who make a living scavenging the millions lost each year by gamblers who forget their stored credits (winnings). The pretender who purposively circles the casino floor looking for orphan credits on a slot machine, or even change on the floor for that matter, can warrant the dreaded permanent 86 for making a full-time occupation of cruising the casino eyeing easy pickings. I will buy, however, that you weren’t a credit conniver looking for an easy score. So, playing slot manager for just a moment, my casinomanagement style would not have even warranted a wrist slap. I was one to operate more in the spirit of the law, not the letter of, although, I must acknowledge that every gaming supervisor will handle your scenario their own way. All I would have told you was that the next time you find credits remaining on the machine, you should inform some slot-floor personnel, and then I would have gone on my merry way. Had we found the previous player, I just would have credited him or her $12. Now let’s look at the positive here, Matt, of which there is one. For the next 30 days, you won’t be playing on a machine that has a house edge of up to 20 percent. Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “I have seen a pregnant woman stand at a 21 game, oblivious to labor pains, until we thought we were going to become midwives, and leave only when we summoned an ambulance.” – Harold S. Smith Sr., I Want to Quit Winners (1961) Mark Pilarski is a recognized authority on casino gambling, having survived 18 years in the casino trenches. Pilarski is the creator of the bestselling, award-winning audio book series on casino gambling, Hooked on Winning. www.markpilarski.com
Wheelchairs Donated for Overseas Aid Pictured are, from left, Scott Rowand, volunteer; Jan Rowand, Genesis Rehab Services director at Pleasant View; and Bob Klein, expansion director for GAiN.
Pleasant View Retirement Community recently donated unused wheelchairs and walkers to Global Aid Network (GAiN). The wheelchairs and walkers will go overseas to help those in need.
Landis Homes Announces New Director of Life Enrichment Erika Nevins began as the director of life enrichment at Landis Homes in May 2014. In this role she is responsible for oversight and coordination of the total resident wellness programming including physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, and vocational wellness and the general activities program at Landis Homes. She was most recently employed as the community wellness director and has experience as a wellness specialist and aquatics coordinator in a variety of settings. She has a baccalaureate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in health administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Emmitsburg,
Erika Nevins
Md. She is a Certified Aging Service Professional (CASP) and is enrolled in the Anabaptist Providers Group leadership program. Nevins lives with her husband and son in Hanover, Pa.
Volunteers Needed Looking for a way to lend a helping hand? Want to do some community service work? Pleasant View Retirement Community, 544 N. Penryn Road, Manheim, is looking for volunteers to help in various areas on their campus. Volunteer opportunities are available for people of all ages in areas including information desk attendant, gift shop and thrift shop attendant, transporting residents, companion visitor, music therapy, pet therapy, activities, and much more. “Our volunteers are a very important part of how we are able to
do everything we do here at Pleasant View,” said Aubrey Smith, volunteer coordinator. “We are always looking for new people to join our volunteer team to contribute their time and talents to residents, visitors, and staff.” The volunteer coordinator does her best to make the experience as rewarding as possible by working with all volunteers to match their skills and interests with a volunteer opportunity at Pleasant View. If you are interested in volunteering at Pleasant View, please call Smith at (717) 664-6288 or e-mail asmith@PleasantViewrc.org.
If you have local news you’d like considered for Around Town, please email mjoyce@onlinepub.com
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