Lebanon County Edition
January 2012
Vol. 7 No. 1
Creativity ‘Works’ for Local Actor By Laura Farnish “I never buy that ‘at this time of your life’ stuff. It’s as though people think that if you reach a certain age you should just retire and play checkers at the fire hall, as though that’s the norm.” For Chet Williamson, the fire hall is merely a staged scene, and checkers are nothing more than a prop. As a board chair for Creative Works of Lancaster, Williamson remains active in the local community through recognizing the kind of performance and art Lancaster needs and wants. The non-profit organization’s mission is “to fuel and sustain the city’s cultural renaissance.” Their free and low-priced shows aim to fill the artistic gaps in Lancaster’s cultural offerings. Although started several years ago, the organization has been active for the past year and a half. Their work includes sock puppet parodies, staged readings in art galleries, and full productions of non-traditional plays. Williamson’s current involvement, however, is only an addition to his repertoire of success over the years. As a young actor, Williamson was involved in regional theater and industrial shows, which led him into writing. His first short story, sold to The New Yorker and other markets, was published in the 1980s, followed by his first published novel in 1986. Williamson continued to pursue his career as a writer, publishing suspense and dark fantasy fiction, children’s books, and written work for a local college. please see CREATIVITY page 13 The view from the audience seats is a change of perspective for Chet Williamson, who has been comfortable on stage for decades.
Inside:
Grandparenting: Agonies and Ecstasies page 8
How Much You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2012 page 12
Landisville, PA Permit No. 3
PAID PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
M. Nazeeri, M.D., P.C.
Salute to a Veteran
Diplomate, American Board of Family Physicians
After the Fall of Rome in WWII, He Drove Mussolini’s Auto
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January 2012
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Robert D. Wilcox he car was an Alfa-Romeo 6C at age 24, he had become the youngest 2300 Pescara Spyder, but to wholesale manager in the company. M/Sgt. Gerald Schmidt, it was And now, after his outfit had fought just another car. And, as it was his their way into Florence, he ran ordnance responsibility in combat ordnance, he as part of a huge depot the Army had drove it back to his echelon behind the established there. Then he got the news front lines. that the Army had decided that they Only much later did he learn that he needed him a lot more in the Pacific than had driven such a historic car. During the they did in Europe. So he spent 42 days great depression in Italy, Mussolini had aboard a troop transport on his way to bailed out the car manufacturer from the Philippines. going into liquidation, What was it like to so he was presented spend that much time with this custom-made aboard ship? car as a gift. Just 60 of “It was hell on the 6C 2300 Pescara wheels,” he says. “That Spyders were ship pitched so much produced, and that everyone except Mussolini’s auto is the crew were sick as believed to be the sole dogs most of the time. one surviving. When I got off, I Although Mussolini vowed that I would had his Spyder never get on a ship specialized by adding again. And, except for horsepower, he never the one that took me added bulletproof glass home, I never did. or armor plating. He “The fighting in the was often seen riding Philippines was around in the car, tough,” he remembers. M/Sgt. Gerald K. Schmidt in 1945. saluting crowds as he “The Japanese were stood in the passenger fanatically aggressive seat, with flowers and bouquets strewn on fighters, and we were under fire the hood. constantly, until eventually Manila fell.” In August, after the U.S. had dropped Famed test driver Ercole Boratto the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and became Mussolini’s driver and drove the car in the 1936 Mille Miglia, a dangerous, Nagasaki, the Japanese surrendered, and Schmidt was shipped back to Los Angeles. 1,000-mile, open-road endurance race in He then went by train to Fort Dix, where Italy, coming in an impressive 13th place. So what else is impressive about the car he was discharged in January 1946. He went back to work at International Jerry Schmidt once drove so casually? It Harvester, and the company sent him, at sold for $1.1 million when auctioned, age 26, to Providence, R.I., to build a that’s what! new plant to repair and sell their trucks. But, in 1945 Schmidt knew none of After managing that plant for a year, he, that … and couldn’t have cared less, surprisingly, got the company’s backing to because he had his hands full while he set up his own Cadillac-Oldsmobile was part of our Army’s push northward dealership in Providence. through Italy, past the battlefields of In 1960, he sold his dealership and Salerno, Anzio, and Monte Cassino to came to live in Central Pennsylvania to be take the city of Rome and then on to close to his son and his family. In Florence. Throughout, his job was to supply new retirement, things are quiet, but Jerry Schmidt has much to remember about trucks to replace those that were the years when he fought for his country destroyed in combat. He had been assigned to ordnance when he was drafted on two different sides of the globe. in 1944 because he had gotten familiar Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in with heavy equipment while working for International Harvester in Boston, where, Europe in WWII.
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Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being.
