Lebanon County Edition
July 2015
Vol. 10 No. 7
Jim Breslin Has Stories to Share Story-Sharing ‘Competitions’ Draw Local Storytellers By Jason J. Tabor It may be a family member’s old yarn about growing up in a bygone era, repeated at every family gathering, or the knee-slapper of a tale that a friend proudly recites at parties. Everyone has at least one good story to tell, pulled from those funny, poignant, meaningful moments that happen in life. Writer Jim Breslin has created a forum to bring together storytellers and those who like to hear them. The Story Slam is a live storytelling competition inspired by events such as the Windy City Story Slam, the Philadelphia First Person Arts Story Slam, and NPR’s This American Life program. During the Slam, participants get up on stage and share their stories in front of a live audience. “It’s fun. We don’t take the competition too seriously; it’s more about sharing stories,” says Breslin, who held his first local Story Slam at his house in November 2009. “We heard 13 stories and had so much fun that I went to a local pub and asked about using a room on Tuesday nights,” he says. “The first two years we had a cult following, but then as word spread, the audience grew.” In its five-year run as a monthly event, the Story Slam stage has been home to more than 550 personal stories, some touching and some hilarious. please see STORIES page 15 Photo courtesy of Michelle Johnsen Photography
Jim Breslin on stage during a Story Slam storytelling event.
Inside:
Share Your Memories of V-J Day page 2
Lebanon County Senior Games Highlights page 8
Share Your Memories of V-J Day
Share your memories of Aug. 14, 1945, and help us honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation. Name: _______________________________________________ Current town of residence: _____________________________ Your memories of 8/14/45. Where were you? How old were you? What sights, sounds, and feelings do you recall? (150-word limit): ______________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Entries may be edited for space and grammatical accuracy.
Contact information (phone and/or email): _______________ _____________________________________________________ All information will be kept confidential and is for OLP’s use only.
Deadline for entries is July 15, 2015. Please include a photo of yourself, from either today or circa 1945! (Not required.)
Sept. 23, 2015
Sept. 30, 2015
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spooky Nook Sports
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. York Expo Center
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Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Avenue York
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16th Annual
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
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Oct. 21, 2015
July 2015
13th Annual
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Info and photo may be emailed to mjoyce@onlinepub.com, uploaded to www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com/VJDay, or mailed to:
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Carlisle Expo Center
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Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available
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If you would like your photo returned, please include a SASE.
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is commemorating the 70th anniversary of V-J Day with a special spread in its August issue!
The United States—and much of the civilians from all over Central world—rejoiced on Aug. 14, 1945: V-J Pennsylvania. Day, the date that would be remembered Submit your memories using the as the long-awaited form in the adjacent ad end of World War II along with a photo of and the surrender of yourself from either Do you remember the Japanese forces. today or circa 1945 Aug. 14, 1945? This August will (photo not required). mark 70 years since Mail submissions and Where were you? American service photos to 50plus Senior How old were you? News, 3912 Abel Drive, members and civilians literally converged in What sights, Columbia, PA 17512. the streets in Submissions and sounds, and unprecedented photos can also be feelings do you celebration. emailed to Do you remember mjoyce@onlinepub.com recall? Aug. 14, 1945? Where or uploaded on 50plus were you? How old Senior News’ website were you? What sights, sounds, and (www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com/ feelings do you recall? VJDay). A PDF version of the form can 50plus Senior News will commemorate be downloaded there as well. the 70th anniversary of V-J Day with a Please share your memories of Aug. special spread in its August issue! The 14, 1945, for inclusion in this spread feature will include the V-J Day and help us honor the legacy of the recollections of both veterans and Greatest Generation!
