50plus LIFE Lebanon County October 2016

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Complimentary | Lebanon County Edition | October 2016 • Vol. 11 No. 10

Once a Trombonist, Always a Trombonist page 4

The Culture of Cigars in Central Pa page 14

Special Focus: Create a Great Funeral page 20

Medicare Open Enrollment: 5 Things You Need to Do Routines help keep us focused, organized, and even healthy.

However, if your health routine doesn’t include preparing for Medicare’s Open Enrollment, now’s the time to kick-start a new, healthy habit.

If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and is the time you can make changes to your plan. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, you might find something that’s a better fit for your budget or your health needs.

If you miss an Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can make changes to your plan.

Here are five important things every Medicare beneficiary can do to get in the Medicare Open Enrollment routine.

1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next

year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network.

2. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year, and so can your health needs.

Do you need a new primarycare doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost?

Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.

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October 1, 2016

omen’s Expo Cumberland County

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lebanon Expo Center 80 Rocherty Road Lebanon

3. Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare.

Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs.

You can do this by visiting www.medicare.gov or making an appointment with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor for free, one-on-one, nonbiased Medicare assistance.

4. Shop for plans that meet your

needs and fit your budget. Starting in October, you can use Medicare’s plan finder tool at www.medicare.gov/ find-a-plan to see what other plans are offered in your area.

A new plan may cost less, cover your drugs, and let you go to the providers you want, like your doctor or pharmacy.

If you find that your current coverage still meets your needs, then you’re done.

Remember, during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare.

5. Check your plan’s star rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder has been updated with the 2016 Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans.

Plans are given an overall quality rating on a one- to five-star scale, with one star representing poor performance and five stars

My mother and I used to sit on the porch whenever there was a thunderstorm and watch for lightning. I forgot how relaxing the sound of rain and thunder was. Every time I hear it now I think of her.

If you have hearing loss, you’re missing more than just sounds, you’re missing memories.

806 W. Main St. • Mount Joy, PA 17552 | (717) 653-6300 200 Schneider Dr. • Suite 1 • Lebanon, PA 17046 | (717) 274-3851 hearingandearcare.com

Linda Gonya-Hartman, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Debbie Frey, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

November 12, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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717.285.1350

FREE advance guest registration online! ($5 at the door) Talk to us about sponsor and exhibitor opportunities.

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representing excellent performance.

Use the star ratings to compare the quality of health and drug plans being offered.

These are a few easy ways to get a jumpstart on your Medicare Open Enrollment. For more information, you can call (800) MEDICARE and

say “agent.” TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help

in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language.

The Birth of the Jack-o’-Lantern Have you ever wondered how the practice of turning a pumpkin into a scary jack-o’-lantern started? Here’s the story: Jack-o’-lantern sounds Irish because it is. The flickering, carved

pumpkin faces that animate the American Halloween derive from an old Irish custom

of creating rustic lanterns from vegetables.

The Irish child’s typical Halloween flashlight was a

hollowed-out turnip or potato with a candle inside. When the Irish landed in America in the 19th century, they were quick to spot the possibilities in the pumpkin, and a new tradition was born.

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

Medicare (800) 382-1274

Kidney Foundation (717) 652-8123

PA Crime Stoppers (800) 472-8477

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (717) 652-6520

PennDOT (800) 932-4600

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

Lupus Foundation (888) 215-8787 Hearing Services Hearing and Ear Care Center 200 Schneider Drive, Suite 1, Lebanon (717) 274-3851

Recycling (800) 346-4242

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 GOLF Lebanon Country Club 3375 Oak St., Lebanon (717) 273-0611 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

Social Security Information (800) 772-1213

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000 Housing — Apartments Melnick, Moffitt & Mesaros ENT Associates Community Homes of Lebanon Valley, Inc. 927 Russell Drive, Lebanon (717) 273-3333 (717) 274-9775 Housing Assistance Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Housing Assistance & Resources (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Program (HARP) (717) 273-9328 Home Care Services Lebanon County Housing & Senior Helpers Redevelopment Authorities (717) 920-0707 (717) 274-1401 Hospitals Medical Society of Lebanon County (717) 270-7500 WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital 252 S. Fourth St., Lebanon (717) 270-7500 Hotlines Energy Assistance (800) 692-7462