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Recycling (800) 346-4242
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Social Security Information (800) 772-1213
Dr. M. Nazeeri (717) 270-9446
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000
Nursing Homes/Rehab Spang Crest Manor (717) 274-1495 Office of Aging Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging (717) 273-9262 Pharmacies
Emergency Numbers Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 Food Resources Food & Clothing Bank (717) 274-2490 Food Stamps (800) 692-7462 Hope/Christian Ministries (717) 272-4400 Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels (717) 273-9262 Salvation Army (717) 273-2655 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Cancer Society (717) 231-4582 American Diabetes Association (717) 657-4310 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association (717) 207-4265 American Lung Association (717) 541-5864 Arthritis Foundation (717) 274-0754 Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (717) 787-7500
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IRS Income Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040
Senior Centers Annville Senior Community Center (717) 867-1796 Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048 Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786 Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944 Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237 Senior Center of Lebanon Valley (717) 274-3451 Southern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 274-7541
Pennsylvania Bar Association (717) 238-6715 Medical Equipment & Supplies
Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Hotline (800) 541-2050
Medicaid (800) 692-7462
Housing Assistance
MidPenn Legal Services (717) 274-2834
The Reading Hospital (610) 988-4357
CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
Veterans Services Governor’s Veterans Outreach (717) 234-1681
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Medicare (800) 382-1274 Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
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January 2012
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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori Corporate Office:
Tips and Trends in Precious Metals
3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240
Dr. Lori
Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 E-mail address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com
PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Christianne Rupp EDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS Megan Joyce
ART DEPARTMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Renee Geller PRODUCTION ARTIST Janys Cuffe
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Leah Craig Angie McComsey Ranee Shaub Miller SALES COORDINATOR Eileen Culp
ith the sky-high prices for gold and precious metals making headlines, I thought some information and useful tips would prove helpful. Precious metals, gemstones, and fine-design pieces have dazzled us through the ages. Called precious metals, gold, platinum, and silver are some of the world’s rarest materials. These three metals are found in many parts of the world, but they are not easily extracted from their natural state. Precious metals maintain their luster and shine and resist corrosion with little care. Objects dating back to the world’s ancient civilizations, like the Native Americans, Egyptians, and Greeks, show us that these metals endure.
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Gold
CIRCULATION
ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall
Member of
Awards
If you like gold jewelry, these marks should be committed to memory! Look for them at your next yard sale; you’ll be surprised how many yard-sale sellers put out real gold for sale on their front lawn! Platinum Platinum is a popular choice for bridal jewelry as its strength surpasses that of gold and silver. A dense metal, platinum weighs more than gold and has a high level of purity, making it naturally hypoallergenic.
On Your Mark
Sterling Silver
Pure gold is 24-karat gold, and it is very soft. This is often too soft for everyday jewelry, so gold is alloyed to increase its strength. In the United States, 14-karat gold is common and a piece must be at least 10-karat gold to be sold as gold jewelry. Here are some common marks:
Silver is affordable, soft, and malleable. It has been used to make objects of adornment dating back to the Byzantine world. One of the most common and recognizable metal marks is the mark for silver. In the United States, only jewelry that is at least 92.5 percent pure silver, or 925/1,000 pure, may be marked “silver,” “sterling,” “sterling silver,” “925,” “92.5,” or “ster.” Silver is often alloyed with copper
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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.
January 2012
• 24-karat or pure gold would be marked “24 K” (or “999” in Europe), indicating that it is 99.9 percent gold.
The ancient Egyptians reserved the use of gold (yellow gold) for the pharaohs and related gold to the powers of the sun. White gold is created by alloying gold with nickel or palladium, Sterling silver bracelet of sea life figures zinc, and copper. Alloys are mixtures of different metals that offer greater strength, Platinum jewelry must show one hardness, or malleability to another of the following marks: “Platinum,” metal. For instance, alloying gold “Pt,” or “Plat,” which means that with copper creates pink gold or rose piece of jewelry contains at least 95 gold. percent pure platinum. Platinum Workability, the ability for master may be worn every day without fear craftsmen to shape these metals, is of damage and is perfect for wedding important to longevity. rings.
PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer
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• 18-karat would be marked “18 K” (or “750” in Europe), indicating that it is 75 percent gold.
50plus SeniorNews
• 14-karat would be marked “14 K” (or “585” in Europe), indicating that it is 58.5 percent gold.
to increase its strength. Silver will not rust, but it will tarnish. Tarnish may be restored with polishing. Another mark is the vermeil mark, which is evident when a piece of sterling silver has been electroplated with karat gold. If the thickness of the karat gold plating is at least 100 millionths of an inch thick, that is referred to as vermeil (pronounced “vermay”) and sometimes as “overlay.” This is an affordable alternative to karat-gold jewelry. While I know I have the ladies’ attention, I wouldn’t want to leave out the gentlemen who enjoy a bit of bling. Today’s styles are introducing men to the industrial look in fine jewelry, achieved by metals such as titanium, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel. Steel-gray color, light weight, and strength are some of the qualities of these non-precious metals. Tungsten is the world’s hardest metal substance with a nine on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds rank 10 on the scale). These metals are less likely to scratch, but resizing a ring made of any of these metals proves difficult. Here’s what I like to call famous last words: take care when cleaning your precious metals, dry your jewelry before storing it, and place pieces in separate compartments to avoid scratching. Keep gold and silver out of pools, showers, and hot tubs as chlorine may weaken their structure and cause breakage. Know your jeweler and your stuff when you are selecting valuable precious metals. Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and antiques-themed vacation cruises. As seen on NBC’s The Tonight Show and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, watch Dr. Lori weekdays on Lifetime Television. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.