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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 Stamps (800) 692-7462 Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels (717) 273-9262 Lebanon County Christian Ministries (717) 272-4400 Salvation Army (717) 273-2655
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (717) 652-6520 Lupus Foundation (888) 215-8787 Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Hospitals Good Samaritan Hospital 252 S. Fourth St., Lebanon (717) 270-7500 Medical Society of Lebanon County (717) 270-7500
Gifts Edible Arrangements 103 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster (717) 390-3063 245 Bloomfield Drive, Lititz (717) 560-1056 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
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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 Medicare (800) 382-1274
Lebanon County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities (717) 274-1401 Lebanon HOPES (717) 274-7528, ext. 3201 Independent Living Communities Country Acres Manufactured Home Park, LP 1600 Kercher Ave., Myerstown (717) 866-5496 Insurance Medicare Hotline (800) 638-6833 Legal Services Pennsylvania Bar Association (717) 238-6715 Medical Equipment & Supplies Medical Supply (800) 777-6647 Office of Aging Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging (717) 273-9262 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
PA Crime Stoppers (800) 472-8477
Senior Centers Annville Senior Community Center (717) 867-1796
PennDOT (800) 932-4600
Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048
Recycling (800) 346-4242
Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786
Social Security Information (800) 772-1213
Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000 Housing Assistance Housing Assistance & Resources Program (HARP) (717) 273-9328
Senior Move Management TLC Ladies (717) 228-8764 Travel AAA Central Penn (717) 657-2244 Veterans Services Governor’s Veterans Outreach (717) 234-1681 Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771 Volunteer Opportunities RSVP of the Capital Region, Inc. (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lancaster County (717) 454-8647 RSVP Lebanon County (717) 454-8647 RSVP York County (443) 619-3842
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
When you patronize our advertisers, please let them know you saw their ad in
Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237 Senior Center of Lebanon Valley (717) 274-3451
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Is This Thing On? Corporate Office: 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240 Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 E-mail address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com
PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson
EDITORIAL VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR Christianne Rupp EDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS Megan Joyce EDITORIAL INTERN Pete Wisniewski
ART DEPARTMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Renee McWilliams PRODUCTION ARTISTS Janys Cuffe Lauren McNallen
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Christina Cardamone Robin Gamby Jennifer Schmalhofer SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp EVENTS MANAGER Kimberly Shaffer MARKETING COORDINATOR Mariah Hammacher
CIRCULATION PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer
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Phishing is So Very Fishy Abby Stokes week doesn’t go by now that I don’t receive a fishy email, an email that appears to be from my email service or bank that carries an anxiety-inducing message. At tax time I even got an email that looked like it came from the IRS, but it did not. These are all phishing scams. Merriam-Webster’s definition of phishing: a scam by which an email user is duped into revealing personal or confidential information, which the scammer can use illicitly. A month ago I received a phone call from Switzerland. It was a student of mine. I don’t want to reveal his identity, so let’s call him Barnaby. Barnaby uses Yahoo as his Web-based email service. He went to the expense of making an international call to me because he could no longer access his email account and suspected he knew why but wanted my advice. It all started with an email he opened that looked like it was from Yahoo. The real problem is that Yahoo did not send this email. It was a “phishing” email. Much like fishing, with an f not ph, the person who sent the email is trolling to see if he (or she) can fool anyone to click on a link in the email. If you click through, the next page asks you to type your screen name and password or even your Social Security number. Unfortunately, once you’ve done
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that, you haven’t verified your email or bank account for security—you instead will have revealed your password or private information to the scammer. You may not be able to tell the difference between what you might normally fill out when on a website and a phishing scam—except for one very important detail: Your email service or bank will never ask you to confirm your password in an email or through a link in an email.
So, no matter how familiar or scary an email may look, do not ever confirm your password in an email or through a link in an email. Unfortunately, Barnaby did just that. He typed in his email address and his password. The next time he went to sign into his account, he wasn’t able to access his email. Within a few hours an email was sent from Barnaby’s hijacked Yahoo account, written by the “phisher,” to everyone in the address book. The email, appearing to come from Barnaby, stated that he, while traveling, had been robbed and was
Awards
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.
July 2015
Abby Stokes, author of “Is This Thing On?” A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes, and the Kicking & Screaming and its companion website, AskAbbyStokes.com, is the Johnny Appleseed of Technology, singlehandedly helping more than 300,000 people cross the digital divide.
Trust in Others Rises as People Grow Older
Winner
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stranded without his wallet. It asked the recipient(s) to please send money using Western Union. Now, I know you’re saying, “Who would fall for that?” Truth be told, many could and do. And each phishing email is different—one more compelling than the other. Your first line of defense is to never confirm your password in an email or through a link in an email. (I promise I won’t say it again. You get the point.) If you discover that you’ve unwittingly succumbed to a phishing scam, you can forward the email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.org. Antiphishing.org is a volunteer organization devoted to helping people identify and avoid scams. You can imagine a phishing scammer’s glee when they discover that your email password is the same as your bank PIN. Your bank password should be used exclusively for the bank and not for anything else. In the next issue of 50plus Senior News, I’ll walk you through some tips of how to choose safe and memorable passwords.
50plus SeniorNews
In a cynical world, trust can seem hard to come by. But new research suggests it may grow as we get older. The World Values Survey, collecting data from more than 200,000 people in 83 nations, found that more than a third of people 80 years old or older agreed that most people can be trusted, although just a quarter of 20-yearolds said the same. p
The results were consistent regardless of nationality, gender, education, and income.
