Lebanon 50plus Senior News April 2013 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Lebanon County Edition

April 2013

Vol. 8 No. 4

A Different Kind of Paycheck Retired Businessman Uses Skills to Benefit Area Nonprofit By Megan Joyce Robert Grossman wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of retiring. A successful business owner and consultant, Grossman said if his last employer hadn’t had a policy in place suggesting retirement at age 65, he would have happily kept working. And he has, in a sense. Several years later, Grossman is still using his business acumen, his people skills, and his fundraising savvy—but he’s transferred his talents to the nonprofit sector: to Aaron’s Acres. For the last 15 years, Aaron’s Acres has provided children ages 5 to 21 who have developmental disabilities with year-round social and recreational programs that teach appropriate communication and socialization skills. Perhaps more importantly, though, Aaron’s Acres’ summer camps and school-year programs give special-needs kids the chance to participate in some of the fun activities of childhood that they might otherwise miss out on. But, of course, these programs—so life-changing for the kids and their families alike—cost money. And that’s where Grossman, who moved to Central Pennsylvania from New York in the mid-’70s, comes in. “There’s a lot to growing an organization, and money always factors in. I guess that’s my major role,” he said. please see PAYCHECK page 15 Robert Grossman's fundraising expertise has helped Aaron's Acres to expand its programs, such as this school-year series for adolescents on Friday nights. Standing, from left, Briahna Sherid and Grossman. Seated, from left, Paul Emert and Lance Holsler.

Inside:

Pool Sharks from History page 2

SPECIAL SECTION: Living Your Best Retirement page 9

LANC., PA 17604

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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Pool Sharks from History Dr. Lori The sport of billiards, as we know it, originated in the 15th century with the ruling classes of Europe. The game quickly attracted court members and commoners alike. Billiards has long been a game that has blurred socioeconomic lines. The age-old game now enjoys a revival in the world of antiques collecting. The earliest version of our contemporary game of pool was originally called ground billiards. It was a game played outdoors on grass, like croquet. Over time, the game was moved indoors and played with cues on a green, fabric-covered table to recall the color of the grassy lawn. While the French kings were the first to own billiard tables, circa 1470, many of history’s most famous figures played billiards. Some historic pool sharks included Mary, Queen of Scots; William

Great Couple, 55+, seeking work-free, worry-free living in a country setting within 30 minutes of city life. Great neighbors, family atmosphere required.

in the game with Shakespeare; Mozart; Napoleon; King a table in his basement den at Louis XIV; King Graceland in Louis XVI and Marie Memphis, Tenn. Antoinette; General Game rooms Lafayette; Presidents George Washington, featuring billiard tables and bars John Quincy Adams, recall the golden and Abraham age of billiard Lincoln; Mark salons. Following Twain; Charles Elvis Presley’s circa 1970s-era pool Dickens; Queen the gaming tastes table from Graceland (photo credit: of America’s Victoria; Cornelius www.DrLoriV.com). businessmen and Vanderbilt; and H.G. robber barons Wells, to name a few. Today, many people are partaking in like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan in the early 20th century, the revival of pool, collecting pool memorabilia and decorating game rooms collectors continue to seek out antique with vintage and antique pool tables, billiard tables, cue racks, and vintage racks, and accessories. Stars have also billiard balls. enjoyed the trend: Ozzy Osbourne had The strong market for period billiard an antique pool table in his Malibu, tables made of maple, walnut, and Calif., home, and Elvis revived interest rosewood entices collectors to pay upwards of $25,000 and $100,000 for some fine Victorian tables. Some of the most popular Brunswick pool tables were the Union League, the Nonpareil, and the Monarch lines. Often, these large-scale and impressive billiard tables were intended for a home’s

overtly masculine game room, reviving the Classical decorating style of the late 19th century. In America, the majority of pool tables were produced by BrunswickBalke-Collender. In the Victorian age (circa 1837-1901), pool-table designs featured solid hardwoods, inlaid ivory diamond sights, marquetry work, Roman-style leaf motifs, and/or geometric Greek key patterns borrowed from the architecture of the ancient world. It is not uncommon for a collection of antique billiard objects—including a table, cue rack, cue sticks, and handmade leather pockets—to have an insurance value exceeding $125,000. Whether or not you play the game, don’t disregard that really heavy pool table in your grandmother’s basement—odds are, it is quite valuable. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and awardwinning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the hit TV show Auction Kings on Discovery channel, which airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.

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Hearing and Ear Care Center, LLC Supported with Trust

Linda Gonya-Hartman, Au.D. Audiologist

Call 717.866.3553 to start Living Fulfilled today!

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200 Schneider Drive, Suite 1 • Lebanon

717.274.3851 www.HelpingUHear.com www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. 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 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 Kidney Foundation (717) 652-8123 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (717) 652-6520 Lupus Foundation (888) 215-8787

Hearing Aid Services Hearing & Ear Care Center, LLC 200 Schneider Drive, Suite 1, Lebanon (717) 274-3851

Housing Assistance Hope (Helping Our People in Emergencies) (717) 272-4400

Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros 927 Russell Drive, Lebanon (717) 274-9775

Housing Assistance & Resources Program (HARP) (717) 273-9328

Home Care Services Care Minders 217 West Penn Avenue, Cleona (717) 454-0159

Lebanon County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities (717) 274-1401

Hospitals Good Samaritan Hospital 252 S. Fourth St., Lebanon (717) 270-7500 Medical Society of Lebanon County (717) 270-7500 Hotlines Energy Assistance (800) 692-7462 Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Hotline (800) 541-2050 IRS Income Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040 Medicaid (800) 692-7462

Retirement Communities Stoneridge Retirement Living (717) 866-3204 Senior Centers Annville Senior Community Center (717) 867-1796 Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048 Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786

Insurance Medicare Hotline (800) 638-6833

Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944

Legal Services Pennsylvania Bar Association (717) 238-6715

Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237

Neurosurgery & Physiatry Lancaster NeuroScience & Spine Associates 1510 Cornwall Road, Lebanon (717) 454-0061 or (800) 628-2080

Senior Center of Lebanon Valley (717) 274-3451 Southern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 274-7541

Office of Aging Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging (717) 273-9262

Veterans Services Governor’s Veterans Outreach (717) 234-1681

Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com

Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771

Medicare (800) 382-1274 PA Crime Stoppers (800) 472-8477

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PennDOT (800) 932-4600 Recycling (800) 346-4242 Social Security Information (800) 772-1213 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000

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April 2013

Savvy Senior

Employment Resources for Older Job Seekers

Corporate Office: 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240

Jim Miller

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

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Karla Back Angie McComsey Jacoby Valerie Kissinger Patrick McConnell Debbie Mease Ranee Shaub Miller Sue Rugh SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp

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50plus Senior News is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.

