50plus LIFE Lebanon County July 2017

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Complimentary | Lebanon County Edition

July 2017 • Vol. 12 No. 7

FOR LOCAL BICYCLISTS, EVERY DAY’S A JOYRIDE page 4

senior games highlights page 8

new column: soldier stories page 18


The Bookworm Sez

The Broken Road Terri Schlichenmeyer

thank you for voting us

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OF 2017 IN HANOVER & YORK

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July 2017

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The road is a long one. he knew to be a scam. He became Like most, it’s rarely smooth and incredibly wealthy, and then betrayed straight. Signs warn of curves and his mentor for even more riches. detours ahead, rough terrain, and rest Soon, he’d gained the thing he stops for the weary; there are potholes wanted but lost what he loved. He and jagged asphalt. couldn’t rest. He couldn’t sleep And in The Broken Road by Richard without nightmares, and he had been Paul Evans, there are many side roads seeing a therapist. She helped him to be explored. understand where his The man in the diner life was heading. looked familiar. She helped him see On his journey where his next step along Route 66, Evans should be…. never expected to see When I got The someone he recognized. Broken Road, I had to Still, he knew that guy, check the calendar, and had seen him on TV, so it wasn’t December. Evans approached him, Author Richard Paul indulged in a bit of Evans even admits small talk, and learned in this novel that that his instincts were he usually writes right: There, in a diner Christmassy stories, but on the edge of the this isn’t one of those. Mojave Desert, sat a It’s better. The Broken Road dead man. Readers who may By Richard Paul Evans Grizzled and find Evans’ other books c. 2017, Simon & Schuster sunburned, but too sappy will be happy 304 pages recognizable as the to know that in this conman he’d once modified rags-to-riches been, Charles James was unashamed. story, there’s not a lot of romance and He even agreed to talk, to tell the no snow; in fact, this book begins truth … and so he began. on the edge of a desert, and it mostly Growing up, he said, it was a rare features a complicated man who’s day when someone in the family chased by the demons of his past. wasn’t beaten. That someone was Yes, there’s a woman involved, but usually him, and it happened until she’s only a catalyst in the tale—a James stood up to his father, turned supporting actress, if you will. The the tables, and then left Utah on an man himself and his immediate circle L.A.-bound Greyhound. compose the meat of this novel, and On the way to California, he met a rightfully so: They are some of Evans’ girl who showed him what life could best characters. be like, and she helped him find a job. This book will appeal to his fans, That job allowed him to gain but it should also attract new ones, self-confidence, experience, and a too, because it’s really quite different. reputation for being a hard worker. Novel readers of almost any genre He also had an eye for opportunity, so will find The Broken Road to be pretty when someone invited him to a getsmooth. rich seminar, James knew he’d found The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. his dream job. Terri has been reading since she was 3 He started by volunteering with years old and she never goes anywhere the organization and worked his way without a book. She lives on a hill in up as a valuable salesman, and then Wisconsin with two dogs and 14,000 books. a motivational speaker for a product www.50plusLifePA.com


The Evolution of Independence Day If Americans have one holiday in common, it’s the Fourth of July. How long have we officially been celebrating independence from Great Britain? Here’s a timeline: July 4, 1776 – Members of the Second Continental Congress meet in Philadelphia and adopt the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1777 – To commemorate the first anniversary of the signing, Philadelphians light candles and set off firecrackers. Yet with no

orders a Fourth of July artillery salute.

sure outcome in the war for independence, celebrations are kept to a minimum.

1781 – Massachusetts carries out the first official state celebration of the Fourth of July.

July 4, 1778 – On the second anniversary of the signing, Gen. George Washington issues his troops a double ration of rum and

1801 – The White House hosts its first public Fourth of

July reception. 1870 – Congress establishes the Fourth of July as an unpaid holiday for federal employees and the District of Columbia. 1938 – Congress establishes the Fourth of July as a paid holiday for federal employees. 1941 – Congress expands the 1938 law to include the District of Columbia.

At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away. Emergency Numbers Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 Food Resources Food Stamps (800) 692-7462

CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400

PennDOT (800) 932-4600

Kidney Foundation (717) 652-8123

Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers (800) 472-8477

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (717) 652-6520

Recycling (800) 346-4242

Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels (717) 273-9262

Lupus Foundation (888) 215-8787 Hearing Services

Social Security Information (800) 772-1213

Lebanon County Christian Ministries (717) 272-4400 Salvation Army (717) 273-2655 Funeral & Cremation Services Cremation Society of Pennsylvania Serving Lebanon County (800) 720-8221 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020

Melnick, Moffitt & Mesaros ENT Associates 927 Russell Drive, Lebanon (717) 274-9775 Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Hospitals Medical Society of Lebanon County (717) 270-7500

American Diabetes Association (717) 657-4310

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital 252 S. Fourth St., Lebanon (717) 270-7500 Hotlines Energy Assistance (800) 692-7462

American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association (717) 207-4265

Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Hotline (800) 541-2050

American Lung Association (717) 541-5864

IRS Income Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040

Arthritis Foundation (717) 274-0754

Medicaid (800) 692-7462

Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (717) 787-7500

Medicare (800) 382-1274

American Cancer Society (717) 231-4582

www.50plusLifePA.com

Office of Aging Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging (717) 273-9262 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Senior Centers Annville Senior Community Center (717) 867-1796

United Way of Lebanon County 2-1-1 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000 Housing Assistance Housing Assistance & Resources Program (HARP) (717) 273-9328

Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048 Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786 Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944 Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237

Lebanon County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities (717) 274-1401 Lebanon HOPES (717) 274-7528, ext. 3201 Independent Living Communities Country Acres Manufactured Home Park 1600 Kercher Ave., Myerstown (717) 866-5496 Insurance Medicare Hotline (800) 638-6833 Legal Services Pennsylvania Bar Association (717) 238-6715

Senior Center of Lebanon Valley (717) 274-3451 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 (717) 454-8647

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Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

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Cover Story

For Local Bicyclists, Every Day’s a Joyride 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

ART DEPARTMENT Project Coordinator Renee McWilliams Production Artists Lauren McNallen Janys Ruth

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Account Executive Ranee Shaub Miller Account Representatives Matthew Chesson Tia Stauffer Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer Marketing Coordinator Mariah Hammacher

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Project Coordinator Melanie Crisamore

ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall

Member of

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

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By Lori Van Ingen Recreational bicycling has become a way of life for Marilyn and Barry Gelsinger. “What I like most (about cycling) is the exercise and association with other people,” 74-year-old Barry said. Marilyn, 71, said bicycling helps her “relieve stress. I always feel better when I’m out in the fresh air.” “It’s a lot more enjoyable (to bike ride along trails and open roads) than to go to a gym and ride a stationary bike,” Barry said. When Barry retired in 1995, the Gelsingers would ride once in a while to get some aerobic exercise. Barry began bicycling in earnest in 1996 after he had a quadruple heart bypass. They started cycling on mountain bikes, averaging 10-12 miles per hour. They rode along numerous trails, such as Pine Creek Rail Trail and Valley Forge Rail Trail. Because they were riding on rough roads, they had to look out for rocks, Marilyn said. By 1997, the couple joined an area bicycle club and soon found they loved peddling out on the open country roads, trading their mountain bikes for road bikes, the lightweight type used during the Tour de France. The Gelsingers carry a GPS specifically for bicycling. That way, if they get separated from their group of cyclists, they can always find their way back, Marilyn said. They carry a bike computer that shows how many miles they’ve traveled, how fast they are going, and their average speed. When they first joined the bike club, Barry would ride around the area 20 miles a day, five days a week. Since Marilyn was still working, she would join him on the weekends for another

participated in the Seagull Century Ride, traveling 100 miles in one day to Salisbury, Maryland, and the Shoofly Classic in Oley, Berks County. The Gelsingers have taken part in rides throughout the United States, too. They were among 25,000 riders to participate in the Five Boro Bike Tour, riding Barry and Marilyn Gelsinger, across all the bridges in New second and fourth from left, York City, and the Register’s on their 2007 bike trip to Holland Annual Great Bicycle Ride and Belgium with members Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). of their bicycle club. In early 2000, they rode across the country from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida, with six 20-mile ride. other members of the bike club. Now, they ride by themselves They averaged 68 miles per day five days a week for a breakfast on the six-week journey. ride and with the bike club “A support vehicle, a 15on weekends. The couple will sometimes get in 17 miles before passenger van, drove with us so that we could have snacks, or if the actual club ride begins, we were tired we could go on the clocking 40-70 miles total on van,” Marilyn said. Wednesdays alone. In 2001, the Gelsingers were Socializing also was a big supposed to participate in a reason they joined the bike club ride with then-Gov. Ridge, and have continued to enjoy it. The organization has grown from who is a bicyclist, but President Bush called Ridge up to head 400 to more than 650 members Homeland Security at that from neighboring counties. time. So in 2002, Gov. Mark “There’s always someone to Schweiker and his daughter rode ride with,” Barry said. And, Marilyn added, “We ride with them. Bicycling has become so to eat. We always wind up eating ingrained in the Gelsingers’ somewhere.” everyday lives that each year That was particularly true when they winter in Yuma, of the Apple Butter Ride they Arizona, they make sure their participated in at Liverpool, Perry County, which culminated bikes come along with them as in a potpie supper, cake, and pie. they have joined the Foothills The Gelsingers enjoyed riding Bicycle Club there, too. One unforgettable ride with with the bike club so much that Barry became the club’s president that bike club was when Barry traveled from International from 1998 to 2003. During Falls, Minnesota, to San Luis, those years, Barry would take rides with all classes of bicyclists, Mexico—2,300 miles—in just 35 days. from the very slow to the very “We had no side vehicle. We fast riders. carried everything with us,” Besides the local rides, the Barry said. “We started with bicycle club has organized seven people and ended with rides to the Naval Academy in five.” Annapolis, Maryland. In 2002, the pair completed “Before 9/11, you could ride the 108-mile Tour de Tucson through the academy,” Marilyn in less than nine hours, earning said. them a silver medal in the The club members also www.50plusLifePA.com


competition. And a bicycling excursion through California took them across San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge. “The bike lane had a fence separating the bike riders from the lanes of traffic, so we felt comfortable riding our bikes,” Gelsinger said. “At the top of the bridge it got very windy, but the view was great!” The Gelsingers crossed the Atlantic with members of the bicycle club in 2007 for a bike tour through Holland and Belgium. “We were impressed with the huge number of bicyclists in Amsterdam,” Marilyn said. “We saw a parking garage that held 5,000 bikes!” Another memorable ride was through Cuba, from Havana to the western tip of the country. Barry’s parents had taken him on vacation to

Cuba in 1953, and he always wanted to go back. “When (President) Obama opened relations with Cuba again, I wanted to do a bike trip there,” he said. Marilyn vividly recalls how “terrible the roads were. They were full of potholes. You had to keep looking at the road so you wouldn’t get a flat tire.” But, she continued, the Cuban people were very friendly and they enjoyed talking with them. The Gelsingers plan to continue cycling locally and across the country and would encourage anyone of any age to start cycling. But, they advised, new cyclists should always wear a helmet—and they should take a bike course, which trains new cyclists how to ride in traffic safely.

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makes it particularly useful for the Quick—what food is red, salty, production of thyroxine, a thyroid chewy, and delicious? If you said bacon, you’re close … sort of! hormone. Dulse comes I’m actuin many forms, ally talking about even powder. dulse (rhymes Think of it with “pulse”), which is a kind of like you would salt, and just seaweed, or techsprinkle it on nically a form of soups, chicken, algae that grows salads, popcorn, attached to rocks and stir fries. near the shore of It might also the northern Atlantic and Pacific replace some of the salt in your oceans. food. Its leaves are But my faroughly the same vorite way to shape as bacon, which is approeat it is panfried, which is priate because when you pan-fry when it comes close to tasting dulse, it actually Photo by Cwmhiraeth (Own work) tastes kind of like like bacon. I Red dulse. have a simple bacon. recipe posted Don’t roll your on my website for a DLT (dulse, leteyes at me—I’m totally serious. tuce, and tomato) sandwich and a Unlike bacon, dulse is a superfood. The high content of minerals please see HISTORIES page 6

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

York Expo Center

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YORK COUNTY

Oct. 19, 2017

18th Annual

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Results will be published in a future issue of 50plus LIFE. Five voters will be chosen at random to receive a $25 gift card to Isaac’s Restaurants, PLUS a free one-year subscription to 50plus LIFE!