A similar study, analyzing data from the General Social Survey of 1,230 U.S. citizens over time, also found that our willingness to trust increases as we grow older. One possible explanation: As time goes on, most people tend to simplify their lives and spend more time with their families, resulting in a more positive and generous attitude about the world. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Salute to a Veteran st
After His 1 Mission, They Counted 29 Flak Holes in His B-24 Robert D. Wilcox dward Johnson grew up in radios for each flight but spent most of Abington, Pa., a suburb of his time manning the waist machine gun Philadelphia. Like other young while in hostile territory. men of the World War II years, he had As we conquered the southern part of visions of flying hot Air Corps airplanes. Italy, we had many airfields there from To fly the P-38, for example, was his which we bombed targets in southern dream of a life well lived. Germany and Austria. Bridges and When he enlisted in airfields were prime targets. 1944, however, he found And, during the Battle of that the Air Corps had the Bulge in December more pilots than they could 1944/January 1945, the Bhandle. 24 launched a series of raids So he found himself in on the German troops in radio school, where he spent northern Italy, designed to six months mastering all the prevent their being moved skills it would take to to join the fighting in the become a radioman in Ardennes. combat. That meant he not Johnson flew 23 missions only had to know all about from his base in San Tech Sergeant Edward A. radio, but also how to fire a Pancrazio. When asked if he Johnson flew a B-24 like 50-caliber machine gun and remembers one mission as this out of Italy. be familiar enough with it being more hazardous than to disassemble others, he it and assemble promptly says, it again while “The first one. blindfolded. It was a He then heckuva way shipped to to start out. Charleston, Four S.C., where he squadrons of was assigned to our B-24s were handed the the crew of a assignment of B-24 fourknocking out engine an Alpine bomber. And Johnson’s B-24 crew. bridge that they were soon He’s second from the right in the top row. Germans were on their way to Italy aboard please see VETERAN page 13 a Liberty ship, where they were to be assigned to a 15th Air Force base in San Pancrazio on the southern coast of Italy. Johnson explains that the radioman on the B-24 occupied a position in the upper fuselage aft of the cockpit and the top turret. The radioman of lead crews (and deputy leads) would go for hours listening to incoming messages and giving position reports every 30 minutes. g Servin n o They helped the navigator in taking Leban ty Co u n r fixes and reporting to headquarters of for ove s! 0 Year 2 targets attacked and results. When needed, they would also man the second machine gun in the waist of the airplane. In other crews, the radioman would be at the radio only as needed, if the aircraft had to leave the formation, for instance. He was responsible for setting up the
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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Appraisal Events Reveal Great Finds, Part I Lori Verderame nnually, I present about 150 antique appraisal shows throughout the United States. My appraisal events empower folks with information that they can use when cleaning out their homes, downsizing, handing down family heirlooms, or visiting estate and yard sales. The appraisal events are as interesting as they are amusing. Check out what I’ve checked out recently and plan to come to one of my events with your antiques or family heirlooms (schedule posted at www.DrLoriV.com/events):
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Reno, Nev. – A painting by Albert Blakelock, whose works are in the Brooklyn Museum and the Corcoran Gallery, was brought to my event by a gentleman whose grandfather received the painting in payment of a debt during the Great Depression.
The painting has been displayed in his home ever since. I told the owner at my event that his Romantic landscape painting by Blakelock is now worth $30,000. Hartville, Ohio – A couple married 35 years brought an early 1900s Native American leather, wood, and beadwork baby papoose to my event. When I asked the wife if anyone in her family was Native American, she said, “No.” Her husband, seated next to her,
Native American beaded moccasins, circa early 1900s
Photos courtesy of the staff of www.DrLoriV.com
Dr. Lori with Andrea in Virginia Beach, Va., and her World War II map of Europe
interrupted—“Hello, I am Cheyenne!” He was just as shocked by his wife’s ignorance of their family history as he was by the antique’s value. Value: $10,000 Virginia Beach, Va. – A hand-drawn World War II map of Europe documenting the sites where the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division served was brought to me by Andrea, whose father served with the famous military division. They were the American military
division that liberated the Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Her colorful map and a yearbook of photos documenting the 42nd Rainbow’s service are treasured family keepsakes. Value: $5,000 Grand Island, Neb. – Tanner, age 5, brought his grandmother’s 1930s-era Bakelite pin in the shape of a squirrel to my event for an appraisal. Tanner told me it was OK for a boy to wear this pin because squirrels are scary animals. The not-so-scary value of that piece of costume jewelry was $275. Fort Wayne, Ind. – A pair of beaded moccasins, in mint condition, had been in the owner’s family for generations and was lovingly stored with tissue paper out of direct sunlight for years. She was told to take care of them and she did. Value: $4,000
Free to the Consumer … Yet Priceless Be included in the housing and care resource that has been Central Pennsylvanians’ go-to guide for two decades. BENEFITS Online Drives traffic to your site Digital e-dition Easily accessible on mobile devices Print For those who rely on traditional media Distribution Available at more than 15 events annually
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Atlanta, Ga. – Charles brought a Freemason’s apron that was handmade by the wife of one of his relatives who served in the Civil War. Decorated with the famous symbols of the secret society, the antique was said to have saved the family from certain death as it hung in a front window during the burning of Atlanta. Historical value: Priceless The Villages, Fla. – A World Series umpire owned a 1947 New York Yankees/St. Louis Cardinals World Series ring featuring 14-karat gold and diamonds. The owner/umpire was in his 90s when I appraised the ring recently, and he was still cool under pressure. He didn’t move a muscle when I appraised it for $20,000.
Greensboro, N.C. – The granddaughter of a man who made a pass at Margaret Mitchell in the summer of 1936 while the author was selling her books on an Atlanta sidewalk brought a signed first-edition copy of Gone with the Wind to my event. She retold the story of how her grandfather, though rejected by Mitchell, bought the famous Civil War novel from the author. That book had it all: famous story, great condition, first edition, original cover, autographed, impeccable provenance. Value: $60,000 Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and former museum director, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/Events, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.