American Lung Association (717) 541-5864

Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Hotline (800) 541-2050

Arthritis Foundation (717) 274-0754

IRS Income Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040

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

Medicaid (800) 692-7462

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

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

Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048 Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786 Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944 Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237 Senior Center of Lebanon Valley (717) 274-3451 Travel AAA Central Penn (717) 657-2244 Cruise One (717) 639-3551 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) 754-0307 Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

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Cover Story

Once a Trombonist, Always a Trombonist

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 Executives Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller Account Representative Tia Stauffer Sales & Event Coordinator Eileen Culp Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer Marketing Coordinator Mariah Hammacher

CIRCULATION

Project Coordinator Loren Gochnauer

ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall

Member of

Awards

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 Chelsea Peifer

doctors, lawyers, and all sorts of busy musicians who didn’t want to play in When Bob Troxell was dive bars on the weekends 11 years old, his neighbor but loved to play and said, “You look like a jumped at the chance to trombonist. Let’s make you perform for audiences who a trombonist!” were just as eager to listen His response was, and dance.

“What is that?”

Troxell’s Big Big Jazz Troxell’s neighbor, who Band focused on playing was a band director, helped Members of the Big Big Jazz Band benefits for nonprofit him to order a trombone range in age from their 20s to their 90s. organizations throughout for $13 from the Searsthe county. One year the Roebuck catalog and get group was brainstorming started. ideas for a fun new venue And now at age 92, to mix things up.

Troxell has decades of “At first someone experience playing as a said, ‘What about a fall trombonist and leading the tailgate?’” Troxell recalled.

Big Big Jazz Band that he “But someone else said, started.

‘No, why don’t we do “Once a trombonist, something in the winter always a trombonist,” when the blahs set in?’ laughed Troxell, who grew The band is made up of musicians And that’s how we came up in the coal region of from all kinds of professions. up with the Beat the Shamokin in an era when Winter Blahs Ball.” big bands and jazz music About 800 people were thriving. worked at plants in Pittsburgh and showed up, and they ran He served in the United Macon, Georgia, before ending out of seats.

States Navy during World War up in Central Pennsylvania. He “People wanted to come and II. He then used the G.I. bill and supported himself through school worked for Armstrong for 40 years dance, and it was delightful,” said and made lifelong friends that he Troxell. at Penn State University. stills sees on a regular basis.

The Beat the Winter Blahs Ball “I was the first one in my “It was a lot like playing the is still going strong 34 years later, family to go to college, so nobody trombone,” he said. “There are and continues to draw crowds knew anything about college,” he always some new tunes.” every March. explained.

He was even able to play Troxell led the band until about Troxell was toying with the three years ago, when he decided idea of pursuing a career in music trombone in a jazz combo with some of his coworkers, and he wanted a break from all of the when his professor pulled him in 1968 he worked with Don administrative work and to “just aside to offer a bit of wisdom. He have fun.” cautioned Troxell against majoring Goldstrom, who put together a show that spoofed politics at the The Big Big Jazz Band is now in music and encouraged him to Fulton Theatre. led by Gary Peters and has 18 consider engineering instead.

“He and Sen. Dick Snyder members. More information on “He said music is a tough wrote the show, and I handled the band is available at www. racket, but if you become an the musicians and the musical bigbigjazzband.org. engineer you’ll always have a job conducting,” Troxell said.

“Some of the musicians are and you can make music your The performance was such a right out of college in their early avocation,” recalled Troxell. success that they held it for three 20s, and the oldest goes all the Troxell heeded his advice nights in a row for the next three way up to me,” said Troxell with a and graduated with a degree in years to a sold-out crowd every laugh. engineering in 1948. time. When somebody suggested Music has certainly been one “He said, ‘Sixty years from now, you’ll thank me.’ And I have they organize a big band, they did of the key components in making retirement so enjoyable and full thanked him every night for many that too.

The Big Big Jazz Band, a for Troxell. years.”

501(c)3 nonprofit, was made up “The essential thing is that Troxell took a job offer from of engineers, factory workers, you need to have something that Armstrong World Industries and www.50plusLifePA.com

you enjoy, and something that is meaningful,” he said. “And not just watching football on TV or even reading a book, but something where physically you’re interfacing with other people. That’s what keeps you going.”