April 2013

Dear Savvy Senior, What resources can you recommend to help older job seekers? I’m 62 and have been out of work for nearly a year now and need some help. – Looking For Work Dear Looking, While the U.S. job market has improved slightly over the past year or so, challenges persist for many older job seekers. Fortunately, there are a number of free online tools and in-person training centers scattered across the country today that can help you find employment. Here’s what you should know.

job resource centers that can help you explore career options, search for jobs, find training, write a resume, prepare for an interview, and much more. There are around 3,000 of these centers located throughout the country. To find one near you, call (877) 348-0502 or go to www.careeronestop.org. Depending on your financial

Online Resources If you have Internet access, there are a number of 50-and-older online employment networks that can help you connect with companies that are interested in hiring older workers. Two of the best are Work Reimagined (www.workreimagined.org), a resource developed by AARP that combines career advice, job listings, and online discussion tied to LinkedIn’s professional networking platform. RetirementJobs.com offers a job search engine that lists thousands of jobs nationwide from companies that are actively seeking workers over the age of 50. It also provides job-seeking tips and advice, helps with resume writing, and allows you to post your resume online for companies to find you. Some other good 50-plus jobseeking sites to try are Workforce50.com, Retired Brains (www.retiredbrains.com), RetireeWorkforce.com, and Encore.org, a resource that helps older workers find meaningful work in the second half of life.

situation, another program that may help is the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Also sponsored by the Department of Labor, SCSEP offers access to training and part-time job placements in a wide variety of community service positions such as daycare centers, senior centers, governmental agencies, schools, hospitals, libraries, and landscaping centers. To qualify, participants must be over 55, unemployed, and have poor employment prospects. To learn more or locate a program in your area, visit www.doleta.gov/ seniors or call (877) 872-5627.

In-Person Help Another good place to get help finding a job is at a Career OneStop center. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, these are free

Work at Home If you’re interested in working at home, there are many opportunities depending on your skills, but be careful of rampant work-at-home

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scams that offer big paydays without much effort. Some of the more popular workat-home jobs include “customer service agents” who field calls from their employers’ customers and prospective customers—you don’t place telemarketing calls. Agents earn an average of $8 to $15 an hour and many also receive incentives and commission, too. To find these jobs, see Arise (www.arise.com), Alpine Access (www.alpineaccess.com), LiveOps (www.liveops.com), and Working Solutions (www.workingsolutions.com). If you have good typing skills, there are “transcriptionist” jobs that pay around $10 per hour for typing verbatim accounts of board meetings, presentations, conference calls, etc. Companies that hire transcriptionists are Tigerfish (www.tigerfish.com), Ubiqus (www.ubiqus.com), and Cambridge Transcriptions (www.ctran.com). And if you have a college degree, online “tutoring” or “proofreading” jobs are always available. See Tutor.com to find tutoring opportunities that pay between $10 and $15 per hour. Or, if you have some writing or editing experience, proofreading pays $12 to $20 per hour. See FirstEditing.com and Cactus (www.cactusglobal.com) to look for proofreading jobs. For more work-at-home ideas and resources, see Retired Brains (www.retiredbrains.com) and click on the “Work from Home” tab on the left side of the page. Start a Business If you’re interested in starting a small business but could use some help getting started, the U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) offers tips, tools, and free online courses that you can access online. 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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The Search for Our Ancestry

DNA Decoded The premier events for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors!

14th Annual

Angelo Coniglio ecently, genealogy has enjoyed a burst of interest, with more and more people from all nationalities, ethnicities, ages, and walks of life engaged in searches for their roots. The availability of online information in such places as the free Mormon site FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org) and subscription sites like Ancestry.com has helped even amateur genealogists to find records about their families that were previously not readily available. Along with the proliferation of sites for finding birth, marriage, and death records are the technological advances in the study of the human genome, the “blueprint” for our existence, and the accompanying analysis of DNA characteristics. Every human has DNA markers that uniquely identify a person but are also shared to some extent by his or her relatives and ancestors. The more markers that are shared, the closer the relationship between two people. This characteristic of DNA lends itself to analysis of the “deep” genealogy of an individual. There are numerous vendors of DNA tests who promise variously to determine ancestral origins and even to link to existing relatives, close or distant. I have been wanting to have my own DNA tested, partly to evaluate such claims and partly to see how the process works and what information I can find about my own heritage. Recently, I finally decided to do it and submitted a saliva specimen to one of these vendors. My next two columns give some general information about DNA testing and where it may lead. When my DNA results come back, I’ll review them with you and evaluate their significance. Put your “biology thinking caps” on. DNA is a nucleic acid that exists in the cells of all living things, animal or vegetable. Cells contain chromosomes, and the chromosomes contain DNA. The DNA, in turn, is made up of various sequential combinations and sequences of four basic chemicals called nucleotides. Within the DNA, the combinations of these chemicals form our genes. Every cell in every human has 23 pairs of chromosomes. In your body’s cells, in

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22 of these pairs, one chromosome came from your mother and one from your father. These 22 pairs are called autosomal chromosomes, or autosomes. The 23rd chromosome pair is the one that determined your gender. If you’re a female, it has two X chromosomes, both passed down from your mother. If you’re a male, the 23rd chromosome pair has an X chromosome from your mother and a Y chromosome from your father. Accordingly, this 23rd pair is called the “sex chromosome pair.” The distribution of DNA in your cells’ chromosomes is determined by the DNA of your parents, who in turn carried some of the DNA of each of their parents, and so on. So, your autosomes essentially contain a complete genetic record, with all branches of your ancestry at some point contributing a piece of your autosomal DNA. If you’re male, your XY chromosome pair also has this complete record, but if you’re female, your XX pair contains only the genetic history of your female line. In either case, your siblings and cousins share some of the same DNA markers with you. The DNA from one’s parents is not passed on in exactly the same form, but is “recombined,” containing the same parts but usually in a different sequence. All of the parents’ DNA is not transferred, only random portions. Due to this, and to natural, random mutations, eventually the original DNA inherited from our ancient ancestors is so thinned out as to essentially be eliminated. The various DNA testing programs utilize the DNA characteristics described above to determine likely ancestral roots from a sample of a person’s DNA. Save this column for reference, and next time I’ll discuss these programs’ similarities and differences. Write to Angelo at genealogytips@aol.com or visit his website, www.bit.ly/AFCGen. He is the author of the book The Lady of the Wheel (La Ruotaia), based on his genealogical research of Sicilian foundlings. See www.bit.ly/ruotaia for more information, or order the book at www.amzn.to/racalmuto.