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2010 Census Shows Older Population Growing Quickly The U.S. population 65 and older is now the largest in terms of size and percent of the population, compared with any previous census, according to a new 2010 census brief released recently from the U.S. Census Bureau on the nation’s older population. The group grew at a faster rate than the total population between 2000 and 2010. According to the 2010 census, there were 40.3 million people 65 and older on April 1, 2010, increasing by 5.3 million since the 2000 census, when this population numbered 35 million. The percentage of the population 65 and older also increased during the previous decade. In 2010, the older population represented 13 percent of the total population, an increase from 12.4 percent in 2000. 65 and Older Population Grew Faster than Total Population Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 and older grew 15.1 percent, while the total U.S. population grew 9.7 percent. The opposite happened between
1990 and 2000, when the growth of the older population was slower than the growth of the total population, with growth rates of 12 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively. Population Size and Growth Varied Among the Older Age Groups Examining the growth of 10-year age groups within the older population shows that 85- to 94-year-olds experienced the fastest growth between 2000 and 2010. This group grew by 29.9 percent, increasing from 3.9 million to 5.1 million. Among five-year age groups in the older population, 65- to 69-year-olds grew the fastest. This age group grew by 30.4 percent, rising from 9.5 million to 12.4 million. The 65- to 69year-old group is expected to grow more rapidly over the next decade as the first baby boomers start turning 65 in 2011. The only older-population age group to decline between 2000 and 2010 was the 75- to 79-year-old age group. This group decreased by 1.3 percent from 7.4 million to 7.3
million. The changes in this group mainly reflect the relatively low number of births during the early 1930s as fewer numbers of people entered these ages between 2000 and 2010.
> In the 2010 census, there were 53,364 centenarians (people 100 and older), an increase of 5.8 percent since 2000.
Population of Older Men Increased at a More Rapid Rate than Older Women
> The number of people 65 and older more than doubled in 21 counties in the United States.
While women continue to outnumber men in the older ages, men have continued to close the gap over the decade by increasing at a faster rate than women. The largest growth rate for a 10-year age group within the older population was for men 85 to 94 years old (46.5 percent). Women in this age group also increased but to a smaller degree (22.9 percent). In the 2010 census, there were approximately twice as many women as men at age 89. This doubling point occurred about four years older than it did in 2000 and six years older than it did in 1990, illustrating the narrowing gap in mortality between men and women at the older ages.
> Approximately 1.3 million people 65 and older—or 3.1 percent of this population— lived in skilled-nursing facilities in 2010. > In 2010, the states with the highest percentage of people over age 65 were: Florida – 17.3 percent West Virginia – 16 percent Maine – 15.9 percent Pennsylvania – 15.4 percent Iowa – 14.9 percent
Each month, 50plus Senior News profiles one of your friends or neighbors on its cover, and many of our best cover-profile suggestions have come from you, our readers! Do you or does someone you know have an interesting hobby or collection? A special passion or inspirational experience? A history of dedicated volunteer work? If so, tell us, and we’ll consider your suggestion for a future cover story! Just fill out the questionnaire below and return it to 50plus Senior News, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512, or email your responses to Megan Joyce, editor, at mjoyce@onlinepub.com. Your name:___________________________ Your address:_________________________________________________________________________ Your phone number/email address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person nominated (if not you): _______________________________________________________________________________________ Please receive their permission to nominate them. Nominee’s age range: 50–59
60–69
70–79
80–89
90+
Why would you/your nominee make a great cover profile? _______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512
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January 2012
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Book Review
Betcha Didn’t Know That! By Leon Castner & Brian Kathenes
etcha Didn’t Know That! explores the interesting world of antiques and collectibles, sports memorabilia, stamps, and dolls, among others. The book investigates interesting artifacts, such as the rarest baseball card in the world and the most popular soft drink collectible. It differentiates itself, however, in that it reveals the real stories about why we collect things, uncovering the human and humorous side of the story.
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About the Authors
The unusual items included in the book will surprise and astound you. They will also give you insight into their creation and use and provide historical context, human predicament, and comical delight. Betcha Didn’t Know That! is available at www.betchabook.com and Amazon.com.
Leon Castner is a lifelong appraiser of personal property, a writer, and a speaker. He is also a registered contractor and has provided major appraisals for the U.S Marshals Office, the attorney general, and the
FDIC, among others. Brian Kathenes, co-author and appraiser, has appraised items ranging from the Nixon Watergate papers, the Batmobile, and memorabilia from the movie Titanic. He was also the on-air television appraiser and technology consultant for the Discovery Channel’s collectibles show, POP NATION: America’s Coolest Stuff. Together, Castner and Kathenes host a weekly radio program, Value This!