In addition to playing in the Big

Big Jazz Band, Troxell is a substitute trombonist for other big bands and plays in pickup bands and at his church.

He and his wife, Kay, have been married for 65 years and have two children. For the past 20 years, the couple has traveled to the North

Carolina Jazz Festival in Wilmington each February.

“These are the best traditional jazz musicians in the world,” said Troxell, explaining that a highlight of the festival is when the performers invite musicians in the crowd to come onstage and play along.

“We get to play with the best, and it’s just a very wonderful feeling,” he continued. “It’s sort of like walking back in time to when you were a kid and you thought about doing this, and now you are.”

Photos by George Grotyohann

It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Walk Away Renée’ Randal Hill

Was there ever a real Renée from “Walk Away Renée,” and was the sad story true about her devastated lover sending her home? Renée did exist, but the rest of the tale? Sadly, it was simply the figment of a forlorn 16year-old’s imagination.

Renée Fladen was an aspiring teenage ballerina whose boyfriend, Tom Finn, played guitar in a New York City rock band called the Left Banke. One night, Finn brought Fladen to a rehearsal. Michael Brown, the group’s keyboardist/songwriter, fell instantly in (puppy) love with the tall, striking blonde.

In agony from his unrequited crush, the highly strung, emotional wordsmith started writing love songs about Fladen. Brown would later confess to Bob Shannon in Behind the Hits, “I was just sort of mythologically in love.”

When he wrote his band’s future million-seller, Brown wanted to set his fantasy-crush story in a real place. As a boy in Brooklyn, he had sometimes hunted praying mantises in a vacant lot at the corner of Falmouth and Hampton avenues.

It was there that Brown pictured Fladen and himself standing together in the rain below a “one way” sign on Falmouth: And when I see the sign that points one way The lot we used to pass by every day Just walk away Renée You won’t see me follow you back home Brown’s violinist father was Harry Lookofsky (Brown’s real surname). www.50plusLifePA.com

Lookofsky coethereal “Pretty Renée Fladen-Kamm, she forsook owned New Ballerina,” ballet to eventually become a highly York’s tiny which respected classical singer and vocal World United continued coach in the San Francisco Bay area.

Studios, where Brown’s Undoubtedly to her chagrin, his son and his infatuation though, she will be forever linked to pals often hung with the blond the tune that, during the ’80s, was out after school. beauty: certified as one of history’s few pop The Left songs to ever receive more than 1 Banke members Her hair so million radio airplays. weren’t skilled brilliant that it “Walk Away Renée” Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian instrumentalists, hurt my eyes The Left Banke who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be October 1966 but Lookofsky reached at wryterhill@msn.com. realized that And Fladen, they could harmonize well and in that unintentional heartbreaker? As the style of the then-popular British Invasion groups.

Lookofsky had the quartet tape a couple of songs to see how they’d sound on a record, but nothing worked until the night Renée Fladen sauntered into World United.

For the 1966 recording of the tearsoaked, minor-key lament “Walk Away Renée,” Lookofsky brought in a string quartet to create a moody, “baroque rock” atmosphere. He also added a lilting flute solo inspired by Send us your favorite smile—your children, grandchildren, friends, the Mamas & the Papas’ “California even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus LIFE’s Dreamin’.” next Smile of the Month!

Lookofsky then hit the streets to You can submit your photos either digitally to pitch the unusual song that featured mjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to: reedy lead vocals by band member 50plus LIFE Steve Martin Cano. Smash Records Smile of the Month • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 liked the tune, released it that fall, and watched in amazement as “Walk Please include the following information: Away Renée” catapulted to No. 5 on Your name___________________________________________________ Billboard’s singles chart.

Your town of residence____________________________________________ Two years later, the Four Tops took Names(s) of those in photo_ ________________________________________ a soulful Motown remake to the Top Their town(s) of residence__________________________________________ 20.