April 25, 2013 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Overlook Activities Center

14th Annual

Overlook Park • 2040 Lititz Pike Lancaster

May 28, 2013 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge 10th Annual

West Chocolate Avenue & University Drive, Hershey

June 6, 2013 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Church Farm School 11th Annual

1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton

Sept. 18, 2013 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. York Expo Center

14th Annual

Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Avenue York

Oct. 24, 2013 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Carlisle Expo Center 17th Annual

100 K Street Carlisle

NEW LOCATION!

Nov. 6, 2013 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spooky Nook Sports

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim (Just off Rt. 283 at the Salunga exit)

717.285.1350 717.770.0140 610.675.6240

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April 2013

Home Care Services & Hospice Providers Listings with a screened background have additional information about their services in a display advertisement in this edition. Agency Name Telephone/Website

Alliance Home Help (800) 444-4598 (toll-free) www.alliancehomehelp.com

Year Est.

Counties Served

RNs

2010

Lancaster

Central Penn Nursing Care, Inc. (717) 569-0451 www.cpnc.com

1984

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York

Garden Spot Village (717) 355-6000 www.gardenspotvillage.org

2006

Lancaster

1911

Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill

Good Samaritan Hospice (717) 274-2591 www.gshleb.org

1979

Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill

Homeland Hospice (717) 221-7890 www.homelandcenter.org

2009

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry, York

Good Samaritan Home Health (717) 274-2591 www.gshleb.org

Hospice & Community Care Founded as Hospice of Lancaster County

(717) 295-3900 www.hospicecommunity.org

April 2013

1980

Adams, Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York

50plus SeniorNews

LPNs CNAs

Home Medicare Aides Certified?

Other Certifications and Services

Providing non-medical companion, respite, and personal care services throughout Lancaster County. Caregivers matched specifically to you and your needs. Compassion, 24/7 on-call availability, trained, competent, and reliable. Medicaid Waiver approved.

Providing all levels of care (PCAs, CNAs, LPNs, RNs), in the home, hospital, or retirement communities with specifically trained caregivers for Alzheimer's and dementia clients. Home care provided up to 24 hours a day to assist with personal care and housekeeping. A FREE nursing assessment is offered.

Personal care and companionship services in your home with all the professionalism, friendliness, and excellence you expect of Garden Spot Village. Contact info@gardenspotvillage.org.

Yes

Good Samaritan Home Health is a Pennsylvania-licensed home health agency that is Medicare certified and Joint Commission accredited. We work with your physician to provide nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, and specialized care as needed.

Yes

Good Samaritan Hospice provides services to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness. We are Pennsylvania licensed, JCAHO accredited, and Medicare certified. We provide services 24 hours per day with a team approach for medical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs.

Yes

Exemplary care provided by a highly trained staff who address all patient and caregiver needs.

Yes

Non-profit hospice providing physical, emotional, and spiritual end-of-life care in homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and in one of their two inpatient centers located in Lancaster and Mount Joy. Palliative care, volunteer support, and bereavement services. JCAHO accredited. Massage therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy available. Referrals 24 hours a day: (717) 391-2421 (Lancaster area) or (717) 885-0347 (York area).

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Home Care Services & Hospice Providers Listings with a screened background have additional information about their services in a display advertisement in this edition. Agency Name Telephone/Website

Keystone In-Home Care, Inc. (717) 898-2825 (866) 857-4601 (toll-free) www.keystoneinhomecare.com

Live-In Care of Pennsylvania (717) 519-6860 (888) 327-7477 (toll-free) www.liveincareofpa.com

Safe Haven Skilled Services (717) 238-1111; (717) 582-4110; (717) 582-9977 www.safehavenqualitycare.com

Visiting Angels (717) 393-3450; (717) 737-8899 (717) 751-2488; (717) 630-0067 (717) 652-8899; (800) 365-4189 www.visitingangels.com

VNA Community Care Services (717) 544-2195; (888) 290-2195 (toll-free) www.lancastergeneral.org/content/ VNA_Community_Care.htm

Year Est.

Counties Served

RNs

LPNs CNAs

Home Medicare Aides Certified?

Other Certifications and Services

2004

Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York

Yes

Two- to 24-hour non-medical assistance provided by qualified, caring, competent, compassionate, and compatible caregivers. Personalized service with Assistance for Daily Living (ADL, IADL): companionship, meal prep, bathing, cleaning, and personal care needs. Respite care, day surgery assistance. Assistance with Veterans Homecare Benefits.

1997

Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York

For everyone’s peace of mind, 24-hour personal care in the home you love, yours! Premier, professional caregivers. Extensive background checks. Free home evaluations.

2005

Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry

Yes

Owners Leslie and Sandra Hardy are members of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. We have contracts with the VA and the Area Agency on Aging. Private insurance and self-payment are also accepted. Friendly faces, helping hands, warm hearts. Skilled nursing also available.

2001

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, York

Up to 24-hour non-medical care including companionship, respite care, personal hygiene, laundry, meal prep, and errands. Choose your caregiver from a list of thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured caregivers. Nurse owned and operated. America's Choice in Home Care.

1908

Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill, York

Yes

Home care specialists in physical, occupational, and speech therapy; nursing; cardiac care; and telehealth. Disease management, innovative technologies, and education help you monitor your condition to prevent hospitalization. Licensed non-profit agency; Medicare certified; Joint Commission accredited.