Volunteer Spotlight Korean War Vet Supports Today’s Troops RSVP of the Capital Siesing served for Region has named Ronald four years in the Army Siesing as its Lebanon during the Korean War County Volunteer of the and had a career in food month for July. service with the AFLSiesing is a nine-year CIO Local 1500 foodvolunteer at the service workers in New Myerstown Senior Center York. working with and Siesing and his wife, Ronald Siesing assisting in supervising 11 Josephine (also a fellow coupon clippers in Troopons® volunteer), the Troopons® program, a program of have been married for 29 years. His Support our Troops®. hobbies include bowling and watching The Support Our Troops® television. Troopons® program enhances the wellFor his many years of faithful being of overseas and domestic volunteer service in Lebanon County, military families by sending them RSVP salutes Ronald Siesing as its food, non-food, baby, and petVolunteer of the Month for July. manufacturer coupons to make their RSVP, the nation’s largest volunteer hard-earned dollars go further. program for adults aged 55-plus, Born in New York, Siesing put his works with volunteers to help match roots in Lebanon County nine years their time and talents with volunteer ago after moving from the Florida area positions in the community. to be with some friends who moved to For more information, email Pennsylvania. Siesing immediately lancleb@rsvpcapreg.org or call Margie sought out local volunteer Groy at (717) 454-8647 or the opportunities, which, to RSVP’s statewide Senior Corps of PA toll-free honor, landed him at the Myerstown hotline at (800) 870-2616. Senior Center. www.rsvpcapreg.org Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’ Volunteer Spotlight! Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.
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November 13, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim
They served us — now let us serve them! Reserve your space today! The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families. The Job Fair brings veterans and spouses who need jobs together with employers who can benefit from this rich source of talent to aid their organizations.
2 events — 1 location At the Expo Veterans Benefits & Services Community Services Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services
At the Job Fair Employers Job Counseling Workshops/Seminars Resume Writing Assistance
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available To become a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact your account representative, call (717) 285-1350, or email info@onlinepub.com
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Lebanon County Senior Games Provide Fun and Competition By Pete Wisniewski The 30th Annual Lebanon County Senior Games concluded on June 3 after a weeklong run of events. The games are open to those who are 50 or over and reside in Lebanon County. Events proceeded as planned for the 30th games; no new activities were added to this year’s slate, just a few changes of venues. “Like always,” said Brian Wolfe, director of the Lebanon YMCA, “everyone had a good time.” The games were well received by the 81 athletes in attendance. According to Wolfe, the organizers received nothing but “positive feedback and some good suggestions for next year,” which they will take into consideration; event organizers take pride in making the games as enjoyable as possible for the attendees. With proceedings at various locations across Lebanon, including Lions Lake, YMCA, Senior Center Building, Ironwood Park, and many others, the games offered a wide range of activities to satisfy all ability levels and interests. Table tennis, swimming, billiards, badminton, shuffleboard, bocce ball, foul shooting, bowling, and mini golf were just some of the events offered at this year’s games,
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July 2015
with mini golf and bowling the most popular. Wolfe said that all the games went smoothly, with only a minor hiccup in weather that almost canceled the softball throw, which was successfully moved indoors. The Lebanon Senior Games provide an important avenue for seniors to get exercise, but their significance also goes far beyond that. “They aid seniors to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” Wolfe said. “It gives them motivation and something to look forward to; it is also a huge social event.” One of the biggest social events at this year’s games was the closing ceremony picnic — held at noon on Wednesday, June 3, at Ironwood Park. Wolfe said this was the second year they hosted a picnic, and it has proven to be one of the most popular gatherings. “There is a lot work involved in preparing and running the games,” Wolfe said. But for him, the games are their own reward. “I love watching the seniors compete, and every year I am so impressed with them. What I liked most is getting the handshakes and hugs at the end of the games.” For more information on the Lebanon County Senior Games, contact The Lebanon Valley Family YMCA at (717) 273-2691 or visit www.lebanonymca.org.