Their relationship to you (e.g., daughter, brother, grandson)_ ______________________ The Left Banke hit big once Digital photos must be at least 4x6’’ with a resolution of 300 dpi. No professional more with Brown’s second Fladenphotos, please. Please include a SASE if you would like to have your photo returned. inspired composition, the hauntingly

Have you photographed a smile that just begs to be shared?

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Agent Orange: What Vietnam Veterans Can Do to Help Future Generations

By Rebecca Hanlon No one noticed it at first. The herbicide used to clear tracts of rainforest during the Vietnam War was given the name “Agent Orange” for the brightly colored stripes on the barrels. And while it did its job of killing vegetation, it also was doing something else in the DNA of men and women who served in the Armed Forces.

While U.S. forces would withdraw in 1973, the Vietnam War didn’t end until 1975. But between 1962 and 1971, the United States sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of dioxin-contaminated herbicides over some 6 million acres of Vietnam, according to a report by the National Organization on Disability.

All the while, veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides were slowly starting to experience their own changes. The

Department of Veterans Affairs received its first reports of conditions related to Agent Orange in 1977.

Since then, it has been a long road of determining how Agent Orange might have affected those exposed to its chemicals—even plaguing future generations—and how the government can now provide assistance.

Vietnam Veterans of America, based in Silver Spring, Md., has been pushing legislation to help collect data from veterans and find ways to help the generations that

continue to suffer from some of the effects, including spina bifida and an incomplete closing of a fetus’ spine, as well as issues related to learning, attention, and weak immune systems.

For decades, Vietnam veterans were denied disability and health benefits for exposure to Agent Orange. It wasn’t until 1991 that certain illnesses were finally linked to the herbicide.

But hope might finally be in sight. In 2015, senators pushed for a bipartisan bill that would allow veterans who served in Vietnam and on the surrounding shoreline

and have a disease associated with Agent Orange to receive health and disability benefits.

Betty Mekdeci of Birth Defect Research For Children, Inc., in Florida knows how hard of a struggle it has been to provide relief for Vietnam veterans.

“It’s a shame that these veterans waited so long for someone to take notice,” Mekdeci said. “The research wasn’t there for such a long time, and it was like we were starting from scratch to get it.”

Working with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Mekdeci was able to start a national birth defect registry to help determine how children and grandchildren of veterans were reacting to Agent Orange exposure.

While spina bifida is the main defect seen in future generations of male veterans, there are 18 birth defects found in the children and

Stories of ordinary men and women called to perform extraordinary military service.

Since 1999, writer and World War II veteran Col. Robert D. Wilcox has 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)

Every Hero Has a Name.

Is your military hero also your spouse, child, grandchild, friend, or neighbor?

Help us put a face and a name to the courageous men and women who are currently serving or who have served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Salute to Service

is an online photo gallery honoring the military heroes in our lives.

Upload your hero’s picture, name, and information at VeteransExpo.com/salute-to-service.

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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www.50plusLifePA.com

grandchildren of female veterans, Mekdeci said.

As the data rolled in, Mekdeci said, they expected to see cleft palate and spina bifida pop up in the listings. But it was the nonphysical defects—the pattern of children with learning, attention, and immune disabilities—that caught her attention.

“Doctors didn’t know what to do.

Families were frustrated,” she said.

“We needed to do more research.”

Years later, Mekdeci has closely followed legislators who debate the passing of bills that would bring benefits to veterans and their children.

“Agent Orange turned birth defect research on its head,” she said. “We thought of birth defects as structural things—heart defects, cleft palate, missing limbs. But it isn’t just bones and organs that form during pregnancy. It’s all the things that make our bodies function.”

But getting help for veterans exposed to Agent Orange is still a challenge.

The official list of diseases recognized as related to Agent Orange has grown slowly and sporadically, mostly because of underfunding and uneven research, according to the National Organization on Disability.

More than a decade after the war, the skin disease chloracne, which causes disfiguration, was the only illness officially associated with Agent Orange exposure. Others have been added, including chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and several groups of cancers found in soft tissue, such as

muscle, fat, and blood.

Today, 14 illnesses are recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as being a result of Agent Orange exposure.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, biological children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange may receive a monthly monetary allowance based on their level of disability, as well as vocational training for job placement and healthcare benefits.