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Calendar of Events

Lebanon County

Community Programs/Support Groups Free and open to the public

Senior Center Activities

July 13, 6-7 p.m. Concert: Christian Singer Jeremy Goodling Hill Farm Estate 200 Kauffman Road, Annville (717) 867-5176

Annville Senior Activity Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville July 3, 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Bunch at Schwalm’s July 13, 9 a.m. – Howie’s Lancaster Excursion: Lunch at Knight & Day Diner July 25, 11 a.m. – Movie Day: Viewers’ Choice

July 26, 6-7 p.m. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support Group Linden Village 100 Tuck Court, Lebanon (717) 274-7400

Library Programs Annville Free Library, 216 E. Main St., Annville, (717) 867-1802 Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. – AFL Knitters 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

parks and recreation All events held at the Park at Governor Dick unless noted. July 2, 1-4 p.m. – Music on the Porch July 16, 2 p.m. – Summer Botany and Butterfly Hike July 23, 1:30 p.m. – Senior Walkabout

If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

DULSE from page 5 comprehensive version of this article with precautions. Dulse has powerful antioxidant properties and can inhibit runaway cell proliferation; plus, it provides the following nutrients and several others not listed here: Carotenoids – These are potent antioxidants, like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are known to be good for healthy eyesight, reducing free radical damage, and decreasing the risk or duration of chronic illness. Iodine – Iodine is essential to your thyroid’s ability to produce enough thyroid hormone, and iodine deficiency is very common. But it’s not just for your thyroid; it’s needed in all your cells, especially your reproductive organs and for immune function. Iron – This mineral is necessary to make a protein called hemoglobin, which acts like a tow truck and lugs oxygen all over your body. It supports the health of your blood, helping to prevent anemia. Iron is also vital to carry out doz-

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ens of life-sustaining chemical reactions throughout your body. Potassium – Potassium is a vasodilator and functions as an electrolyte to help balance sodium; this regulates fluid balance in your cells, so it supports healthy blood pressure. Potassium provides for an alkaline environment, which counters common acidosis caused by a fast-food Western diet. Vitamin A – This skin- and vision-loving nutrient can also boost immunity by keeping your mucous membranes “wet” and strong, meaning they are empowered to filter particles and pathogens before they enter your body. Free Glutamate – Dulse has a lot of glutamic acid, as does most shellfish and seaweed. It is not the same as the food additive MSG, but it can sometimes behave that way in a small percentage of people. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit SuzyCohen.com

Maple Street Senior Community Center – (717) 273-1048 710 Maple St., Lebanon July 11, 11 a.m. – Carpool to Loxley’s for Let’s Do Lunch Week July 13, 11 a.m. – Carpool to Houlihan’s for Let’s Do Lunch Week July 27, noon – M eet and Mingle: Banana Split Day Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 Ramona Road, Myerstown July 5, noon – F ourth of July Celebration at Ozgood’s Restaurant July 18, 4 p.m. – Dinner at Big Bertha’s and Mini Golf at the Pagoda July 19, 8 a.m. – Breakfast Club at Keystone House, Rehrersburg Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944 335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www.jonestownpa.org/senior.html July 3, 12:30 p.m. – Firecracker Bingo July 11, 10 a.m. – Meet and Greet July 24, 9:30 a.m. – Coupons for Servicemen Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237 101 S. Railroad St., Palmyra July 18, 10:45 a.m. – Consumer Education on Eating Right on a Budget July 26, 10:30 a.m. – Talent Show and Center Special Meal July 31, noon – Ice Cream Social Privately Owned Centers Senior Center of Lebanon Valley, Inc. – (717) 274-3451 710 Maple St., Lebanon Washington Arms – (717) 274-1401 303 Chestnut St., Lebanon Just a snippet of what you may be missing … please call or visit their website for more information. www.50plusLifePA.com


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Senior Games Create New Friends, New Hobbies By Jackie Chicalese May proved not only a prime time for exceptional weather, but for athletes as well. The 32nd Annual Lebanon County Senior Games kicked off Wednesday, May 17, and invited county residents over age 50 to participate in sporting events held across various locations. Coordinated by the Lebanon YMCA, the games ended at noon on Wednesday, May 24. During this week, residents could engage in an unlimited number of sports, including table tennis, miniature golf, shuffleboard, bowling, and more. This year’s Senior Games welcomed 75 participants with activities suited for all athletic interests and abilities. Brian Wolfe, facility director from the Lebanon YMCA, noted the turnout of many competitive teams this year, which added an element of excitement to the games. In the spirit of years past, mini golf remained a popular event. Pickleball also generated interest and quickly became a favorite. According to Wolfe, the Senior Games “provide a platform for new experiences that can improve seniors’ quality of life.” Some attendees, like Roberta “Cookie” Haag from south Lebanon, are introduced to new sports through the events. “[The] first time I participated in the senior games was six years ago, when I only entered the 1.5-mile walk,” Haag said. With each successive year, Haag found herself competing in more events, including a few she had never heard of. The Senior Games introduced her to pickleball nearly three years ago. “I was encouraged to stay and play, which I did, even though I had no clue what pickleball was all about,” Haag said. “After that day, I found myself a new favorite sport and have been playing anywhere from three to five days a week.” Now, in 2017, Haag is a seasoned competitor in several events, including the basketball free throw, softball toss, pingpong, bocce ball, and, of course, pickleball. Though the skies tend to dictate how the outdoor events play out, this year’s weather cooperated enough to enable events to proceed as scheduled. On May 24, the Senior Games concluded with a closing ceremony. “As with every year, everyone had a great time,” Wolfe said. “This year’s games flew by, and many of the seniors wanted the games to continue for a few more days.” Wolfe attributes the success of the Senior Games not only to the levels of athlete participation, but also the relationships the games foster both inside and outside of the events. The Lebanon County Senior Games promote an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as a sense of community for seniors through a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, Wolfe noted. “I would like to see more seniors get involved,” Haag remarked. She noted the enjoyment of meeting new people and reconnecting with participants from previous years’ games. “Senior Games is another way to stay active and meet new people,” she said. “It has added a whole new circle of friends to my life that I get together with on a regular basis, from playing cards and board games, swimming parties, pickleball outings—we [have] even been on a number of vacations together.” To request more information on the Lebanon County Senior Games or to learn about opportunities and activities the Lebanon YMCA offers, call (717) 273-2691 or visit www. lebanonymca.org.

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www.50plusLifePA.com


The Beauty in Nature

Strips of European Flowers Clyde McMillan-Gamber

Flowering plants originally from Europe dominate many country roadsides in southeastern Pennsylvania farmland, as elsewhere in North America. Queen Anne’s lace, chicory, butterand-eggs, bouncing-bet, alfalfa, red clover, two kinds of thistles, common mullein, and teasel are some of the more common European plants blooming profusely and beautifully along many cropland roads in midsummer. They create lovely, natural bouquets that brighten roadsides and provide nectar and pollen for insects and seeds for mice and certain types of small birds. Queen Anne’s lace can be up to 4 feet tall and has flat clusters of tiny, white flowers. This is the ancestor

Queen Anne’s lace.