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

Be Alert for Signs of Sciatica That shooting pain in your lower back or leg could be a bee sting or a splinter, but if it lasts for a prolonged period, it might be sciatica—an irritation of one of the sciatic nerves that originate in the lower part of the back and run through the buttocks down into the legs. The sciatic nerves are the longest, widest nerves in the human body. The pain can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to sharp burning sensations similar to an electric shock. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Generally limited to just one side of the lower body, the pain can be aggravated by coughing, sneezing, or lengthy periods of sitting. In most cases it’s not dangerous—just annoying—but you should see a doctor promptly if you experience severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the area; if you’re having difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels; or if the pain is the result of a traumatic injury. Sciatica will usually fade in a matter of weeks or months, although surgery to

relieve pressure on the nerve is an option if the pain persists for more than six weeks. Traditional treatments include heat and cold packs, pain medication (both over the counter and prescription), or an epidural steroid injection. Alternative approaches may involve chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Your best bet, though, is to avoid the risk factors. Sciatica tends to be more common in middle age, but other causes

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are within your control. Being overweight puts greater stress on your spine; jobs that call for prolonged sitting or heavy lifting can increase the likelihood of sciatic pain; and diabetes can affect the way your body processes blood sugar, contributing to nerve damage. The best advice: Don’t just sit there for hours on end—get up and move around frequently to keep your back muscles flexible and in good shape.

April 2013

Older But Not Wiser

Going Back to Work Sy Rosen ecently I went back to work after being retired for a while. I thought it would be fun to get out of the house, and it would be nice to earn some extra money. My wife also thought it was a great idea (my getting out of the house, that is). I guess she got tired of my housekeeping suggestions, although I still think that my recommendation that all vacuuming should be done counter-clockwise is very valuable. For those of you who are going back to work as a senior, I do have a few suggestions based on my own experience. Since I was a little older than my coworkers, I decided to come up with some references that let my fellow employees know that I was still current. My go-to phrase is, “Man, that Justin

Bieber has blown up.” I am showing that I know who Justin Bieber is and, by using the phrase “blown up” (which I think means famous), I am showing that I am still hip. Be careful, though: I’m not sure the word “hip” is still hip. Oh, and don’t use the word “dude.” You will be trying much too hard to appear young and it will backfire (I know from experience). You’re coming there with a certain persona—an aura of wisdom—which, of course, is well deserved. However, don’t use phrases that are pedantic or call attention to your age. For example, don’t say things like, “In the old days, we did it right,” or “Back in my day, quality counted,” or “Let me turn up my hearing aid” (even if you have to). OK, you are going to run into a few

negative stereotypes, such as older people go to the bathroom more. It’s usually not true, of course, but we don’t want to fall victim to that false image. Therefore, every time I head to the bathroom I carry a notebook with me and pretend I’m going to a meeting. I noticed that other people also started walking around with a notebook. What can I say? I’m a “pretend you’re not going to the bathroom” trendsetter. Here’s my biggest warning. There’s a good chance that you will have an archenemy, a coworker who is threatened by you and will try to use humor to make fun of you. It’s not just you; he’s threatened by all his coworkers and he thinks that by putting you down, he increases his status. He will therefore use your age to take

little shots at you. My archenemy started off slowly, referring to me as “the vet” and “the dean,” which we all know are code words for “old guy.” When I ignored his comments, he increased his jabs, saying things like, “Do you want us to get a cot in here so you can take a nap?” I know I should have just ignored him and it was petty to sink to his level, but apparently, I’m petty. He’s a little chubby, so when he said his cot joke for third time, I replied, “Yeah, and maybe get a king-sized cot for you.” Everyone laughed, and he hasn’t bothered me since. The important thing to remember is that you are valuable. You have a lot to offer. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I came home early and want to give my wife a few more vacuuming tips.

Calling all super heroes! Funds Raised in Annual Soup Cook-Off From left, Chef David Merrell; Tina Zanetti, marketing director at Traditions of Hershey; and Chef Rick O’Lear. For the Soup CookOff, Merrell entered “Chef Dave’s Beef Vegetable Soup” and O’Lear made “Chef Rick’s Traditions of Hershey Clam Chowder.”

April 30 & May 1

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April 2013

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There were two competitions at the cookoff: One was for professional chefs, which included Merrell and O’Lear, and the other was for amateur chefs. Winners received a trophy in the shape of a soup bowl with a spoon. Although Merrell and O’Lear did not place for a trophy, they had a great time sharing their specialty soups with guests and helping to raise funds for cystic fibrosis. All proceeds from the day benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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Two Traditions of Hershey Independent Living residents recently entered the third annual Soup Cook-Off to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The cook-off raised more than $4,000 for CFF. More than 40 local amateur and professional chefs prepared soups for the public to taste and vote for a favorite. David Merrell and Rick O’Lear, Traditions of Hershey residents and former fulltime chefs, each made his own soup for guests to taste.

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Selling a home in today’s aggressive marketplace can be challenging. The good news is there are a few tweaks that can give homeowners a serious leg up on the competition. With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, it’s important to ensure your home is seen in the best light possible. According to Homes.com, the top five projects that improve home equity are: Bathrooms If adding an additional bathroom isn’t an option, upgrade existing ones. Adding a dual vanity to a master or secondary bath improves functionality, allowing multiple people to use the space. Change out fixtures like faucets and shower doors to increase aesthetic appeal. If you’re on a budget, replace light fixtures or switch plates to help refresh the space.

When working with a small space, highlight storage options with shelving and update or remove wall décor, paint, or wallpaper. Kitchen Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 and more. If that’s not in your budget, upgrading cabinetry and paint does wonders to liven up even the most outdated spaces. Add crown or decorative molding to “shape out” the kitchen cabinets and modernize the space. Repaint cabinets, or add new hardware to add visual interest and brighten dark spaces. Outdoor Spaces Curb appeal adds immediate interest to any home’s exterior. According to Remodeling Magazine, improving outdoor spaces can

increase a home’s resale value dollar for dollar. Frame the front walkway with items that add visual interest, like flowers, potted plants, large rocks of various sizes, and solar-powered lights. If yard space is scarce, hanging plants are another great, low-cost option. Extend outdoor projects to the backyard— power-wash decks or patios and clean screened-in areas. Basement Basement improvements can optimize livable space and protect the home from extreme weather, mold, moisture damage, and mites. Whether transitioning the basement to a home gym, office, or family room, the basics remain the same: insulate well and waterproof. Maximize space by including

shelving and storage units. If the opportunity exists, make the space feel open and inviting by creating an open stairwell, a trick that visually connects the upper part of the house with the lower, and filters natural light into the space. Mudroom Mudrooms ensure families stay clutter-free and have a dedicated space to drop stuff as they come through the door. They can also make potential homeowners feel welcome upon entry. While knocking out a wall to create a mudroom is expensive and labor intensive, you can make a “drop zone” by simply anchoring a bench to an empty wall and hanging labeled storage units. Making homes stand out in a sea of real estate listings isn’t always easy, but these are some simple ways to make yours distinct and desirable. (StatePoint)

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Pennsylvania residents have a tremendous amount of choices in retirement options because there are so many communities to choose from. It is important to ask yourself what things are important to you. If a natural, wooded setting with walking trails, excellent health services on-site, maintenance-free living, and proximity to educational, cultural, and entertainment opportunities are high on your list, then you owe it to yourself to visit Cornwall Manor. Cornwall Manor has been providing a fulfilling lifestyle for those ages 60 and over since 1949. Our 190-acre campus has beautiful historic buildings and brand-new homes and apartments that can be reserved now. And our “spring specials” entrance fee and moving incentives are taking place through May 31. Cornwall Manor offers a unique, comfortable lifestyle and the value of services and amenities not found at many other senior communities. Don’t wait—call us to plan your visit now!