While Vietnam Veterans of America has focused on the families of veterans, veterans of more recent wars have reported similar heath issues in younger generations.

With hopes of initiating research on all toxic exposures to those in the Armed Forces, the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Agent Orange/Dioxin Committee has been hard at work pushing new legislation.

The organization introduced identical bills in both chambers of Congress, H.R. 1769 and S.901— the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015. Both bills have bipartisan sponsorship.

The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 directs the VA secretary to select one VA Medical Center to serve as the national center for the research and diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants of individuals exposed to toxic substances during service, according to a news release.

“We needed this type of research done years ago,” Mekdeci said. “It really can’t wait any longer. The more time passes, the more time we’re missing out on opportunities to prevent more harm. Our veterans deserve more than that.”

Like 50plus LIFE? Then “Like” 50plus LIFE!

www.facebook.com/50plusLIFEPA “Like” us on Facebook to receive a free 6-month subscription!

Nov. 15, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Spooky Nook Sports

FREE PARKING!

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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 Sponsors: Sponsored by: Blue Ridge Communications • Disabled American Veterans • ESPN 92.7 Fulton Financial Corporation • LCTV • Pennsylvania American Legion Pennsylvania National Guard Outreach Office • Pennsylvania State Headquarters VFW The SYGMA Network • Triangle Refrigeration, HVAC, Plumbing & Energy Management WFYL • WHTM abc27 • Worley & Obetz, Inc.

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

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

Brought to you by:

Plus, you’ll receive event updates, story links, and more! www.50plusLifePA.com

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Ghosts, Curses, and Witches: Central Pa.’s Surprising Supernatural History

By Stephanie Hoover Pennsylvania Dutch Country is an idyllic patchwork of farms and industry, suburban developments, and rural homesteads. Perhaps because of its strong, practical German influence, we don’t view this area as a hotbed of supernatural activity.

Surprisingly, though, one of the nation’s most famous “hauntings” originates in this region, as do other intriguing tales of ghosts and witchcraft.

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October 2016

The Blue-Eyed Six Fort Indiantown Gap straddles the line between Dauphin and Lebanon counties. To locals, it’s just “the Gap.” To countless television producers and

50plus LIFE p

A barn with hex signs.

paranormal researchers, it is a mother lode of reported spirit activity.

In 1878, life insurance companies required no proof of “insurable interest.” This meant that anyone willing

to pay the premiums could take out a policy on another individual, even if they had never met the person.

Such was the case when four men purchased policies on destitute widower Joseph Raber, who lived in a cabin at the base of the mountains surrounding the Gap. Yet while the masterminds of the plan were willing to invest in the scheme, they weren’t willing to do the dirty deed of killing the widower.

For the actual murder, two other men were hired. www.50plusLifePA.com

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Elder Law Attorneys

Specific areas of elder law in which the firm concentrates:

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC 100 Pine Street, Harrisburg, PA 17108 717-237-5433 tsettlemyer@mcneeslaw.com www.mcneeslaw.com

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135

1935

No

Yes

No

Yes

Mooney & Associates

HARRISBURG: 105 North Front St.; YORK: 40 East Philadelphia St. CARLISLE: 2 South Hanover St.; SHIPPENSBURG: 34 West King St. HALIFAX: 3703 Peters Mtn. Rd.; CHAMBERSBURG: 80 N. 2nd St. GETTYSBURG: 18 E. Middle St.; HANOVER: 230 York St. Additional offices in Stewartstown, Mercersburg, Duncannon, and New Oxford 717-200-HELP; toll-free 877-632-4656 — CALL 24/7 info@mooney4law.com www.PAElderIssues.com; www.Mooney4Law.com

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12

1997

1997

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Advanced estate planning and all aspects of administration and probate, including all tax returns (CPA on staff); asset protection: Medicaid planning; all trusts, including special needs and charitable giving; guardianships; veterans’ benefits; 12 convenient locations in South Central PA with evening and weekend appointments available, and we make house calls too!

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6

1986

1986

No

Yes

No

Yes

Estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, guardianships.

Yes

Estate planning and administration; long-term care planning; medical assistance; special-needs planning and trusts; guardianships.