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Quit Wits and Snappy Comebacks At one time or another, we’ve all been victims of insults that leave us fuming without an appropriate reply. Would that we could have been as quick-witted as these individuals:
Poet Lewis Morris to writer Oscar Wilde: “There’s a conspiracy against me, a conspiracy of silence, but what can one do? What should I do?� Wilde: “Join it.�
An actress to actress/writer Ilka Chase: “I enjoyed your book. Who wrote it for you?� Chase: “I’m so glad you liked it. Who read it to you?�
Member of Parliament to Winston Churchill: “Mr. Churchill, must you fall asleep while I’m speaking?� Churchill: “No, it’s purely voluntary.�
Playwright George Bernard Shaw to his wife: “Isn’t it true, my dear, that male judgment is superior to female judgment?� Charlotte Shaw: “Of course, dear. After all, you married me—and I you.�
Playwright Noel Coward to writer Edna Ferber (who was wearing a tailored suit at the time): “You look almost like a man.� Ferber: “So do you.�
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The Way I See It
Junk Drawers Mike Clark have difficulty finding certain objects around the house. It has less to do with a failing memory than with the countless number of places where I could have put those objects after I used them last. It takes some time to sort through all the possibilities. If you remember my column called “My Workshop,” you are familiar with my struggles in organization and neatness. The other day I was looking for a tiny screwdriver (I have several) to fix one of my grandchildren’s toys. Before I started walking in circles and looking in the same places more than once, which is my usual routine, my wife suggested that I look in my junk drawer. “Gee, which one?” I asked. That’s right: I have more than one junk drawer. And who else but me should know better about going directly to a junk drawer when I need things that I could not find
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anywhere else? After all, I am the creator of junk drawers. My wife should never have to suggest it. I’m of the impression, based on no scientific evidence whatsoever, that we all have junk drawers— special places where we keep small items that we will use, or even think we will use, in the future. I’m talking about little items that might include mini-tools, hooks and fasteners, pins and springs, strings and short lengths of rope, wires, cords, watch parts, favorite writing instruments that will probably never write again, and sometimes small boxes
and containers that might someday hold a sentimental souvenir. The list of potentially purposeful items is endless. Take your own inventory when you get the time. We keep these things in drawers because there is not always a good, specific place for them; they cannot be hung on a pegboard with larger tools and gadgets. And among the functional junk that is useful by itself, there are random parts and pieces that might not be functional alone, but added to other parts and pieces, we can create new things. Look at some of the great art created from junk. OK, that’s mostly created
from much larger junk than we can keep in our drawers, but you get my point. The immutable truth is, the day after we get rid of anything in our closet cache of junk is the day we will need it. So, if I think there’s even a remote chance that I might need a piece, a part, or a tiny tool someday, it goes right to one of my junk drawers until that day rolls around. And, unbelievably, there were many times when I have found a use for something weird in my depository of miscellaneous junk. I just don’t ever want to be that person in the middle of a fix-it job who says, “I wish I still had that nifty little tool or that doohickey I threw away yesterday.” You know what I mean, right? I finally found the screwdriver I needed to fix my grandchild’s toy. But I found it in a junk drawer that had not been opened for a long time. please see JUNK page 14
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Savvy Senior
How Seniors Can Tame Pet Care Costs Jim Miller some insurers provide discounts for insuring multiple pets. See Pet Insurance Review (www.pet insurancereview.com) to compare policies. Membership discount plans like Pet Assure (www.petassure.com) are another way to save, but you’ll need to use a vet in their network.
Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend to help senior pet owners with their veterinary bills? I have two cats and a dog that are family to me, but their vet bills have become unaffordable. – Fixed-Income Frankie Dear Frankie, The high cost of veterinary care has become a problem for millions of pet owners today, but it can be especially difficult for seniors living on a fixed income. Routine medical care can cost hundreds of dollars, while urgent/specialized treatments and procedures can run into the thousands. But it is possible to reduce your pet care costs without sacrificing their health. Here are some tips that can help you save. Shop around: If you’re not attached to a particular veterinarian, call some different vet clinics in your area and compare costs. When you call, get price quotes on basic services like annual exams and vaccinations, as well as bigger-ticket items, like repairing a broken leg, so you can compare. Also, check to see if you live near a veterinary medical school (see www. aavmc.org for a listing). Many schools provide low-cost care provided by students who are overseen by their professors. Ask your vet for help: To help make your vet bills more manageable, see if your vet’s office accepts monthly payments so you don’t have to pay the entire cost up front. Also, find out if your vet offers discounts to senior citizens or reduces fees for annual checkups if you bring in multiple pets.
Search for low-cost care: Many municipal and nonprofit animal shelters offer free or low-cost spaying and neutering programs and vaccinations, and some work with local vets who are willing to provide care at reduced prices for low-income and senior pet owners. Call your local shelter or Humane Society to find out what’s available in your area. Look for financial assistance: There are a number of state and national organizations that provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. To locate these programs, the U.S. Humane Society provides a listing on their website that you can access (www.humanesociety.org/petfinancialaid). Buy cheaper medicine: Medicine purchased at the vet’s office is usually much more expensive than you can get from a regular pharmacy or online. Instead, get a prescription from your vet (ask for generic if possible) so you can shop for the best price. Most pharmacies fill prescriptions for pets inexpensively, so long as that same drug is also prescribed to humans. And, many pharmacies offer pet-discount savings programs too. You can also save by shopping online at one of the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites accredited by the National Association of Boards of
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Pharmacy, like 1-800-PetMeds (www.1800petmeds.com), Drs. Foster & Smith (www.drsfostersmith.com), KV Supply (www.kvsupply.com), and PetCareRx (www.petcarerx.com). Consider pet insurance: If you can afford it, pet insurance is another option worth looking into. You can get a basic policy for less than $10 per month, and
Look for other ways to save: In addition to cutting your veterinary bills, you can also save on pet food and other supplies depending on where you shop. Big-box and discount or dollar stores typically offer much lower prices than supermarkets and specialty pet retailers. You can also save on treats and toys at sites like Coupaw (www.coupaw.com) and Doggyloot (www.doggyloot.com). Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
Who Has the Best Bites in Central PA? 50plus Senior News readers have spoken! Here are the Lebanon County dining favorites for 2015! Breakfast: Lititz Family Cupboard Restaurant & Buffet
Fast Food: Wendy’s Seafood: Devon’s Seafood
Lunch: Tomato Pie Café
Steak: Texas Roadhouse
Dinner: Hideaway Restaurant Ethnic Cuisine: May’s Wok
Outdoor Dining: Kleinfeltersville Hotel and Tavern
Celebrating: The Franklin House Tavern & Restaurant
Romantic Setting: Inn 422
Bakery: Kreiser’s Kreations
Smorgasbord/Buffet: Dutch-Way Restaurant
Coffeehouse: MJ’s Coffee House
Caterer: Elaine’s Catering
Winner of $50 Giant Food Stores Gift Card: Nancy Capstick Congratulations!