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April 2013

Salute to a Veteran

He Jumped into Normandy in the Middle of the Night on D-Day Robert D. Wilcox hen Raymond Wallace volunteered for the Army right out of high school, he had no idea how, one day, he’d be risking his life. Upon enlisting in 1942, he was sent to Camp Wheeler in Macon, Ga., for basic training. One evening, he and a buddy went to a movie that told of life as ski troopers and paratroopers. For both kinds of troopers, the Army took only volunteers. Wallace was an experienced skier, so the ski troops sounded good to him. But he found that openings for ski troops had closed, so he volunteered to be a paratrooper. For that, he was sent to Fort Benning, Ga., where he qualified as a paratrooper after the required five training jumps. He explains, “If you changed your mind any time before the fifth jump,

you could What was it like to leave the actually jump program, out of the but after plane that the fifth qualifying first time? Chuckling, jump, you he says, were in the “Believe it or Airborne.” not, you had The training more stress in those jumps jumps were on the from ground, increasingly high because being PFC Raymond C. Wallace and his son, Kevin, also a connected to towers, paratrooper, in 2012. the ground with a gave you more freefall from a of a feeling of 250-foot tower for the fourth jump. The height than you had from high in the air.” fifth and qualifying jump was from a After training, his unit, Company B, troop-carrier plane.

507th Regiment, 82nd Airborne, shipped from New York to Belfast, Ireland, in January 1944. On the way, they hit a major storm. “Everybody got sick,” he says, “but the upside was that the foul quarters caused me to give up smoking.” After more weeks of training and living in tents in Nottingham, England, he boarded a C-47 troop-carrier plane with other troopers at 1:30 on the morning of D-Day and was flown to a drop zone to clear the way for the invasion. Slowly wagging his head, he says, “By the time we got to where we were to be dropped, it was like the Fourth of July, with flak bursting everywhere. You could feel it hitting the airplane. “Then, with our right engine enveloped in flames, we jumped. When my parachute popped, the abrupt snap

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April 2013

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pulled my helmet over my eyes, a bullet shot the heel off my boot, and I was on the ground. We were supposed to jump from 500 feet. But I found out later that it was actually 250 feet. “Fourteen of us used our ‘crickets’ to find each other. The ‘crickets’ were a brassand-steel version of the tin prize from a 1930s Cracker Jack box, but the sound they made worked great in helping us find each other. “Our other four men didn’t show up, and we assumed they were too low to jump at all. At daybreak, we were able to talk to some French peasants and learn that we had been dropped 20 miles from where we were supposed to be.” Traveling by night, they linked up with other Americans as they walked toward their intended landing area. Soon, they arrived at a fairly large town, but so had the Germans, who surrounded the town and virtually leveled it with artillery fire. Wallace says they held off the Germans until they ran out of ammunition and were overrun. Taken

Raymond Wallace being honored in a Columbia parade in 2010.

prisoner, they were taken to Stalag 12A, one of the first German POW camps, and later transferred to the stalag at Altenburg, Germany. The Germans put them to work, digging light pole holes. All POW life was miserable, but Wallace says, “The worst part was the food. There was a cup of ersatz coffee in the morning and a meal of potatoes and beets later in the day with a slice of black bread. I weighed 175 pounds when I was captured and 98 pounds

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when the American troops liberated the camp. I was lucky, though, because of the 110 men in my company, only 45 survived Normandy.” After being freed, the men were trucked to Le Havre, France, where they took a troop ship to New York. Wallace was discharged in Fort Indiantown Gap and returned to his home in Clearfield County, where he worked in construction for 22 years. In 1969, he came to Lancaster to attend the wedding of a niece. He liked it so well, he decided to stay, working in security, a job he holds today at age 84. There’s a twinkle in his eye as he explains, “It gets me out of the house.” In 2009 he made news when Rep. Joe Pitts presented him with the several medals he had earned so many years ago.

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April 2013

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 15

Across 1. Soak 4. Small drum 9. Worship 14. Amazement 15. Open-mouthed 16. Steam 17. Indisposed 20. Draws close 21. S.A. palm 22. “Rule, Brittania” composer 23. Covert 26. Patriotic group (abbr.)

29. Retired fast plane (abbr.) 30. Emoted 31. Turkish monetary unit 32. Love (Fr.) 33. Lecture 35. Do-gooders 38. General assembly 39. Caustics 40. Route 41. Firearm 42. Mercury, for one 45. Mil. mailbox

46. British ceremony, ___ Thursday 48. Roofing material 49. Interlace 51. Smidgens 52. Long story 57. Soup 58. String 59. Small guitar 60. Chilean mountain range 61. Talipot palms 62. Bittersweet

Down 1. Turkish baths 2. Proprietors 3. Scholastic 4. Mariners 5. Representative (abbr.) 6. Exclamation of disgust 7. Unlock (poet.) 8. Bounty 9. Cease, nautically 10. Information 11. Serpent 12. Caviar 13. Slip up 18. Before (poet.) 19. Compass point

23. Griddlecake 24. Pocketbook 25. Sure 27. Electrical discharges 28. Cheer 30. Amo, amas, ___ 31. Pasturelands 32. Handmaiden 33. Dear 34. Carnival feature 35. Jalopy, to some 36. Unseemly 37. Played in one stroke 38. Watering hole 41. ___ Rico

42. Fruit type 43. Last Frontier 44. Redo a lawn 46. Chess moves 47. Prayer bead 48. Foot part 50. Fencing sword 51. Currier’s partner 52. Numbers man (abbr.) 53. 4th-century nomad 54. Shoe repair tool 55. Nothing 56. Genetic material

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April 2013

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Would you like to advertise here? Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

Call: (717) 285-1350

By Pat Sinclair Lime juice, a jalapeno chile, garlic, and spices combine to add plenty of zippy flavors to boneless chicken breasts so there is little need for salt. Increase the chile or garlic to your own tastes. Mangoes have a sweet, tart flavor with a hint of the tropics especially welcome when spring is late in coming. I’ve also used fresh chopped pineapple in the salsa.