Calling All Authors If you have written and published a book and would like 50plus Senior News to feature a Book Review, please submit a synopsis of the book (350 words or fewer) and a short autobiography (80 words or fewer). A copy of the book is required for review. Discretion is advised. Please send to: On-Line Publishers, Inc., Megan Joyce, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512. For more information, please email mjoyce@onlinepub.com.
Does Your Marketing Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors? Reserve Your Space Now for the 13th Annual
May 8, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Overlook Activities Center Overlook Park, 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster
• Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Door Prizes Presented by: &
Why Participate? It’s the premier event for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors in Northern Lancaster County • Face-to-face interaction with 2,000+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products
For sponsorship and exhibitor information: www.50plusExpoPA.com • (717) 285-1350 6
January 2012
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By Myles Mellor and Sally York
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 10
Across
WORD SEARCH
1. Rapids transit 6. ___ print 10. Arizona’s governor, to friends 13. Toothpick fruit 14. Defiant one 15. Arapaho foe 16. 1966 Beatles hit 19. Alexei’s father, for one 20. Times to call, in classifieds 21. Sweet drink 22. Blue eyes or baldness, e.g.
24. Endings for ecto- and proto26. Zesty 29. Hollywood pole 30. Nymph 31. Almanac tidbit 32. Latin “I” 35. 1963 Beatles tune 39. Nonclerical 40. Squander 41. ___ the moment 42. Splendor 43. Ridges
45. 48. 49. 50. 51. 55. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64.
Wets Analyze, in a way Neurotransmission site Commend 100 paisa Songwriting partnership College frat. Newspaper chain Skip off Put away Watering holes Garment slits
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Egyptian Christian Wistful word Mangrove palm Upset Ballad’s end? Side Exasperates ___ Age Bobble Asian plants Special Forces unit Uncool candies? Lifeboat support Vetch or lupin Prayer leader
23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36. 37. 38. 42.
Optical phenomenon Somewhat, in music Mythological plants Murphy Brown bar owner Part of the Corn Belt Jetty Aircraft compartment Elite group Broadcast Palestinian city Half of binary code Offering Some jazz Move Ivy League team
43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 50. 52. 53. 54. 56. 57. 58.
Trick Organic compound Model material College leave Gift recipient They remained undefeated by the Romans “Time’s a-wastin’!” Bartlett’s abbr. Set aside Roll call calls It’s a wrap Prefix with profit King’s title: abbr.
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January 2012
7
My 22 Cents’ Worth
Grandparenting: Agonies & Ecstasies Walt Sonneville
Lebanon
Lancaster
361-9777
569-0451
50plus Senior News is now on Facebook! Visit
www.facebook.com/50plusSeniorNews and “like� us to receive a free 6-month subscription! Plus, you’ll receive event updates, story links, and more! LANCASTER NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE ASSOCIATES NEUROSURGEONS Eddy Garrido, MD John A. Gastaldo, MD Keith R. Kuhlengel, MD Christopher D. Kager, MD William T. Monacci, MD James C. Thurmond, MD
Central PA’s Premier Brain and Spine Team
PHYSIATRISTS Elliot B. Sterenfeld, MD Tony T. Ton-That, MD Eric I. Finkelstein, MD
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PHYSICAL THERAPISTS Robert Gieringer, PT, DPT, CKTP Brian McClenahan, PT, OCS, Dip.MDT
# 1]`\eOZZ @]OR :SPO\]\ For an appointment at our ofďŹ ce on Cornwall Road please call (717) 454-0061 or toll-free in PA 1-800-628-2080.
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January 2012
50plus SeniorNews
he role of grandparents has undergone complications over the past several decades. Among them are families geographically separated, families that have expanded through the inclusion of stepgrandparents, and evolving practices on the care and feeding of babies and toddlers. Let’s begin with the latter complication. Those of us born prior to 1946 may have been raised under the influence of a Dr. John B. Watson, whose popular book, Psychological Care of Infant and Child, advised parents to be firm with children, expect them to act like young adults, and do not spoil them with affection, hugs, and kisses. In 1946 came Dr. Benjamin Spock’s celebrated book, Baby and Child Care, taking the opposite view—just in time for the onslaught of the baby boomer generation. The Spock book, which went through several revisions by the time it had sold more than 50 million copies in 2004 (translated into 39 languages), was criticized by some as promoting permissiveness in child development. This brings us to the matter of the stereotypical grandparents, who reputedly overindulge their grandchildren, conflicting with the parents who may prefer more constraint. Other divergent views between contemporary parents and grandparents regarding child rearing might center on the question of which parent is primarily responsible for childcare. Grandparents may advocate the mother as the primary caregiver, while mothers today generally believe both parents have a fully shared responsibility. Grandparents offering child-rearing advice may find themselves at odds with
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other views held by the parents, perhaps involving childcare centers, babysitters, the authority of a stepparent, and nutritional choices. Providing a good example to the grandchildren can be a challenge. When exceeding the speed limit in a 55 mph zone, a common occurrence today, how do you explain this rule-breaking to a questioning child? Do you tease at the emotional expense of the children or anyone else in their company? Do you thank a person who holds open a door for you and yours? Kids learn by example. They can make better persons of grandparents by creating in them an obligation to teach by example. Ideally, such trials are offset by pleasures. Exercising with grandchildren is much more common than in years past. Today’s grandparents are more agile, enrolling in fitness centers and enjoying jogging, hiking, swimming, or biking. We can relive some of our own childhood by sharing the discoveries and joy of the children. One of the main responsibilities of being a grandparent is to create happy memories. Grandchildren accelerate our perceptions of them. They change rapidly as they grow into their formative years, drawing us into maintaining a relationship matching their progressive development. Walt Sonneville, a retired market-research analyst, is the author of MY 22 CENTS’ WORTH: The Higher-Valued Opinion of a Senior Citizen, a book of personal-opinion essays, free of partisan and sectarian viewpoints. He recently completed the manuscript for another book of essays, A MUSING MOMENT, scheduled for release in January 2012. Contact him at waltsonneville@earthlink.net
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Can you belt it out like nobody’s business? Do you belong on Dancing with the Stars ? Are you wild and crazy like Steve Martin? Pennsylvanians over 50 are invited to audition for the seventh annual PA STATE
SENIOR IDOL competition!