Reese, Samley, Wagenseller, Mecum & Longer, P.C. 120 North Shippen Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 717-393-0671 fax 717-393-2969 mcs@trustmattersmost.com www.trustmattersmost.com

Scott Alan Mitchell Rhoads & Sinon LLP Lancaster & Harrisburg 717-397-4431 (L) and 717-231-6602 (H) smitchell@rhoads-sinon.com www.rhoadssinon.com

1

60

1935

1995

Yes

Yes

Yes

This is not an all-inclusive list. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services. * Indicates that at least one attorney in the firm is a member. Information contained herein was provided by the firm.

On Dec. 7, 1878, the contracted killers drowned the old man in Indiantown Creek.

Unfortunately for all of the conspirators, their leader, Israel Brandt, was a talkative drunk. He bragged to the coroner about the life insurance policies, and even offered $20 for a quick finding of accidental death.

Within four months, all six men were found guilty of homicide. Five of them were hanged. The sixth, the only one to hire an attorney, appealed the decision, and was later acquitted.

A reporter covering the case noticed the similarity of their eye color and www.50plusLifePA.com

dubbed the group the “Blue-Eyed Six.” Joseph Raber was buried in the Moonshine Church cemetery. Stories of spectral activity at the church are as varied as they are numerous.

Some say cars of curious visitors, if turned off, won’t restart. Others swear to seeing ghosts peering in through the church windows. Claims of multiple murders on the site are unfounded, yet persistent.

By far, however, the most oftreported story is that of six sets of glowing, blue lights floating through the cemetery. Is it the Blue-Eyed Six begging Raber for forgiveness? Or

is this just the kind of folklore that so often serves as mankind’s coping mechanism when faced with such brutal acts as murder?

Perhaps one of the many paranormal investigators granted permission by Fort Indiantown Gap to research at Moonshine Church will someday find the answer.

A Shunned Witch You might think that by the time the 1880s rolled around, the belief in witchcraft was just a bad memory. But a sad and curious case in Stony Creek, Dauphin County, proves that some superstitions die hard.

When William Gilday’s daughter, Emma, began convulsing, barking like a dog, and hissing like a cat, he had no doubt of the cause.

A few days earlier, a young man had asked to walk Emma home from church. When she refused, the outraged would-be suitor threatened to seek the assistance of Mrs. Boyer.

The old witch, he promised, would cast a fatal spell on Emma for rejecting his company.

Sure enough, shortly thereafter Emma’s strange symptoms appeared.

For three years the superstitious Gilday consulted witch doctors, one please see SUPERNATURAL page 22

50plus LIFE p

October 2016

9

Traveltizers

Don’t Fly Over Nebraska

By Andrea Gross

In my years of traveling I’ve flown over Nebraska many, many times. I’d look out the window and see neat plots of farmland and the winding ribbon of the Platte River, but not much else.

I wasn’t surprised. After all, what else is there between the Miracle Mile of Chicago and the mountains of Colorado? Last summer my husband and I decided to find out.

A former state slogan asserts that “Nebraska is where the West begins” and, as we soon learn, it begins just a few minutes after we cross the Missouri River Bridge that runs between Iowa and Nebraska.

There, in the middle of downtown Omaha, bronze bison crash through buildings, Canadian geese fly through the air, and a giant wagon train prepares to depart for points unknown. More than 100 largerthan-life sculptures, arranged in two nonadjacent but coordinating parks, provide a glimpse of what the pioneers were about to face.

As we fill up our gas tank, a typically pragmatic Nebraskan puts it another way.

“Once those pioneers got to Omaha, they didn’t have much choice.

They were pretty much in the middle of what is now the United States, not counting Alaska or Hawaii. No matter which direction they turned, they had 1,500 miles to go before reaching the country’s edge.”

Our journey suddenly sounds embarrassingly easy. We only have 450 miles to go before reaching the

It doesn’t take long to fly over Nebraska, but it’s much more interesting to drive.

Warren Buffett and his bridge buddy, Bill Gates, enjoy the atmosphere and prices at Omaha’s Petrow’s Restaurant.

western edge of Nebraska, and we’ll be traveling in a Honda rather than a covered wagon.