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Report: Pennsylvania Ranks 25th for Senior Health Pennsylvania ranked 25th for senior health this year, according to the third edition of United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report: A Call to Action for Individuals and Their Communities. Nationwide, the report shows positive trends for senior health, especially for those measures that look at whether seniors are getting the right care in a setting of their choice. Seniors are experiencing lower hospital readmission rates and preventable hospitalization rates compared to last year, while hospice care use and the number of home healthcare workers have increased. “United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report is a vital tool for understanding where we, as a state, are making strides in senior health and where key challenges for Pennsylvania’s seniors remain,” said Dr. Jerry Frank, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s Strengths • High community-support expenditures: Pennsylvania spends an average of $1,917 per adult aged 65 and older living in poverty to support senior
Pennsylvania report doing no physical activity or exercise in the last 30 days. Physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, falls, depression, and premature death.
programs that address personal care, transportation, meals, and other needs. • Low percentage of low-care nursinghome residents: Many low-care nursinghome residents do not need the full suite of services offered by nursing homes and would be capable of living in their own homes with the help of community aid programs such as Meals on Wheels.
number of geriatricians needed is growing dramatically. The shortfall of geriatricians in Pennsylvania is 46.4 percent of the minimum number needed, the sixth-lowest shortfall among the states. Pennsylvania’s Challenges
• In Pennsylvania, only 6 percent of nursing-home residents are low-care, the fifth-lowest rate in the nation, which indicates that older adults have the support programs they need to remain independent.
• High prevalence of obesity: 30.1 percent of Pennsylvania adults aged 65 and older are obese, which means that Pennsylvania ranks 45th among the states. Obesity predisposes older adults to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, and joint pain.
• Low geriatrician shortfall: With an aging baby boomer population, the
• High prevalence of physical inactivity: 36.7 percent of senior adults in
• Low percentage of quality nursinghome beds: In Pennsylvania, only 35.3 percent of nursing-home beds are rated at four- or five-star levels. Quality nursing-home practices can largely prevent hospitalizations related to falls, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, malnutrition, and dehydration. According to the report, Vermont is the healthiest state for seniors, rising from fourth place last year. New Hampshire ranks second, improving one spot from last year. Minnesota fell to third after being ranked first for two years in a row, while Hawaii (4) and Utah (5) round out the top five states. Louisiana ranks 50th as the least healthy state for older adults, followed by Mississippi (49), Kentucky (48), Arkansas (47) and Oklahoma (46). To see the rankings in full, visit: www.americashealthrankings.org/senior
Advertise in this vital community guide If your organization or business offers a product or service relevant to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, or their families, you should be included in the Lebanon County Resource Directory for the Caregiver, Aging, and Disabled! • Online e-dition for anywhere, anytime access • Complementary print edition — no additional charge • Links consumer with the appropriate information and resources • Supports local agencies and promotes efficient coordination of services • 400+ informative listings (FREE expanded listing with display ad) • 8,000 free copies distributed throughout the county, including government offices, CVS/pharmacies, doctors’ offices, 50plus EXPOS, and wherever 50plus Senior News is distributed
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Contact your account representative or call 717.285.1350 now to be included in this vital annual directory. On-Line Publishers, Inc., 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 • 717.285.1350 • 717.770.0140 • 610.675.6240 • info@onlinepub.com • www.onlinepub.com
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Calendar of Events
Lebanon County
Programs and Support Groups
Free and open to the public
July 22, 6 to 7 p.m. – Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support Group, Linden Village, 100 Tuck Court, Lebanon, (717) 274-7400
Lebanon County Department of Parks and Recreation All events held at the Park at Governor Dick unless noted. July 5, 1 to 4 p.m. – Music on the Porch: Bluegrass and Appalachian-Style Music July 11, 9 a.m. to noon – Volunteer Work Day July 24, 6:30 p.m. – UNPLUG! Nocturnal Animals
VETERAN
from page 5