Chicory.

of domestic carrots and has flowers similar to those on that vegetable. Dried flower clusters curl up in winter and resemble small birds’ nests. Chicory can reach 4 feet and has blue blossoms that generally only bloom in the morning. Yellow-andblack male American goldfinches,

and other kinds of birds, are striking among chicory flowers when eating its seeds. Large, mixed patches of Queen Anne’s lace and chicory seem to reflect blue skies, patched with white cumulus clouds. Butter-and-eggs are so named because of their bright-yellow

Today’s active boomers and seniors perceive a different kind of retirement living.

blossoms. This is a kind of snapdragon that has snapdragon-shaped blooms. Butter-and-eggs probably escaped from flower gardens. Bouncing-bet, or soapwort, according to legend, is named for a well-endowed washerwoman. This species has pale-pink blossoms. And, when crushed, its leaves lather into soap, a reason European colonists introduced it to North America. Alfalfa and red clovers, both escapees from hayfields, have lovely flowers. Those of alfalfa are purple and sweet-smelling, while those of red clovers are hot pink. The blossoms of both plants are attractive to a variety of bees, butterflies, and other insects that sip their nectar while pollinating those blooms. please see FLOWERS page 11

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You’re not jus t a business. n a t s u j t o n You’re . n o i t a z i n a g r o You’re a resource. You provide valuable services to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, and their families. Help them find you by being included in your county’s most comprehensive annual directory of resources.

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Tinseltown Talks

Nick Thomas

The Music Never Ends for Broadway Actress

Best known for her roles in musical understudy for the leading lady, the theater, Tony-nominated actress experience was invaluable. Director/ and singer Susan Watson released a choreographer Gower Champion collection of 14 Broadway and jazz offered her the role of Kim MacAfee standards on her album The Music in the Broadway production of Bye Bye Never Ends last fall. Birdie, which opened in 1960. “Some of these tracks I had sung When casting calls were made earlier in my career and others I had for the 1963 movie version, Watson always heard and traveled to LA for loved and just an audition. wanted to get them “I lost out to recorded,” said Ann-Margaret, Watson from her but that’s the home in Sherman way it goes,” she Oaks, California said. “I stayed (see www. in Hollywood susanwatsonmusic. for a while and com). appeared on TV As an added shows like Dobie Publicity photo of Susan Watson, bonus, said Gillis.” Marijane Maricle, Paul Lynde, and Watson, six of the She also had a Johnny Borden in Bye Bye Birdie. songwriters on chance to work the album were with a larger-thanwomen well into life Hollywood their 60s, 70s, and star. 80s. “I did a sitcom “America pilot for a show remains a unique called Maggie bastion of Brown with Ethel innovation and Merman, and opportunity,” she I was to play said. “I’m 78 years her daughter. old and am still Ethel was a takeScreenshot of Susan Watson, left, having a lovely charge person, I with Dwayne Hickman, right, and time in show can tell you, and Bob Denver, center, in The Many business and in didn’t need any Loves of Dobie Gillis episode life.” instruction from “Beauty Is Only Kin Deep.” Raised in Tulsa, the director. Oklahoma, by “She staged the a father who played the piano and opening song, ‘Mutual Admiration mother who danced, young Watson Society,’ that we sang together and, performed in high school plays before knowing I was a dancer, suggested heading to New York to major in I should do a few kicks during the singing and dancing at the Juilliard routine. We were both disappointed School. when the show wasn’t picked up.” When the opportunity arose to Watson went on to appear in move to London for a production of several more Broadway shows and West Side Story, she grabbed it. numerous off-Broadway plays, as well “I snuck away from classes one as in summer stock and other popular afternoon for auditions. By the time productions across the country. I got back to my apartment I was Back on Broadway in the early ’70s, offered a part.” Watson played Nanette in No, No, While her role was only the Nanette, which featured 1930s film www.50plusLifePA.com


Cryer, Michele star Ruby Keeler, Brourman, returning to the Amanda stage in her 60s, McBroom, having retired and Marilyn from acting in Bergman. the 1940s. “These “She was a women have had great hoofer, long, successful and we revered careers,” said her,” Watson Watson. “I hope recalled. “She that in the CD’s was very famous production and sometimes you don’t feel Photo provided by Susan Watson. and content, comfortable Cover of Susan Watson's 2016 album it symbolizes The Music Never Ends. that active, trying to get close empowered, to someone like that, but she was always a dear to us.” senior women are a resource that America can be proud of.” Watson is especially proud of her recent album, not only because it contains classic songs from legends Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn such as Stephen Sondheim, the University at Montgomery, Ala., Gershwins, Jerome Kern, and Irvin and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 600 Berlin, but also because it features works by veteran women songwriters, magazines and newspapers. Follow @ including Phyllis Molinary, Gretchen TinseltownTalks

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E Oct. 7, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lebanon Expo Center

FLOWERS from page 9 The invasive nodding and Canada thistles have pretty, pink flowers on bristly stems. But bees, butterflies, and other insects sip nectar from their blossoms and small, seedeating birds, particularly American goldfinches, consume their seeds. Goldfinches delay nesting until midsummer, when they use seed fluff from thistles to line their dainty nurseries. Common mulleins are biennial plants that have one or two flower stalks during their second summer. Each flower stalk has several yellow blooms that produce seeds in little pockets after they are pollinated.

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80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon Seeds fall out of the pockets, and many are eaten by birds. Medieval Europeans dipped mullein stalks into animal fat, filling the holes, and later lit those stalks to be torches at night. Teasel is also a biennial species, producing bristly flower heads with many tiny, lavender blooms during their second summer. Medieval Europeans used teasel flower heads to tease out wool. When riding along country roads, watch for strips of European flowers. They are pretty and their species have interesting histories.

Please join us as a sponsor or exhibitor for the fifth annual women’s expo this fall. Women of all ages have enjoyed these annual events, finding helpful information for all the hats they wear in their everyday lives, including:

Health & Wellness • Finance • Home Technology • Beauty • Nutrition Spa Treatments

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Face-to-face in a comfortable environment.

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The Green Mountain Gardener

Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors! Dr. Leonard Perry

Reserve your space now for the 21st annual

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Sept. 21, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FREE PARKING!

Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars Entertainment • Door Prizes

Why Participate?

It’s the premier event for baby boomers, caregivers, and seniors in Lancaster County • Face-to-face interaction with 3,000+ attendees • Strengthen brand recognition/launch new products

For sponsorship and exhibitor information:

(717) 285-1350 &

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Vacation-Proofing the Garden