But before leaving the town where the West begins, we have to see where Warren Buffett — arguably Nebraska’s most well-known citizen

Information and support whenever you need it View online at: www.onlinepub.com (under supplements)

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Photo credit: Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks in downtown Omaha feature more than 100 larger-than-life bronze pieces that depict Nebraska’s past.

Photo credit: Visit Nebraska

Floating down the river in an old feeding tank is a popular activity in western Nebraska.

— began.

We drive by his home at 5505 Farnam St., where he has lived for nearly 60 years. It’s a nice enough house — two stories, brick, attached garage — but not exactly a billionaire’s estate. According to Zillow, a similar house would sell today for $875,000.

Buffett stories and sightings are easy to come by in Omaha. An elderly gentleman tells us that he asked the billionaire if he’d ever used senior discounts. He enclosed a stamped, self-addressed envelope with his query, and Buffett answered immediately.

“I did get in as a senior citizen at the movies the other night,” he wrote, “and take note: I used your stamped envelope for the reply.”

A woman says she saw Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the world’s wealthiest person, at Petrow’s, a family diner replete with fountain bar, where they each ordered the value-priced daily special.

But for a quick snack, Buffett is said to prefer Dairy Queen, a holding of his Berkshire-Hathaway company. He usually orders a small Dusty Sundae, which is soft vanilla ice cream topped with malted milk powder. We decide to splurge by spending 60 cents more for a large.

Omaha is one place where we can afford to eat better than a billionaire.

Following our grand indulgence, we head west on Interstate 80, roughly paralleling the route taken by nearly a half million settlers during the mid-19th century. The Great Platte River Road, as it was called back then, was the main path for the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the Gold Rush Trail. Today it’s an interstate trail for modern travelers.

We get another sense of the country’s vastness at Kearney’s Archway, a two-story museum that, as the name implies, arches over the interstate. Inside, a host of exhibits detail Nebraska’s transportation history, from wagons to trains to speeding cars.

About 25 miles past North Platte, where we stop to see Buffalo Bill’s ranch and Union Pacific’s giant railroad yard, a small sign advises us that we’re about to enter Mountain Time Zone.

We have to adjust our watches as well as our mindset, for it’s here that the West of our imagination really begins. The neat plots of farmland filled with rows of corn become vast fields filled with grazing cattle. And the traffic — as well as the number of rest stops — thins out.

Off to the north are the Sandhills, a seemingly endless rolling prairie that covers nearly a third of the state.

Highway 2, which bisects the region please see NEBRASKA page 15

www.50plusLifePA.com

Prepared For the journey that is life.

At WellSpan Health, we don’t just treat problems, we help people reach their health goals. And whether yours leads you to a primary care physician, an advanced specialist or even a simple walk-in visit, we partner with you to learn what’s important to you, and create a care plan to help you get healthy, stay healthy and reach your goals. It’s a team approach that starts with your local doctor, backed by a coordinated system of care that includes six hospitals, more than 1,000 experienced physicians and healthcare professionals, and 130 locations across Lebanon, Lancaster, Adams and York Counties.

WellSpan Health and you. Together, let’s make your life’s journey as healthy as it can be.

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October 2016

11

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Tailgating with Vintage Flair Lori Verderame

Collectors look for team spirit and old kitchen collectibles when shopping for tailgating items. Autumn is the season for every type of tailgate … football, soccer, whatever the sport.

Team colors are always in style, and vintage pieces from tailgates gone by are sure to make your tailgate party a winner. Condition is important, as is the age of the vintage tailgating items.

Table Settings Printed tablecloths from the 1940s will make that old folding table look great all season long. Some of the best folding tables are the wooden poker tables from the 1950s or the notvery-vintage plastic tables from office supply stores.

Vintage cloths from the Pop Art time period will cost about $50 to $100 each. Add extra aluminum

folding chairs to the backseat so you can host guests from the opposing team at your tailgate.

These won’t cost too much, about $10 each in good condition, because they are easy to come by and always very useful.

Old soda coolers, like those featuring CocaCola or Pepsi logos, will be just the thing to keep your sandwiches and drinks cold while you cheer on your team.

Some of these coolers cost upClassic lithographic tin plaid picnic ward of $500 to cooler, circa 1955. $750 in excellent shape.