using to send supplies to Italian and German troops in Northern Italy. “We were flying at 20,000 feet, but in the Alps the ack-ack cannon were only 10,000 feet or so below us. For some reason, the lead bombardier failed to get his fix on the first pass over the target. So we all had to make a second pass, with the ack-ack this time just waiting for us. “As we got over the target, you could hear the flak tearing into our plane. It felt like someone hitting the plane with a two-by-four. “It seemed like some kind of small miracle that, with all that damage, nobody aboard got a scratch. That, despite the fact that we later counted 29 major holes in the plane from the flak. The main thing, of course, was that the stream of 100-pound bombs from our squadrons had completely demolished the bridge that was our target.” Johnson flew 22 more missions after that and was often hit by flak. On one mission, they barely made it back after having two engines shot out. But his crew was one of the lucky ones, always returning to base in one piece … and with no crew members wounded. After Johnson’s 23rd mission, the war ended, and he went home in style. A packed B-24 flew airmen to Gander Field in Newfoundland, and from there they went by train to the U.S. Johnson was discharged in November as a tech sergeant and returned home,
where he then used the G.I. Bill to attend West Chester Teachers College. His skill there at playing third base on the baseball team led to his playing in the East’s team in the first annual EastWest college all-star game at Boston’s Fenway Park. The newspaper reporting the game named him the “batting star” who scored one run and drove in another in the East’s 6-2 win. It also noted that he had been joined by Charley Trippi, of Georgia, and Glenn Davis, of Army, both nationally known football stars. After graduating from West Chester with a B.S. in social studies, Johnson taught at Haverford (Pa.) Elementary School for six years before becoming the school’s principal. He retired in 1987 after 38 years as an educator. He and his wife, Dorothy, came to Central Pennsylvania in 2006 in order to be closer to their daughter, Sandra, who was teaching at an area high school. Asked if he often thinks back to his World War II experiences, he agrees that he does. He says that they somehow stay etched in his mind, while other reminiscences of those days tend to dim. With a grin, he says, “I wouldn’t want to go through that again, but those memories are sure nice to have.”
Senior Center Activities
Annville Senior Community Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville July 6, 10 a.m. – Bus Trip and Special Event Fair July 8, 11 a.m. – Mardis Gras Summer-Themed Party July 22, noon – Lunch & Learn: Going Blind, Coming Out of the Dark about Vision Loss Maple Street Community Center – (717) 273-1048 710 Maple St., Lebanon July 8, 9 a.m. – Center Planning Meeting July 22, 11 a.m. – Meet at the Center and Carpool to The Foundry Restaurant July 29, 10 a.m. – Ice Cream and Hot Dog Social with Nostalgic Duo Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 Ramona Road, Myerstown July 8, 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. – Bus Trip: Twist & Shout at Hunterdon Hills Dinner Theatre July 15, noon – Patriotic Celebration at Country Fare Restaurant July 28, 11 a.m. – Consumer Education: Romance Scam Quiz Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944 335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www.jonestownpa.org/senior.html July 15, 11:30 a.m. – Lunch at the Timbers, Musical Review Say it with Music July 29, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Bus Trip: South Pacific at Allenberry Playhouse July 31, 12:30 p.m. – Pinochle Club – New Players Welcome Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237 101 S. Railroad St., Palmyra July 2, 4:30 p.m. – Carpool to Harrisburg Senators Baseball Game and Picnic July 22, 11 a.m. – Carpool to Timbers for Say it with Music Dinner Show July 29, 10:45 a.m. – “Food Allergies” Consumer Education and Discussion Privately Owned Centers Senior Center of Lebanon Valley, Inc. – (717) 274-3451 710 Maple St., Lebanon Washington Arms – (717) 274-4104 303 Chestnut St., Lebanon Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.
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Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.
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Know Your State’s Signers The United States celebrates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 every year. How well do you know the patriots who signed it? Try matching each signer of the Declaration to the colony he represented. (Note: There were two signers per colony. Answers are at the bottom of the page.)
The Year in Everyday Costs As 50plus Senior News celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we hope you’ll enjoy a monthly peek back at the world in 1995! This month, the average costs of everyday life in 1995:
Postage stamp: 32 cents Loaf of bread: $1.40 Gallon of milk: $2.59 Gallon of gas: $1.35 A dozen eggs: 87 cents Car: $12,800 Household income: $34,076 Monthly rent: $550 House: $111,000
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. r. s. t. u. v. w. x. y. z.