July is a good month to take a vacation. But if you plan to travel, remember to cancel the newspaper, put a hold on your mail, and hire a garden sitter. If you can’t find the latter, your next best course of action is to pick all the produce that is ripe or nearing maturity before you leave to ensure continued productivity. Give the garden a good soaking, mulch young plants with clean straw to conserve water, and spray as appropriate to control insect problems that become apparent before you depart. Many garden plants could use a shot of fertilizer about now. Lightly side dress tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, and eggplants with a source of nitrogen, either a blended garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or an organic fertilizer, such as dried blood (12-0-0). Use about one-half cup per plant or hill, working lightly into the soil several inches away from the plants. Frequently harvested herbs, such as basil, parsley, and chives, may benefit from smaller, more frequent applications of fertilizer during the rest of the growing season. Protect your squash vines from the squash vine borer. These clear-winged moths lay their eggs on the stems, and the hatching larvae bore into the vines, causing the plant to wilt and possibly die. Apply the organic pesticide B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) every three to four days during July and early August to kill hatching larvae before they enter the stems. You can discourage egg laying by spreading a thin layer of wood ashes or moth flakes around the plants. To

excise the larvae from the stems—if B.t. doesn’t do the trick—start cutting where the wilting begins. Slit the vine until you find the grub, destroy it, and then bury the end of the vine in the soil to encourage rooting. In the flower garden, pinch back chrysanthemums in early July. Cut back roses to a leaf with five leaflets to produce flowers with longer stems. You can successfully transplant daylilies this month, even though many experts recommend early spring or late summer instead. This hardy perennial adapts to a range of soil, light, and temperature conditions, so it will do well in most gardens. If you’re digging and dividing plants, wait until after bloom. Set the crown (where stem and root join) about one-half to 1 inch below the soil surface. Be careful not to set plants too deeply, however, as this may cause stunting and poor growth. Cut back tops to about 6-10 inches from the ground. If Japanese beetles are attacking your perennials, annuals, or vegetable crops, you have several options for control, including hand picking, trapping, and using natural controls. Insecticides will protect most foliage and flowering plants with the exception of roses, which open too quickly. Protect your rose bushes with netting or, in periods of heavy infestation, clip off the buds and spray the foliage. Once beetle populations die down, allow the plants to flower again. Dr. Leonard P. Perry is an extension professor at the University of Vermont. Dr. Vern Grubinger, extension associate professor, also contributed to this article.

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Fragments of History

The Smartest Man in America Victor Parachin

When it became clear that the American colonies would have to engage in a war for independence from England, Ben Franklin was made president of Pennsylvania’s defense committee. In that capacity, he presided over the development of a top-secret system of underwater blockages to damage and prevent enemy warships from navigating the Delaware River as well as ways to more efficiently produce gunpowder necessary for militia muskets. To compensate for the shortage of gunpowder, Franklin proposed making greater use of the bow and arrow. Though these were clearly antiquated weapons of war, Franklin justified their use in a letter written to Gen. Charles Lee, explaining: “A man may shoot as truly with a bow as with a common musket … He can discharge four arrows in the same time of charging and discharging one bullet. A flight of arrows, seen coming upon them, terrifies and disturbs the enemies’ attention to their business … An arrow striking any part of a man puts him outside of combat till it is extracted.” In his time, Ben Franklin may have been the smartest and most versatile American in the country. He was certainly its best scientist and inventor. Additionally, he excelled in business, diplomacy, and practical political policy. Here are six fascinating facts about Benjamin Franklin. 1. He petitioned congress to abolish slavery in 1790. Franklin’s formal proposal of abolition presented to Congress began: “Mankind are all formed by the same Almighty Being, alike objects of his care, and equally designed for the enjoyment of happiness.” Specifically citing the plight of African slaves, Franklin urged Congress to grant “liberty to those unhappy men who alone in this www.50plusLifePA.com

land of freedom are degraded into perpetual bondage.” The petition failed to pass, and Franklin was strongly denounced by representatives from Southern states who asserted that the Bible fully supported slavery. 2. He created bifocal glasses. In an August 1784 letter to a friend, Franklin expressed great personal pleasure in the “invention of Double Spectacles, which, serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes as useful to me as ever they were. “The same convexity of glass through which a man sees clearest and best at the distance proper for reading is not the best for greater distances. I therefore had formerly two pair of spectacles, which I shifted occasionally … “I had the glasses cut and half of each kind associate in the same circle. By this means, as I wear my spectacles constantly, I have only to move my eyes up or down, as I wanted to see distinctly far or near, the proper glasses being always ready.” 3. He understood germ theory. Franklin was one of the first to suggest that colds and flu “may possibly be spread by contagion” rather than cold air, the common belief during his time. “People often catch cold from one another when shut up together in close rooms, coaches, etc., and when sitting near and conversing so as to breathe in each other’s transpiration.” His recommendation was for people, especially during a flu and cold season, to get as much fresh air as possible. Throughout his life, Franklin maintained ventilation in his

home and especially his bedroom, where he kept the window open, even throughout the winter. 4. He described signs of lead poisoning and its treatment. Franklin observed a disturbing phenomenon. Tradesmen who worked with lead often experienced health issues such as joint pain, stiffness, paralysis, and severe intestinal problems. Friends further raised his curiosity about this issue by pointing out that

people who drank rum from stills that used metal coils also exhibited similar signs and symptoms. Functioning much like a contemporary epidemiologist, Franklin concluded that the cause was lead poisoning. He strongly recommended caution when working with the metal and suggested that the coils of stills be replaced by tin rather than pewter, which contained large amounts of lead. 5. He created a new musical instrument. In 1761, Franklin attended a concert in England where all the music was performed on wineglasses of various sizes. That event sparked his imagination, and a few months later he produced an “armonica.” please see BEN FRANKLIN page 16

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Hepatitis C Screening Recommended for Boomers — Are You at Risk? By Claire Yezbak Fadden The generation that tuned their transistor radios to listen to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or the Carpenters has something else in common: the potential for being infected with hepatitis C. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 30 baby boomers is at risk of the disease, and most don’t know it. Baby boomers, born primarily between 1946 and 1964, are five times more likely to be infected than other adults. Yet, most infected boomers do not know they have the virus because hepatitis C can damage the liver for many years with few noticeable symptoms. Hepatitis C causes serious liver diseases, including liver cancer, currently the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths and the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

Those factors contributed to the CDC proposing that boomers get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus. CDC believes this approach will address the largely preventable consequences of this disease, especially in light of newly available therapies that can cure up to 75 percent of infections. “With increasingly effective