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Mango Salsa: 1 cup finely diced fresh mango 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint (optional) 1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 green onion, chopped 1/2 to 1 jalapeno, minced 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil 2 boneless skinless split chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each)

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Combine the ingredients for the salsa in a medium bowl and mix well. Cover and chill until serving. Combine the brown sugar, red pepper, thyme, salt, allspice, cloves, and garlic in a re-sealable food-storage bag. Add the lime juice and canola oil and mix well. Add chicken and turn to coat. Seal the bag and marinate the chicken 30 minutes or chill several hours. Heat the grill until the coals are medium-hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the chicken dry. Place the chicken on the grill rack. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Serve with mango salsa.

Cook’s Note: Mangoes are available year round. When ripe, mangoes yield to slight pressure. I usually allow them to ripen one or two days at room temperature after purchase. The easiest way to prepare a ripe mango is to make a lengthwise cut along both wide sides of the fruit to remove the seed. Cut the fruit from the peel as the peel is inedible. You can also purchase a “mango slicer” that easily separates the seed from the fruit.

Help yourself to a

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Copyright by Pat Sinclair. Pat Sinclair announces the publication of her second cookbook, Scandinavian Classic Baking (Pelican Publishing), in February 2011. This book has a color photo of every recipe. Her first cookbook, Baking Basics and Beyond (Surrey Books), won the 2007 Cordon d’Or from the Culinary Arts Academy. Contact her at http://PatCooksandBakes.blogspot.com

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and a shopping basket. 50plus SeniorNews

April 2013

Lebanon County

Calendar of Events

Lebanon County Department of Parks and Recreation All events held at the Park at Governor Dick unless noted.

April 7, 1 to 4 p.m. – Music by the Fire: Bluegrass and Country Music Jam April 20, noon – Earth Day: Meet Your Local Forest April 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Wildflower and Bird Identification Walk

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 April 13, 6:30 p.m. The Mid-State Choir Festival Faith Baptist Church 220 S. 22nd St., Lebanon (717) 528-4536 www.midstatechoirfestival.com

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.

Senior Center Activities

Annville Senior Community Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville April 3, 12:30 p.m. – Getting Fit with Gadgets and Gizmos April 19, noon – Infinito’s Pizza Carry-Out Lunch April 27, 10 a.m. – World Tai Chi Day Maple Street Community Center – (717) 273-1048 710 Maple St., Lebanon April 4, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Bus Trip: Allenberry Playhouse April 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Tea and Fashion Show April 26, 9 a.m. – Breakfast with the Girls, Trivia Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 51 W. Stoever Ave., Myerstown April 2, 1:15 p.m. – Bible Study April 16, 9 a.m. – Healthy Steps Fall-Prevention Program April 23, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Bus Trip: American Music Theatre 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 April 17, 10:45 a.m. – High Five Slap-a-Thon April 19, 11:30 a.m. – Lunch Club at Hilltop Café April 30, 10:45 a.m. – Queen Elizabeth II Biography Southern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 274-7541 Midway Church of the Brethren, 13 Evergreen Road, Lebanon Privately Owned Centers

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 Chester County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com

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help you get the word out!

Senior Center of Lebanon Valley, Inc. – (717) 274-3451 710 Maple St., Lebanon Washington Arms – (717) 274-4104 303 Chestnut St., Lebanon

(717) 285-1350

Chronic Cough or Cold Could Be COPD You may have heard the term COPD before—either in a radio or television commercial. COPD, short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a serious lung disease that, over time, makes it hard to breathe. Also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, it is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but as many as 12 million Americans don’t even know they have it. Unfortunately, symptoms are often shrugged off as a normal part of getting older or a consequence of being out of shape. And during cold and flu season, COPD symptoms can also be mistaken for that cold or cough that just won’t go away.

April 2013

But COPD can be a dangerous health hazard. If left untreated, it can have debilitating effects on everyday activities. Affecting one in five adults in the U.S. over the age of 45 and an estimated 24 million Americans, as many as half remain undiagnosed. In people who have COPD, the airway tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs are partially blocked, making it hard to breathe. The disease develops slowly and usually worsens over time. So don’t ignore the first signs of COPD, which include a chronic cough, hacking, wheezing, and shortness of breath. COPD occurs most often in people age 40 and over with a history of smoking,

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affecting both current and former smokers. However, as many as one out of six people with COPD have never smoked. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, certain chemicals, and dust or fumes in the workplace. In some people, COPD can be caused by a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, deficiency. “While there is no cure for COPD, early diagnosis and treatment can help people with the disease improve their symptoms and get back to the things they love doing,” said James P. Kiley, Ph.D., director of the Division of Lung

Diseases at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. COPD can usually be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare provider during a regular office visit with a simple, noninvasive breathing test called spirometry. If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms of COPD, take some time to learn more about it. Visit http://COPD.nhlbi.nih.gov for more information. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with COPD can live longer and improve their quality of life. (StatePoint)