JUNK
Simply mail this form and $12 for an annual subscription to: 50 plus Senior News • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Or, subscribe online at www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com! Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________________________
Thomas Jefferson John Witherspoon Josiah Bartlett John Hancock Samuel Chase William Hooper Richard Stockton Caesar Rodney William Ellery Philip Livingston Edward Rutledge Benjamin Franklin John Adams Thomas McKean Richard Henry Lee Joseph Hewes Charles Carroll George Clymer Arthur Middleton Button Gwinnett William Whipple Lyman Hall Samuel Huntington Francis Lewis Oliver Wolcott Stephen Hopkins
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Delaware Pennsylvania Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island New York Georgia Virginia North Carolina South Carolina New Jersey Connecticut Maryland
from page 10
And in that drawer I found a recipe for Maryland crab cakes; two miniature bungee cords; a compass for orienteering, which I never used; a battered watch that my sister bought for me at Christmas in 1964 (it will never again keep time); two pairs of bronzed baby shoes; romantic cards and notes that my wife and I had exchanged over the years; a small wooden box that my kids bought for me at a school Christmas bazaar many years ago (it has DAD stenciled on the lid); a few stray wedding pictures; and some old photographs of the mountain cabin we once owned. Underneath some of the other mementos and memorabilia, I found my dad’s Army Air Corps discharge paper (he was a military policeman) and the leather wallet that he had in his trousers the night he fell into a deep coma in January 1963; it was a coma from which he never escaped.
The wallet contained his Social Security card, driver’s license, title transfer from a 1948 Pontiac to a 1954 Ford station wagon, a couple of social club membership cards, a ticket for the first annual Loyal Order of Moose chicken barbecue, a business card for the company from which he purchased my mom’s memorial stone seven months earlier, and pictures of my brother, my sister, and me. I thought about the meaning of the things I discovered in that so-called junk drawer. So I removed the junk and made a keepsake drawer. Mike Clark writes a regular column for The Globe Leader newspaper in New Wilmington, Pa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior/applied psychology from Albright College. Mike lives outside Columbia, Pa., and can be contacted at mikemac429@aol.com.
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Please specify edition: o Chester o Cumberland o Dauphin o Lancaster o Lebanon o York
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STORIES
from page 1
The event now has its own YouTube page and podcast and has branched out to several areas in Pennsylvania, including the West Chester, Lancaster, Delco, and Lehigh Valley Story Slams. “It’s been a joy to meet so many people and to record and archive their incredible stories on our website and podcasts,” says Breslin. He has advice for those who may be interested in participating in the event but are unsure of their own storytelling abilities. “Everyone has at least one or two amazing stories in their life. Story Slams are not just for writers. We often have someone sign up at intermission after watching a few stories. They didn’t plan on telling a story, but then they get up to the mic and tell this amazing story and win the event.” Breslin is also active in literary circles, serving as a member in two area writers groups and as vice president of one. “I love all types of stories and consider myself a writer first and a storyteller second. I’m a fan of short stories but read a lot of novels also.” Imagine going to a job each day where you find yourself meeting and working with celebrities such as Milton Berle, Richard Simmons, Joan Rivers, Annette Funicello, and Cal Ripken. You would probably come home with some interesting stories to tell. For 17 years, Jim Breslin did just that while working as a producer for QVC, the world’s largest home shopping television network, famous for featuring celebrity product endorsements during live broadcasts. “A favorite moment for me was when Florence Henderson kissed me on the cheek—I grew up watching her on television as Mrs. Brady,” he says. Breslin describes his experiences at QVC as fun and surreal, but after 17 years in such a high-pressure
environment, he decided to “exit corporate life and pursue more artistic projects.” In 2014, he published Shoplandia, a novel that draws on his experience in broadcasting and pulls back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of a shopping network. “It’s a humorous novel about the surreal life of those who work in the live studios of a home shopping channel and have to deal with celebrity guests and other mayhem,” says Breslin. Shoplandia was published by Breslin’s own Oermead Press, a micro-publishing project he founded in 2010 dedicated to the purpose of producing quality fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Oermead has published five books to date, including Breslin’s novel, collections of poetry and short stories, anthologies, e-books, and podcasts. While attending to his own writing, Oermead Press, and the Story Slams, Breslin recently passed a personal milestone: his 50th birthday. “I’m not going to lie—turning 50 has messed with my head a bit,” he says. “My father died when he was 47, so I’ve been cognizant of his mortality. I mountain bike two or three times a week and hike also.” He also has some words of advice for aspiring writers who may be grappling with getting their own stories down on paper. “I recommend sitting in the chair every day. Set goals and write, write, write. The first draft is always terrible. Writing is about revising 30, 40, 50 times. Join critique groups that will be supportive but also honest. Don’t take criticism personally,” he says. “You won’t please everyone with your writing, but that’s OK.” Visit www.jimbreslin.com or www.wcstoryslam.com for more information.
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Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars Entertainment • Door Prizes
Why Participate? It’s the premier event for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors in Lancaster County • Face-to-face interaction with 3,000+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products
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Whether your goal is to stop smoking, lose weight or be er manage your diabetes, WellLebanon.org can help you with the tools you need to get well – and stay well. Tools you can start using now to prevent and manage the most common health concerns. WellLebanon.org is one way The Good Samaritan Hospital and WellSpan Health are working together for be er health in Lebanon County. A healthier community is a stronger community. Let’s get WellLebanon.
WellLebanon.org is a collabora ve effort of The Good Samaritan Hospital and WellSpan Health. 16
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