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treatments now available, we can prevent tens of thousands of deaths from hepatitis C,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. More than 2 million U.S. baby boomers are infected with hepatitis C, accounting for 75 percent of American adults living with the virus. The number of new hepatitis C infections has been going down since the late 1980s, when blood transfusions became regulated and the population stopped sharing needles in response to concerns about HIV, said Michael Ryan, M.D., a clinical professor of medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “However, the number of people developing advanced liver disease, or cirrhosis, is steadily rising. It’s estimated that 20-50 percent of those infected will develop advanced liver disease,” Ryan said. “When I began my practice 27 years ago, I rarely saw serious liver disease.” Upward of 15,000 Americans, most of them boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Deaths have been increasing steadily for more than a decade and are projected to grow significantly in coming years, peaking around 2025. Ryan said 80 percent of the patients he sees exhibit no symptoms. “The disease takes an average of 2050 years for people to develop cirrhosis, and those exposed in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s may not get into trouble for many years. By the time they come in complaining of characteristics of the

illness, like fatigue, it’s way too late.” Hep C is transmitted through the blood, rarely through sexual encounters. The good news is the virus can be discovered through a hep C antibody test. Ryan, who is also a practicing gastroenterologist with Digestive and Liver Disease Specialists of Norfolk, Virginia, encourages adults 56-66 to ask their physicians to run this additional blood test during their yearly physical to detect the illness. “With hep A and B, the majority of adults will become jaundiced. Rarely does that happen with hep C. An inflamed liver rarely causes discomfort, and even liver cancer may not cause discomfort. That’s why this test is so important,” said Ryan. “Hepatitis C is the only virus we can cure. And unlike other hepatitis viruses where treatment can be ongoing, the treatment for hepatitis C lasts anywhere from 24-28 weeks.” “Identifying these hidden infections early will allow more baby boomers to receive care and treatment, before they develop life-threatening liver disease,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/ AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention. Current CDC guidelines call for testing only individuals with certain known risk factors for hepatitis C infection; however, studies find that many baby boomers do not perceive themselves to be at risk and are not being tested. CDC suggests that a one-time hepatitis C testing of individuals born 1945-65 could identify some 800,000 additional people with hepatitis C, prevent the costly consequences of liver cancer and other chronic liver diseases, and save at least 120,000 lives. To learn more about health risks associated with hepatitis, visit the CDC’s hepatitis website (www.cdc. gov/hepatitis). The site includes an online hepatitis risk-assessment tool to evaluate your risk for viral hepatitis. Claire Yezbak Fadden is an awardwinning freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @claireflaire.

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Puzzle Page

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 16 SUDOKU

brainteasers

TV Shows that Started in the ’60s

1. The A __ __ __ G __ __ __ __ __ __ h S __ __ w 2. J __ __ __ __ __ __ y! 3. M __ __ S __ __ __ d 4. B __ w __ __ __ __ e d 5. I r __ __ __ __ d e

Across 1. Regrettably 5. Garden resident 9. Wager 13. Water source 14. Lover 16. Edible fat 17. Printer’s direction 19. Mocked 20. Cowboy show 21. Stalk 23. Significant 24. Printer’s measures 26. God of the underworld

28. Tempest 31. Paddle 33. Mark of Cain 34. Sealing waxes 35. Container 36. Gazes 39. Curve 40. Path 42. Crete mountain 43. Sensitive 45. Bonnet 46. Hang-up 47. Raven author 48. Gents

49. Tenet 50. Swimming pool tent 52. Scorch 54. Write down 55. Small amounts 57. Comic ____ 60. Eager 62. Preserved 65. Inert gas 66. Host 67. Bunsen burner 68. Sicilian resort 69. Augmenter 70. Optimistic

18. Expression 22. Hazy 25. Dirt 27. River inlet 28. Spline 29. Root vegetable 30. Line of work 32. Leg joint 35. Fundy, for one 36. Doleful 37. Dutch cheese 38. Adventure story 40. Cereal grass 41. Succeeds

44. Seagull 46. More repentant 48. Dame 49. Information 50. Witch’s assembly 51. Appellation 53. Organic compound 54. Novelist Austen 56. Ailing 58. Division word 59. Ballpoints 61. Genetic material 63. Born 64. Time period

Down

Bestselling Fiction Books of the ’50s

1. The Caine M _____ 2. No Time for S _____ 3. Peyton P _____ 4. Atlas S _____ 5. Lady Chatterley’s L _____ Written by Alan Stillson. Please see http://stillsonworks.com

1. Scriber 2. Facial expression 3. Singing voice 4. Pitches that bend 5. Incendiarism 6. Morse code signal 7. Between amo and amat 8. Trusted advisor 9. Before carte or mode 10. Dining table hoop 11. Forest 12. Whirlpool 15. Lyric poems

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Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Starting Your Collection Lori Verderame

When embarking on a new phase of life, like marriage, completing a degree, or moving to a new home, many people chronicle the experience with the purchase of an object. When looking for an investment object that is both fun and smart, art and antiques are a good idea. For the novice collector or seasoned art and antiques lover who wants to jump into the market, I’ll share my insider tips on starting an art collection. I’ve compiled a buying guide to help you find, understand, and collect the best examples of fine art and antiques. First, learn as much as you can about art and antiques in places where you are not tempted to buy art or antiques. Visit museums, historical societies, libraries, and other places where fine art and antiques are on display or are discussed academically and socially but are not available for sale.

You should learn about the various types of media (e.g., pastels, watercolors, bronzes, oils on canvas, etc.), art movements throughout history (e.g., Surrealism, Impressionism, Contemporary Realism, etc.), and diverse subject matter (e.g., still lifes, seascapes, portraits, abstractions, etc.) so you have a good idea of what sparks your interest. This method will prevent you from buying just because the opportunity presents itself.

Don’t think about buying a work of art or antique piece until you establish a budget. Have a budget in mind, settle on it, and stick to it. Do not waiver and don’t convince yourself to overspend because you fell in love with a piece. No matter what, you will be happy with your collecting progress only if you stick to your budget. Slow down and forget life’s distractions when you are considering an art or antique purchase. Even if you are only buying a small,

reasonably priced piece, it is a good idea to take it slow. Don’t feel rushed in the process of adding to your collection. This work of art or antique object will become a part of your home life for years to come. Learn to look at the work of art or antique piece for more than just a few minutes. If you still like it after much deliberation, then that is the piece for you. Don’t let a pushy dealer, encouraging friend, or other “background noise” distract you or rush you into making a purchase. Take a minute and just stand there and quietly look at the work of art or antique object. Think about what you see and try to figure out what you like about the piece. Consider it, ponder it, and don’t rush it. Consider the basics, starting with black and white. Don’t be taken in by an artwork’s color or an antique’s

and Marie Antoinette took armonica lessons.

that one of the most effective ways of warding off illnesses was to exercise. In early America, he was unique in stating that the best measure of exercise was not duration but intensity, emphasizing the importance of perspiration. As a scientist he understood that a workout needed to be challenging and cleansing enough

to produce sweat, thereby allowing the body to remove toxins.

please see ANTIQUES page 19

BEN FRANKLIN from page 13

6. He promoted the benefits of physical exercise. Living in a time when life expectancy was between 35 and 40 years, Ben Franklin lived to a ripe, healthy, and happy 84 years. His “secret” was to work out, arguing

Puzzle Solutions

He attached 37 glass bowls of different sizes to a spindle rigged with a foot pedal and flywheel to spin. Once set in motion, a person could play them simply by touching the spinning rims with a wet finger. Franklin’s armonica became very popular in European circles. Mozart and Beethoven wrote music for it

Brainteasers

TV Shows that Started in the ’60s

Puzzles shown on page 15

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Ben Franklin died at 11 p.m. April 17, 1790, at age 84. Nearly 20,000 mourners gathered in Philadelphia to pay their respects to a man whose inventions and scientific discoveries changed their world and who helped create a new nation.