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from page 1 organization: You have people that you the boy’s overall comfort and happiness, hire and who report to you.” and he was soon meeting with Aaron’s This is quite a feat for someone who, Acres’ executive director, Risa Paskoff, to until four years ago, “had never done see how he could continue spreading volunteer work” in his life. Grossman those smiles locally. started out as a stockbroker and then “These are kids that never did this worked doing “very mundane business” kind of stuff. Their life is changed, and in New York City until 1971, when he when you see that and the smiles on their heard that the Maryland and faces, it’s great,” he said. Pennsylvania Railroad Company—a 38The effects of Grossman’s involvement mile, short-line freight railroad running are clearly evident. Initially, Aaron’s Acres between York, Pa., was only able to offer its and Whiteford, summer camp programs Md.—was for sale. for half days. Now, I have a fulltime And his company thanks to the funds job—not for bought it. generated by the golf Grossman became tournament and other pay, but for a successful, 40-year fundraisers, camp satisfaction. businessman in the sessions in all three railroad industry, locations—Lancaster, which included Berks, and Dauphin raising money to fix counties—run for full up old freight cars in order to lease them days, five days a week. out. “Having Robert as a board member He sold his railroad company, which has been a true blessing to everyone owned five railroads at that time, in involved with Aaron’s Acres,” Paskoff 2002, and then worked six years for the said. “The amount of time and energy he company that bought it. He also took his puts forth to spread the word about who railroad expertise down to Washington, we are and what we do is remarkable. We DC, and to state governments to meet joke that wherever he goes, he ends up with and persuade legislators to help fund talking about Aaron’s Acres.” railroad-track upgrades and modify In 2012, 280 special-needs children railroad regulations. benefited from a summer camp After he retired in 2008, Grossman experience, which includes swimming, and his family were participating in an crafts, dancing, dog visits, and even event in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor where horseback riding. boat owners (including Grossman) took “Before [participating], these kids families and their special-needs children don’t have friends; they don’t talk to lots out for boat rides. of different people. And then they come Grossman took a 13-year-old autistic to camp and they make friends, and they boy and his family on a two-hour ride end up doing activities that they really around Baltimore harbor. The photo of enjoy,” Grossman said. “And then the the boy before the ride shows his anxious, parents get some respite while the kids contorted face. But the “after” shot? are at camp, and we have programs for “At the end of the trip, he was sitting the parents, too.” back in the seat, smiling and laughing,” During the school year, kids ages 13 to Grossman remembered. 21 can participate in community Grossman marveled at the effect this activities such as movies, bowling, and seemingly simple experience had had on baseball games on Friday evenings. On

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Saturday afternoons, children ages 5 to 12 can gather to enjoy recreational activities that include group games, sports, and music therapy. Grossman has gotten his whole family involved in his new mission. His grandson served as a “volunteer buddy” last summer, one of many middle- and high-school students who are paired with a special-needs child to act as a positive role model and to aid Aaron’s Acres staff. Grossman’s work on Aaron’s Acres’ behalf isn’t limited to just the golf tournament. In addition to serving as a member of its board and continuously seeking and contacting new donors, Grossman facilitates Aaron’s Acres Days at a couple of area restaurants each year, where a percentage of the restaurant’s sales for that day are donated to Aaron’s Acres. In 2012, Aaron’s Acres was approved as an eligible nonprofit organization under Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which provides for-profit businesses a 75 percent tax credit for the amount of their donations to eligible nonprofits. Just as he had with the golf tournament, Grossman used his fundraising knowhow to secure a sizeable business donor for this program. Although his role at Aaron’s Acres is multifaceted, it’s the annual golf tournament that requires most of Grossman’s focus, which he gladly gives. “The big thing is the golf tournament; it takes six months out of my life. It’s a lot of work,” Grossman said. “This year, the goal is $50,000. That’s 10 percent of Aaron’s Acres’ budget. “I have a fulltime job—not for pay, but for satisfaction.” For more information on Aaron’s Acres or their golf tournament on May 20, call Grossman’s cell at (717) 940-1941, email him at robert.grossman1@gmail.com, or visit www.aaronsacres.org.

Puzzles shown on page 12

Puzzle Solutions

In 2009, Grossman joined the Aaron’s Acres board. The following year, however, he began taking over the production of what would become his signature achievement: the organization’s annual golf tournament, now a major fundraiser. Grossman set to work, embarking on what would become another fulltime job in which he is paid in passion versus pennies. He worked out an agreement with Bent Creek Country Club, of which he is a member, to host the tournament on its golf course (though he himself is not a golfer, he said). Grossman also placed scores of phone calls and emails to benevolent persons in the community, as well as good, oldfashioned face-to-face communication with anyone who crossed his path. “I became so passionate about Aaron’s Acres. It’s an easy sell when you sit down and talk to somebody. These are kids with developmental disabilities, including physical disabilities, autism, and Down’s syndrome. … “If I go out to a restaurant, I’d talk to the person sitting next to me,” Grossman explained. “Everybody that worked on my house—the air conditioning guy, the plumber—I’d call them and say, ‘I’m a customer of yours, and I want to talk to you about Aaron’s Acres.’” In this friendly, down-to-earth way, Grossman signed on numerous tournament sponsors and 100 participating golfers for the 2011 and 2012 tournaments. And the event, organized and energized by Grossman, went from raising a few thousand dollars in 2010—when run by an outside person in a different venue—to a staggering $44,000 in 2011. The 2012 tournament beat even that, with a grand total of $46,000. “Aaron’s Acres is a young organization, and I’m able to give some input from a business sense,” Grossman said. “Running a nonprofit is not that different from running a for-profit

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PAYCHECK

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50plus SeniorNews

April 2013

The Squint-Eyed Senior

Why My Flowers Don’t Bloom in the Spring Theodore Rickard pringtime is greening the parkway in front of the condo, and the local Super-Saver Market is alive with floral gems in tiny plastic pots, their blossoms vivid with the primary colors of seed packets. But Mother Nature and the SuperSaver people are wasting their time with me. I no longer even pretend to be interested in gardening, not even within the confines of the two planter boxes on our condo deck. While our neighbor’s 12-by-12-foot square of the outdoors was a riot of color last summer—just like the seed packet promised—by the middle of June our petunias once again turned black as though plague-stricken. This wasn’t the first time I’d relearned why it was that my ancestor farmers had become schoolteachers, salesmen, and anything but.

Some years ago our housing was a lot larger. The backyard featured an overflowed sandbox, a badminton net left out all winter, and a few straggling patches of weeds and crabgrass alternating with hard-packed dirt where the wiffle ball batter had stood. In a spirit of misguided paternity one spring, I enlisted a couple of the kids into a gardening project at the back end of our lot. Having not yet segued into teenage angst, two of