Auditions held at regional locations Tues., April 24 Body Zone
Wed., April 25
3103 Paper Mill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610
York Little Theatre
Thurs., May 3
Wed., May 2
The Heritage Hotel Lancaster
Broadway Classics Theatre at the Harrisburg Mall
NEW LOCATION!
27 South Belmont St. York, PA 17403
500 Centerville Road Lancaster, PA 17601
3501 Paxton Street Harrisburg, PA 17111
Win a limousine trip to New York City with dinner and a Broadway show!
Brought to you by:
Presented by:
For more information or an application:
717.285.1350 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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January 2012
9
The Search for Our Ancestry
Reader Questions Angelo Coniglio ’ll pause in my presentation of online methods for researching genealogy to reply to questions from readers. I’ll pick up that topic again in coming issues, with Scotland and Ireland.
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Information on parents, spouses, etc., is shown in limited text form, but copies of original documents may be ordered through the site. Caution—given names are in French: Salvatore is Sauveur, Antonio is Antoine, Pietro is Pierre, and so on. Q: My grandfather was in the U.S. Navy during World War II. I would like to find information about his Navy experience and the ships on which he served. – M.C., Norman, Okla. A: Ancestry.com has many historical military records, including U.S. World War II Navy muster rolls, 1938–1949. These can be searched at Ancestry.com for free at many public libraries or at a Mormon Family History Center. The database can be searched by the sailor’s name, date of service, and location. The search results show images of original “ship musters.” Many such records have information on enlistment, assignment, rank or rating, etc. Once you find the names of the ships on which your grandfather served, search free sites like Wikipedia to get more information about the ships, including photos. To see an example of my brother Guy’s pre-WWII musters, see http://www.conigliofamily.com/GuyPage 2.htm. Angelo Coniglio encourages readers to contact him by writing to 438 Maynard Drive, Amherst, NY 14226; by email at Genealogytips@aol.com; or by visiting www.conigliofamily.com/ConiglioGenealogy Tips.htm.
Puzzles shown on page 7
Puzzle Solutions
Q: I’m sure my grandmother was Sicilian. She spoke that language, celebrated St. Joseph’s Day and all the other holidays in Sicilian style, cooked Sicilian food, and so on, but she said she was born in Tunisia. How can that be, and how can I do research on her ancestry? – R.F.L., Kenmore, N.Y. A: Around 1860, in the time of the unification of Sicily with the Italian peninsular states, there was extreme poverty in the Mezzogiorno (southern Italy and Sicily). After the formation of the unified Kingdom of Italy, much of the already meager wealth of the south was appropriated by northern officials and opportunists, and the peasants and laborers of the Mezzogiorno bore the brunt of the economic hardship. This social upheaval led to the “great migration” out of the south, primarily to the United States, but also to Western Europe and even Africa, only 100 miles away across the Straits of Sicily. At the start of this period, Tunisia was under control of the Ottoman Turks, but in 1881, it became a French protectorate, until its independence in 1956. In the late 1800s and the early 1900s, Tunis and other coastal cities of Tunisia received the immigration of tens of thousands of Italian peasants, mainly from Sicily and Sardinia. As a
Familiarize consequence, yourself with by the first the names of years of the Tunisian 20th century, cities, as there were more than these 100,000 manifests Italian may indicate residents in Tunis, Biserta, or Tunisia, concentrated the other large cities in the large cities of noted above, or smaller Tunis, Biserta, La ones such as Goulette, Zaghouan, Bouficha, and Sfax, and even in Kelibia, or Ferryville. If smaller cities. your A section from one of Guy Coniglio’s naval musters. These grandmother immigrants came here through a U.S. port, her manifest may established their own churches and neighborhoods, and while picking up the give the name of the town she came from and even name the closest relative she left Arabic and French tongues, many behind. retained their Sicilian and Italian Certain Tunisian baptism, marriage, language and social customs. Many made frequent trips back to their towns of and death records have been indexed origin, often convincing others to online at Geneanum.com emigrate to Tunisia. Some who were (http://www.geneanum.com). You’ll have dissatisfied with conditions in Tunisia to read French or get a French speaker to eventually emigrated to the United States. help you, but that page gives links to So it’s not unreasonable to think of helpful genealogical sites for Malta, your grandmother as Tunisian and Sicily, and Tunisia (Tunisie in French). Sicilian. Passenger manifests at Ellis Island Clicking on the Tunisie link leads to a and other U.S. ports, available on Ellis page with the link Bases de données Island’s free site (www.ellisisland.org) and (databases), and clicking there leads to the subscription site Ancestry.com, often choices for baptisms, marriages, and show travelers’ last place of residence. burials.