1. The Andy Griffith Show 2. Jeopardy! 3. Mod Squad 4. Bewitched 5. Ironside Bestselling Fiction Books of the ’50s

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1. The Caine Mutiny 2. No Time for Sergeants 3. Peyton Place 4. Atlas Shrugged 5. Lady Chatterley’s Lover

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Older But Not Wiser

The Bite Sy Rosen

OK, there’s a lot of information about what you should do if your young child is a biter, but what do you do if it’s your 3-year-old granddaughter who bites? As a parent, you are supposed to make sure your child is behaving properly and that they are corrected and, if needed, disciplined for bad behavior. As a grandparent, your job is to spoil the heck out of them. So, let me first recount the incident as best as my memory serves. I went to pick up my granddaughter, Summer, at daycare. She was playing outside and clearly was the prettiest girl there—she was actually glowing (not that I’m prejudiced). Summer was at a table doing some artwork, and I must say, her drawing was museum quality (not that I’m prejudiced). As soon as she saw me, she ran to me. Her speed was blinding, and I’m sure in a few years she’ll be competing in the Olympics (not that I’m prejudiced). Summer then gave me a big hug and bit my leg right above the kneecap. As a grandparent, my first instinct (after saying “ow”) was to compliment her. Great bite. You’ve got strong teeth; a vampire would be jealous. And then, of course, I realized biting was not a positive attribute. I wasn’t totally crazy. I was just “grandparent crazy.” I then decided to handle the situation myself. By saying “situation” and not “problem,” I am showing what a progressive grandfather I am. One thing I did not want to say was, “I’m going to tell your mother.”

That’s not who I am. I am better than that. I can fix this problem myself (oops, I said “problem”). I thought I should get to the root cause for her behavior, so I looked up the reason for children biting on the internet (the internet can’t be wrong, can it?). They could be experimenting, or irritated, or defending themselves, or showing love, or being controlling. I, of course, chose “showing love.” Summer loved me so much that she wanted a piece of my leg to take home with her. And now it was time for the talk: Me: Summer, when you bit me, were you just showing your love? Summer: Huh? Me: I just want to know why you did it. Summer: Did what? Me: A few minutes ago you bit me. Right on my leg. Do you remember? Summer: Huh? Me: OK, I’m not reprimanding you. Summer: What does reprimoonding mean?

When you patronize our advertisers, please let them know you saw their ad in

Me: OK, let’s table this for a second. Summer: What table? Me: I mean let’s not talk about it. Summer: Talk about what?

cream like last week?

Me: Never mind. Do you want to get some ice

Summer: Yes, I want a little strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate with six M&Ms, two gummy bears,

cookie crumbles, and whipped cream. Just like last time. Me: So you remember what you had last week. Summer: Yes! Me: But you don’t remember biting me a few minutes ago. Summer: Huh? Me: Let’s just forget the whole thing and you promise not to do it again. Summer: Do what? Me: Never mind. Just give me a hug. That’s nice, that’s a good hug. No, don’t bi—no, no, don’t bite—oww! That’s it; I’m telling your mother.

Who Has the Best Bites in Central PA? 50plus LIFE readers have spoken!

Here are the Lebanon County dining favorites for 2017! Breakfast: Dutch-Way Family Restaurant

Fast Food: Five Guys

Lunch: Burger King

Seafood: Devon Seafood Grill

Dinner: Heisey’s Diner

Steak: Texas Roadhouse

Ethnic Cuisine: May’s Wok

Outdoor Dining: Blue Bird Inn

Celebrating: Hotel Hershey

Romantic Setting: Blue Bird Inn

Bakery: Giant Food Stores

Smorgasbord/Buffet: Dutch-Way Family Restaurant

Coffeehouse: Fresh Donuts

Caterer: All That & A Bag of Chips

Winner of $50 Giant Food Stores Gift Card: Cheryl Kreiser Congratulations!

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Soldier Stories

Robert Naeye

Stranded at a Remote Vietnam Airfield, Vet Lives to Tell the Tale

Imagine you’re in the Vietnam War, flying over the central highlands of South Vietnam. Your pilot drops you off on a remote airstrip. Moments after he takes off, you realize you’re 15 miles from where you were supposed to be, and your only companions are husband-and-wife American missionaries. Fortunately, Greg Gaffney, of Hummelstown, is still around to tell his story. Gaffney, 71, was born and raised in Harrisburg, in what he describes as a “much simpler time.” After graduating from John Harris High School in 1963, Gaffney followed in his father’s footsteps and went into the construction business. But after receiving a low draft number, he joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1965, thinking it would

Greg Gaffney points to the city of Da Lat, which was near his base during the war.

Gaffney with a model he created of his base, OL-25.

offer better opportunities for training and travel than the other services. After receiving his basic training in

communications at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Gaffney was transferred to Niagara Falls International Airport in upstate New York, where a fighter squadron was stationed. Gaffney spent 14 months in the communications center, doing everything from working at a switchboard to sending and receiving messages over a teletype machine. In December 1967, he and about a half-dozen buddies received orders to go to Vietnam. After a series of long flights across the Pacific on a giant C-141 transport jet, he landed just outside Saigon at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. “When they opened the door of the airplane, you could feel the heat smack you in the face,” says Gaffney, who describes this as one of his most vivid memories. “I had never been in the tropics. We could hear explosions and see flashes in the distance. My friend turned to me and said, ‘I guess we’re here.’ I replied, ‘I think you’re right.’” A few days later, after being issued jungle gear and weapons, he took a short flight to an airstrip near the city of Da Lat. He and his companions were driven in an old Dodge wagon (with a missing door) to a small house in

Stories of ordinary men and women called to perform extraordinary military service. From 1999–2016, writer and World War II veteran Col. Robert D. Wilcox preserved the firsthand wartime experiences of more than 200 veterans through Salute to a Veteran, his monthly column featured in 50plus LIFE. Now, for the first time, 50 of those stories— selected by Wilcox himself—are available to own in this soft-cover book.

Simply complete and mail this form with your payment to the address below to order Salute to Our Veterans. On-Line Publishers • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Name_ _______________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State_ ____ Zip_ ______________ Phone_ _____________________ Email______________________________ Number of copies_ ______ (Please include $20.80 for each copy) Credit card #______________________________________ Exp. date________ Signature of cardholder_________________________________CVV #________

Or send a check made payable to On-Line Publishers, Inc. You can also order online at www.50plusLIFEpa.com!