them—momentarily at least—were backache and got out of bed the next caught up with the idea and began morning only by rolling off the spading the good mattress onto my knees and then earth in a patch next clawing my way upright via the back to the garbage cans. of a chair. This lasted about 10 But memorably, virtue did have its minutes. reward. Within a couple weeks, green Two older shoots appeared. The corn plants grew siblings, hooting at vigorously upright and soon even the inefficiency of screened the garbage cans. Greatly the diggers, encouraged, I invested in some undertook to show fertilizer and later a garden hoe with them how to do it. which I mercilessly cut out the highly In a couple more fertilized growth of dandelions and minutes, they crabgrass. I even bought a straw hat wandered off to their and was thinking seriously about bib bicycles and overalls as I inspected the nubbin ears vanished. that began appearing. Paternal bonding A July Fourth picnic was obviously led me to seize a in the offing. But a picnic was also, I shovel myself and I found, in the plans of an extended soon found I was the only participant. family of squirrels with whom we The ground was as hard as pavement. shared the trees in the backyard. But who was I to resist a challenge in It was at breakfast that we heard the front of my children—even if only a chattering. A furry chorus in the toddler was left to backyard erupted as watch? the squirrels That was the discovered the corn year I planted sweet crop. I think it was a corn. The seed rehearsed maneuver. I no longer package pictured One squirrel would even pretend plumb ears with the climb the cornstalk, green husk pulled bending the plant to to be down to show them the ground. This interested in au natural. way, his friends and gardening, not Imagination family could more even within supplied butter and readily devour every salt and a picture of kernel on the ear. It the confines of a happily well-fed took them about 10 the two family simply minutes to eat up planter boxes gorging themselves every bit of the crop. on our condo on good health. Apparently this It took the better gave them welldeck. part of the Saturday deserved, serious to hack up the plot stomachaches, which of ground. The they complained dimensions of my garden plot grew about the rest of the morning. I steadily smaller as the sun rose higher thought the chattering was gastric in the sky. But I persevered that day distress. Two daughters and their and planted the seeds, although mother thought it was laughter. admittedly in rather cockeyed rows. That’s why I don’t grow anything I calculated at the time that I was anymore. I’m being kind to animals. gaining an additional healthful benefit: A collection of Ted Rickard’s family-fun wholesome outdoor exercise, holding essays is titled Anything Worth Knowing I off a paunchy but premature middle Learned from the Grandkids. It is now age and gaining muscle tone by the available in paperback on Amazon.com. minute. I also gained a crippling

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April 2013

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Such is Life

There’s Nothing to Fear in Fear Itself Saralee Perel ost people think I’m normal. I’m not. Usually, I’m in overdrive on the nervouswreck meter, such as when I recently held a book signing at a bookshop. I’m reliving the panic in my dreams. This has resulted in a severe sleep disorder … for my husband. “Bob!” I screamed, as I pounded on his head last night while he was asleep. “I’m having a nightmare.” Our startled dog jumped on the bed and tore the quilt to death. The cats joined the terror party by leaping onto Bob’s face and yowling at higher notes than Mariah Carey could reach if she smashed her thumb with a sledgehammer. “Sweetheart,” I whispered. “Are you awake?” “Saralee, I’m begging you. Please don’t tell me another nightmare.” “I was at my signing when a woman

came over dressed like a zombie. She hissed, ‘You’re a rotten writer. Everybody hates your book. And you put on 30 pounds.’ Bob! It wasn’t a costume. It was my mother!” “Oh no!” He covered his ears. Most of us have anxiety. Maybe it’s a dread of dentist appointments, airplanes, spiders, or social situations. Oh, there are a billion examples. Although I was a psychotherapist for 22 years, I’ve learned more about anxiety from my own shtick. Struggling to cover up nervousness actually makes it worse. How do we tame it? By not trying to hide it or stop it. Saying, “I’m so nervous that my hands are shaking,” or, “My neck is beet red,” or commenting on whatever our outward signs of anxiety are will take away their power. If there are people who think less of

me for being scared, that’s their shortcoming. My sister-in-law was at my signing. She lives far away from me and never reads my columns, so she won’t see this. When she does her superior know-it-all thing, I respond like the mature, wise woman I’m known to be: I make faces behind her back. Two seconds before entering the bookstore, she said, “Are you nervous?” “Yes.” The sabotage began. “What’s wrong with you? You shouldn’t be nervous.” “Well, I’m excited too.” “You should be.” I stomped my feet. “I just said I am!” Bob gave me a knowing look that meant, “You’re never going to win. Give it up.” Naturally, he was right. While signing books, my hands trembled. While connecting with

readers whose words touched my heart deeply, my head shook. While thanking so many wonderful souls for coming to meet me, well, I stuttered through tears. Did it matter that I was nervous? Of course not. Three things mattered: 1. The fact that I had a wondrous time in spite of being scared. 2. The beautiful words I heard from readers along with the overwhelming love I received. 3. And that my sister-in-law saw every single bit of it. Saralee Perel is an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist. Her new book is Cracked Nuts & Sentimental Journeys: Stories From a Life Out of Balance. To find out more, visit www.saraleeperel.com or email sperel@saraleeperel.com.

Have you photographed a smile that just begs to be shared? Send us your favorite smile—your children, grandchildren, friends, even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus Senior News’ next Smile of the Month! You can submit your photos (with captions) either digitally to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to:

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April 2013

Book Review

Up From Corinth By J. Arthur Moore

Duane Kinkade is 11 years old when he enters the Civil War as a Confederate drummer boy in search of his father, a Confederate soldier. His father’s last letter spoke of action in western Tennessee, so it is that Duane enters the war in April 1862 at a place called Pittsburg Landing, near a church called Shiloh. Up From Corinth is the story of that battle, where Duane falls wounded and ends up in the care of a Union doctor and his teenage ward. In the months that follow, through the summer and fall of 1862, the Army of the Ohio moves eastward.

Duane is able to begin his trek back to the Confederate Army. Up From Corinth is available at Legacy Used Books and Collectibles, New Holland; Aaron’s Books, Lititz; Treasure Hill Antiques, Morgantown; the Chester County Historical Society and West Chester University, both in West Chester; and online at Amazon.com. For further information, visit

Skirmishes with elements of cavalry, outbreaks of illness, and the hardships of life in an army on the move culminate in full battle at Perryville. Finally, in the winter of 18621863, in the aftermath of a bitterly cold and bloody battle at Stones River,

www.upfromcorinth.com. About the Author J. Arthur Moore is an educator with over 41 years’ experience in public, private, and independent settings. He is also an amateur photographer and has illustrated his works with his own photographs. In addition to Up From Corinth, Moore has written a series called Journey Into Darkness, a novel titled Summer of Two Worlds, and a number of short pieces and short stories. He lives in Narvon, Pa.

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.

Have a lifestyle change on the horizon? Let this be your guide. “We had a great day and had many opportunities to speak to the attendees concerning our Summer at the Beach program as well as chartering coaches. It was also great to hear ‘thank you’ from those who rode the shuttle!”

In print. Online: onlinepub.com

Lois Stoltzfus Executive Coach

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April 2013

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