January 2012
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Lebanon County
Calendar of Events Senior Center Activities
Lebanon County Library Programs Annville Free Library, 216 E. Main St., Annville, (717) 867-1802 Lebanon Community Library, 125 N. Seventh St., (717) 273-7624 Matthews Public Library, 102 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, (717) 865-5523 Myerstown Community Library, 199 N. College St., Myerstown, (717) 866-2800 Palmyra Public Library, 325 S. Railroad St., (717) 838-1347 Richland Community Library, 111 E. Main St., Richland, (717) 866-4939
Programs and Support Groups
Free and open to the public
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
Cure for the Common Cold? Maybe it’s Yogurt Colds, sinus infections, and other upper respiratory tract infections are the leading reason for visits to the doctor in the United States. But according to a study reported by Yahoo News, eating yogurt could help you avoid a cold. Yogurt contains probiotics—bacteria that can benefit the body’s immune system. In addition to yogurt, probiotics are found in fermented
and non-fermented dairy products and in soy products like miso and soy drinks. A review of data involving more than 3,000 participants fond that patients who consumed foods with probiotics for more than one week came down with 12 percent fewer upper respiratory infections than those who were treated with placebo or who ate probiotic foods for less than a week.
Where Does Aspirin Come From? “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning” is a medical cliché, but that doesn’t mean that aspirin is something to ignore. Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed an early form of aspirin for patients suffering from minor pains. Aspirin, known by its technical name of acetylsalicylic acid, belongs to a group of drugs called salicylates. It’s commonly used for minor aches and pains, to reduce fever, and to relieve inflammation. Aspirin also inhibits the production of platelets in the blood, making it useful in preventing clots that may cause heart attacks and strokes. In addition, low doses of aspirin administered immediately after a heart attack can reduce the risk of a second attack or damage to cardiac tissue. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Hippocrates and other early physicians used extracts of willow bark or the plant spiraea (found in Europe and Asia) to treat headaches, pain, and fevers. In 1853, a French chemist named Charles Frederic Gerhardt was the first scientist to create acetylsalicylic acid, but it wasn’t until 1897 that chemists at Bayer AG first produced a version of salicin that was gentler on the stomach than pure salicylic acid. The new drug’s name, “aspirin,” was based on the word “spiraea.” By 1899 it was being sold by Bayer throughout the world. Following World War I, “aspirin” became a generic term, although Aspirin with a capital A remains a registered trademark of Bayer in Germany, Canada, Mexico, and more than 80 other countries.
Annville Senior Community Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville Maple Street Community Center – (717) 273-1048 710 Maple St., Lebanon Jan. 3, 12:15 p.m. – Book Club Discussion Jan. 4, 10:15 a.m. – Card Making for Hospice Group Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Progressive Luncheon Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 51 W. Stoever Ave., Myerstown Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m. – Level One Tai Chi Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m. – Pinochle Card Party Jan. 19, noon – Snowman Luncheon at Ozgood’s Restaurant Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944 335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www.jonestownpa.org/senior.html Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237 101 S. Railroad St., Palmyra Southern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 274-7541 Midway Church of the Brethren, 13 Evergreen Road, Lebanon Jan. 4, 12:30 p.m. – Games: Help Your Neighbor Jan. 9 and 16, 10:30 a.m. – Bingo Jan. 16, noon – Monthly Special Meal Privately Owned Centers Senior Center of Lebanon Valley, Inc. – (717) 274-3451 710 Maple St., Lebanon Just a snippet of what you may be missing … please call or visit their website for more information.