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a valley where Air Force personnel lived. The house was outside a security compound, and quite vulnerable. “We didn’t ask why,” says Gaffney. The local Vietnamese were outwardly friendly, but Gaffney notes, “They could be washing your clothes in the daytime and setting a booby trap at night.” Gaffney worked inside Operating Location 25 (OL-25), a well-defended base about 6 miles away on top of a hill. OL-25 was never assaulted on the ground during Gaffney’s time there, but the Viet Cong sporadically fired rockets in its general direction, without inflicting casualties. He worked 12-hour shifts in the communications center. His primary mission was to receive coordinates for airstrikes, including small jets flying from nearby bases and B-52 bombers originating in Thailand and Guam. Gaffney would pass that information on to radar operators, who directed the attacks. Conditions at OL-25 were primitive, with no medical facilities. The men ate the same bland military rations day after day, so Gaffney and his buddies often bought food from local Vietnamese. This included bread with bugs baked in. “At least we got a little protein with our bread,” jokes Gaffney. They sometimes drank locally brewed beer, which was later found to be unfit for human consumption. But it was safer than the water. Unsurprisingly, many of the men came down with dysentery and hepatitis, including Gaffney. His weight dropped below 100 pounds. Eventually, he became so sick that he had to be medevacked by helicopter to a field hospital at Nha Trang. “Being in a field hospital gave me deep appreciation for the men and women who worked there,” says Gaffney. Severely wounded GIs would be flown in, but the doctors and nurses www.50plusLifePA.com


always maintained their composure under severe stress, and almost always kept the injured men alive. After recuperating for 10 days, Gaffney took the earliest available flight, aboard a six-seat Air America propeller-driven airplane flown by a U.S. mercenary. The pilot flew over mountainous terrain in cloudy weather, by visual navigation alone. He dropped off Gaffney and two American missionaries on the wrong airstrip and took off before anyone realized the error. Fortunately, the missionaries spoke fluent Vietnamese and somehow arranged for a white van to take them back to Da Lat. “If not for the missionaries, I would be speaking Vietnamese today,” says Gaffney. Gaffney returned to the U.S. in December 1968, just before the Tet Offensive. Gaffney learned several years ago that OL-25 was evacuated and captured by enemy forces shortly after he left the base. The war was “a non-subject” when Gaffney got home. “People would say, ‘Hey, it’s good to see you,’ and that was it. It was a volatile time in the country’s history,” recalls Gaffney. After serving for 10 months at Charleston Air Force Base in Maine, Gaffney volunteered to return to Southeast Asia. He spent a year at Nakhon Phanom Air Base in northeast Thailand, just across the border from Laos. After a total of four years in the Air Force, Gaffney was honorably discharged. He returned home to his

family in August 1969. Like many returning Vietnam veterans, Gaffney did not exactly receive a warm welcome on the mainland. He was spit upon while walking down a ramp in the San Francisco Airport. Gaffney holds no grudges for the poor reception he and other veterans received. “Bitterness doesn’t pay; it just weighs on you as an individual,” he advises. Just three days after returning to his family in Harrisburg, he was back on the job for his uncle’s construction company. He still works two mornings a week in construction, and says he has enjoyed every minute. Although his work doesn’t use many of the communications skills he acquired in the Air Force, he says his military experience helped him learn the importance of teamwork. “When I came home, I wasn’t afraid of anything,” he adds. A few years ago, Gaffney created an impressively detailed model of OL-25. He mostly used off-the-shelf parts, such as a measuring spoon for a radar dish. He keeps the model in a closet but displays it whenever he receives visitors who are interested in his Vietnam experiences. Gaffney occasionally gives talks to students about his time in Southeast Asia. “Any time I have a chance to speak in a high school, I’ll tell my story,” he says. “But the main reason is to bring honor to those 58,315 names on the wall.” Robert Naeye is a freelance journalist living in Derry Township. He is the former editor-in-chief of Sky & Telescope magazine.

ANTIQUES from page 16 various forms and ornamental details. Some people who sell art or antiques will try to get you to like a particular work based solely on its colors or how it may fit into your home’s color scheme. This is a trap. Don’t worry about being matchy-matchy. Be concerned with the piece for its own sake and your interest in it. Remember, a big part of buying something good is learning to recognize quality pieces. I want you to buy something you like that is also of high quality and worth the money. Appraisers, curators, and art www.50plusLifePA.com

Aug. 29, 2017

Nov. 2, 2017

Radisson Hotel Harrisburg

Spooky Nook Sports

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1150 Camp Hill Bypass Camp Hill

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FREE PARKING!

2913 Spooky Nook Rd. Manheim

Please, join us! This combined event is FREE for veterans of all ages, active military, and their families.

At the Expo

Veterans Benefits Community Services Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services

At the Job Fair

Employers Job Counseling Workshops/Seminars Resume Writing Assistance Principal Sponsor:

LIFE

historians know the best-quality work is always the best choice for a collection. It will hold its value long term. Collecting quality art and antiques is always a good investment.

Sponsored by: Blue Ridge Communications • Disabled American Veterans Fulton Financial Corporation • The Guide • LCTV Pennsylvania American Legion • Pennsylvania National Guard Outreach Office Pennsylvania State Headquarters VFW • USAA WFYL • WHP580/BOB 94.9 • WHTM abc27

Celebrity appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV personality who stars on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island, Discovery’s Auction Kings, and FOX Business’ Strange Inheritance. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University, Dr. Lori offers appraisals, keynote speeches, and live appraisal events to worldwide audiences. Visit www.drloriv. com or call (888) 431-1010.

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

www.veteransexpo.com (717) 285-1350 www.olpevents.com

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Brought to you by:

July 2017

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Yoga in the Park

Community Walk

Meet at pavilion below tennis courts off Klein Ave.

Meet at Sand Siding Road Parking Lot (Route 72 N to Route 443) Pet-friendly event!

Monday, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 5:30 p.m. South Hills Park, Lebanon Wednesday, July 5, 12, 19, 26 at 5:00 p.m. Fairlane Avenue Park, Myerstown Meet below Sterling Drive

Improve your balance, increase your flexibility and strength and decrease stress and fatigue.

July 22 at 9:00 a.m. (Rain date July 29) Swatara State Park with Tom Harlow

Learn about “You and Your Health Care” from WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital President Tom Harlow then take a three-mile hike to Bordner Cabin in Swatara State Park. (Trail is predominantly flat.)

Farm-To-Table Cooking Demo:

Healthy Alternatives for Summer BBQs Thursday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m. Lebanon Farmers Market, 35 S. 8th St., Lebanon

Sponsored in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the Lebanon Farmers Market Chef Gary Althouse of the Foundry Craft Grillery will show you how to prepare BBQ dishes that are both delicious and healthy.

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www.50plusLifePA.com


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