Give Us the Scoop! Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in York County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com Let
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Savvy Senior
How Much You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2012 Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I know we will be getting a slight increase in our Social Security checks this year, but what about our Medicare costs? What will the Medicare premiums and deductibles cost seniors in 2012? – Looking Ahead Dear Looking, The new Medicare premium, deductible, and co-pay changes for 2012 were all announced several weeks ago and the news was actually pretty good. Here’s a breakdown of what retirees can expect to pay for Medicare starting in January. 2012 Premiums For most Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in 2009 or earlier, your monthly premiums for Part B (which covers doctor visits and outpatient care) will increase only $3.50 to $99.90 in 2012. That’s much less than was predicted by
the government earlier in 2011. The increase is the first in four years for most people with Medicare, mainly because of the federal law that freezes Part B premiums when there’s no Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which was the case in 2010 and 2011. But, Social Security recently announced a 3.6 percent COLA for 2012. That 3.6 percent increase will boost monthly Social Security checks by an average of about $43 for retirees next year. So, even after your Part B premiums get deducted from your Social Security checks, you’ll still have about $40 more every month. The news for younger retirees is even better. Medicare Part B beneficiaries that enrolled in 2010 who’ve been paying $110.50 per month, and those that enrolled in 2011 who have been paying $115.40 per month, will see their Part B
premiums go down to $99.90. And for high-income beneficiaries who’ve been paying higher Part B premiums because their annual incomes are more than $85,000 for individuals or $170,000 for joint filers, they too will see their monthly Part B premiums drop in 2012. Here’s a breakdown of what they will pay this year based on their income level. • Individuals with incomes of $85,000 to $107,000, or married couples filing joint tax returns with incomes of $170,000 to $214,000, will pay $139.90 per person per month for Part B. That’s a $21.60 reduction from 2011’s premium. • Individuals earning $107,000 to $160,000, or married couples with incomes of $214,000 to $320,000, will pay $199.80—a $30.90 reduction.
to $214,000, or couples with incomes of $320,000 to $428,000, will pay $259.70—a $40.20 reduction. • Individuals over $214,000 or couples above $428,000 will pay $319.70 each per month for Part B. That’s $49.40 less than 2011. Other Medicare changes you need to know about that will affect all beneficiaries include the Part B deductible, which will be $140 in 2012, a decrease of $22. And the deductible for Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, will rise by $24 to $1,156 this year. For more information on all the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates for 2012, see medicare.gov/cost or call (800) 633-4227.
• Individuals with incomes of $160,000
Help with Premiums If you’re a high-income beneficiary and
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your income has fallen since 2010 (the tax year used to determine your 2012 premiums), you may be able to reduce or eliminate your Medicare Part B premium surcharge. To qualify, your income loss must be tied to a life-changing event, such as a marriage or divorce, a job loss or reduced work hours (including retirement), loss of income from income-producing property, or cuts in pension benefits. To learn more, see ssa.gov/pubs/10536.html. And for lower-income retirees who are
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having a difficult time paying their Medicare costs, help is available through Medicare Savings Programs. These are Medicaid-administered programs that pay Part B premiums and, depending on your finances, may even pick up the tab on your copayments and deductibles. To find out if you qualify, contact your local Medicaid office—call (800) 633-4227 for contact information. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org.
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Hoping to combine his two passions, Williamson began playwriting, and thus renewed his acting career. For the past five years, he has done work at the Fulton Theatre and Theatre of the Seventh Sister, as well as his work with Creative Works. “I hooked up with Creative Works because they seemed to be interested in doing the same kind of material in which I was interested,” said Williamson. “People who are involved in theater in any city all seem to know each other, and there’s a lot of mutual interest and support within a group like that.” Williamson’s leadership responsibilities vary, however, from his wide-ranging character roles on stage. As board chair, Williamson jokes that his role includes signing thank-you letters to donors and speaking to the press on occasion. His diverse work has included: acting in several Creative Works productions, walking around with a sandwich board with painting on it as part of a roaming art gallery on First Friday, writing material for last year’s Christmas comedy show, creating sock puppets, making arrangements for productions, and running a freight elevator. He regards the board as a group of equals, sharing tasks accordingly. “Creative Works is a real collaborative effort, and everybody does their part,” commented Williamson. “One of our board members took charge of getting all the sock puppets constructed; another member wrote brilliant lyrics to a song when we needed one overnight; another takes care of the business end; another the legal question; and so on.” Williamson also holds the role of being the eldest member of the group; however, his youthful ideas and insight challenge this fact. Even though the next oldest member is 20 years younger, Williamson’s edgy ideas often keep members guessing.
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“Age really doesn’t matter when you’re all working toward the same goal,” said Williamson. “And you can never predict anything on the basis of age.” And although Williamson could be casted for retirement, the word is unseen in his vocabulary. “I got involved in Creative Works for the same reason I would have gotten involved with it if I’d been 40 years younger—it was the chance to do new, exciting, and meaningful work,” said Williamson. “I can never see myself retiring as a writer or as an actor, so I might as well find new ways to make what I do in those fields as much fun as possible for me.” In fact, Williamson believes there is much to learn from the younger population. “We always say that the younger population should learn from the experiences of their elders. Well, it works the other way as well,” said Williamson. “You’re never too old to learn something new. I’ve learned some new ways of thinking and problem solving by working with my younger colleagues, and I’m hopeful they’ve learned something from me.” Similarly, one can never predict the excitement and enjoyment of their interest in Creative Works, no matter what age. Creative Works recently sponsored a 24-Hour Plays event, in which six 10-minute plays were written, rehearsed, and performed within 24 hours. The sold-out venue was packed with play-goers of all ages. “A major part of our mission is to appeal to all ages, 50+ as well as people in their 20s,” said Williamson. “If we don’t, where are the theater-goers of tomorrow going to come from?” To get in touch with Chet Williamson, check out his website at chetwilliamson.com. For additional information on Creative Works, visit creativelancaster.org or call (717) 7238355.
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“I don’t know what’s wrong with my television set. I was getting C-Span and the Home Shopping Network on the same station. I actually bought a congressman.” – Bruce Baum “The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re OK, then it’s you.” – Rita Mae Brown
This Month in History: January Events • Jan. 5, 1972 – President Richard Nixon signed a bill approving $5.5 billion over six years to build and test the NASA space shuttle. • Jan. 10, 1863 – The world’s first underground railway service, the Metropolitan line between Paddington and Farringdon, opened in London. • Jan. 22, 1901 – Queen Victoria of England died after reigning for 64 years, the longest reign in British history, during which England had become the most powerful empire in the world.
Birthdays
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• Jan. 1 – American patriot Paul Revere (1735-1818) was born in Boston, Mass. He is best known for his ride on the night of April 18, 1775, warning Americans of British plans to raid Lexington and Concord. • Jan. 8 – Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was born in Mississippi. • Jan. 31 – Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) was born in Georgia. He was the first African-American to play professional baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956, was chosen as the National League’s most valuable player in 1949, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
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This Year, Resolve to Do Something Different It’s January again. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Maybe this is the year to forget the boring, routine promises you won’t keep. Try resolving to be more creative in 2012 with these resolutions: Keep a journal. Spend a few minutes every day or so writing down your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ambitions—not your daily schedule or your upcoming appointments. Let your mind wander; free-associate a little. You may be surprised at the ideas you generate. Read more. Vary your reading habits and explore different topics. If you usually read novels, try a biography. If you read only history, try a book on modern-day science. You’ll exercise your mind and maybe find new connections between ideas. Learn something new. Take a class in
something unrelated to your job or your hobbies—art, auto mechanics, philosophy, etc. Mastering new skills can refresh your outlook on life. Meet new people. Make a positive effort to make new friends this year (or professional contacts). Look for gatherings of people whose interests match yours, and network. The more people you know, the better equipped you are to learn and grow. Create something for the heck of it. Paint a picture, write a poem, or start a garden—not because you’ll get paid for it, but because you want to. You’ll find satisfaction in achieving personal goals and motivation to keep trying new things. Volunteer. Find a cause you support, and offer your time and service. You’ll meet new people and enjoy the feeling of helping out with an important cause.
March 15, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway, Exton
May 8, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Overlook Activities Center Overlook Park • 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster
May 30, 2012 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge West Chocolate Avenue & University Drive, Hershey
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New VA Campaign Provides Online Support for Vets Make the Connection, a new campaign launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is creating ways for veterans and their family members to connect with the experiences of other veterans. The program’s ultimate goal is to connect veterans with information and resources to help them confront the challenges of transitioning from service, facing health issues, or navigating the complexities of daily life as a civilian. “I have seen over and over again how important it can be for a veteran to hear a message from another veteran. This type of communication will be especially useful in helping to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues and treatment,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is leveraging this powerful connection using an approachable online resource that links veterans to personal stories from their peers, to VA resources and support, and to reliable information about mental health and resilience.” The campaign’s central focus is a www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
website, www.maketheconnection.net, featuring numerous veterans who have shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It offers a place where veterans and their families can view the candid, personal testimonials of other veterans who have dealt with and are working through a variety of common life experiences, day-to-day symptoms, and mental health conditions. The website also connects veterans and their family members with services and resources that may help them live more fulfilling lives. At maketheconnection.net, veterans and their family members can explore information on mental health issues and treatment—and easily access support—in comfort and privacy, anywhere, anytime. Visitors to the site can customize and filter their online experience, directly connecting with content that is the most relevant to their own lives and situations. For more information, visit maketheconnection.net or VA’s mental health services website at www.mentalhealth.va.gov.
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January 2012
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It’s finally here…
Lebanon’s ONLY High-Field Open MRI Welcome to the best of both worlds: superb image quality and the comfort of a truly Open MRI. The GSH Imaging Center now has Lebanon’s only high-field Open MRI. Not only does it produce exceptional image quality comparable to traditional high-field scanners, it has unmatched room and comfort, accommodating patients up to 660 lbs. Your doctor will appreciate the outstanding image quality for better diagnosis. But you’ll love the quieter scanning and wide patient table which allows you to comfortably see all around you. The best image quality available from a truly Open MRI is now at the GSH Imaging Center. That’s powerful medicine and comforting care. Only at Good Samaritan.
GSH Imaging Center
GSH Imaging Center | 4th & Walnut Streets, Lebanon, PA 17042 | 717.270.4580 | www.gshleb.org
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