Serve cold-cut sandwiches on white Chow Down bread or deviled eggs from plastic Collectibles from the kitchen and garage are all the rage. For a realistrays in bright colors. Don’t forget the printed, tin lunch pails for storing tic vintage tailgate, use metal cups from the 1960s for soft drinks and necessities like napkins, condiments, and toothpicks. smoothies. Fill plaid thermoses with soup to sip before the kickoff.

Yay, Team!

Old, well-worn pennants supporting your team are perfect for decorating your tailgate. Don’t forget to bring along old team sporting equipment, hats, jerseys, and anything in your team’s colors.

Wool blankets, wooly mittens, and scarves are must-haves during those crisp autumn days at the game. And when the team colors are not available, go plaid instead. Sit back and enjoy the game in vintage tailgate style.

Happy tailgating!

Ph.D. antique appraiser and awardwinning TV expert Dr. Lori Verderame is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s international hit TV show Auction Kings and appears on FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV. com or call (888) 431-1010.

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Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Members who get “Extra Help” are not required to fill prescriptions at preferred network pharmacies in order to get Low Income Subsidy (LIS) copays. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The Part B premium is covered for full-dual members. Our dualeligible Special Needs Plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the state and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Other pharmacies, physicians and/or providers are available in our network. The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-855-418-0484 (TTY: 711). All persons eligible for Medicare may receive a $10 Reward Card with no enrollment obligation. Non Coventry Medicare Advantage members must attend a sales meeting, schedule an appointment, or request an information kit to receive the offer. Current Coventry Medicare Advantage members, must call the number in the advertisement for instructions on how to receive the offer. Not to exceed more than one $10 Reward Card per person. Offer valid while supplies last. Participating physicians, hospitals and other health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna.

The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. Aetna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, free language assistance services are available. Visit our website at www.aetnamedicare.com or call the phone number listed in this material.

ESPAÑOL (SPANISH): ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, se encuentran disponibles servicios gratuitos de asistencia de idiomas. Visite nuestro sitio web en www.aetnamedicare.com o llame al número de teléfono que se indica en este material.୒ɄġNJ (CHINESE): ɐͩNj쨰ƧưǷĹġNJ뼷ǷĻŗȦīы͘Ā ДҶ৖Վ˖Ө 쁞 ɐҜ਴āĵĀȃν www.aetnamedicare.com ͱٍǖǕࠒնġǨԉĀǖƹ̶Π 쁞 Y0001_4002_8045a_FINAL_3200 Accepted 09/2016 ©2016 Aetna Inc. www.50plusLifePA.com

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October 2016

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The Culture of Cigars in Central Pa.

By Jeffrey B. Roth Smoking cigars is less about smoking and more about a lifestyle.

To aficionados, the cigar represents luxury, style, comfort, leisure, and camaraderie, said Steven Napper, founder and president of the Harrisburg Cigar Club, a roaming social group dedicated to the experience of the cigar culture. Founded in 2009, the club leads a peripatetic existence.

“We don’t have a physical location—we are a roaming club,” Napper said. “We meet once a month at different cigarfriendly locations throughout Central Pennsylvania.”

Napper was introduced to cigar culture while attending a conference in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware. At the time, Napper did not smoke cigars, but a couple of his coworkers gave

Harrisburg Cigar Club

him a lighter and a cutter.

“I fell in love with it,” Napper, a utilities engineer, said. “They told me what to look for, about different brands of cigars. Once we got back to the office, they were ordering cigars, and they’d say, ‘Try this one.’”

Please join us!

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Food • Microbrews • Wines • Cigars • Automotive • Fitness Outdoor Adventure • Sports • And so much more!

toro, pantelo, and others, there are more than 100 shades of wrappers used to make cigars, according to Jesus Castanon, part owner of Hain’s Pipe & Cigar Shop in York.

Hain’s is one of the oldest tobacconists in the U.S. and has been in continuous operation since 1890. Castanon, a master blender, uses various types of tobacco to create his signature, premium brands.

Watching Castanon roll cigars offers a glimpse into a ritual and craft that is hundreds of years old. In 1996, Castanon was visiting the Cohiba Cigar Jesus Castanon, part owner of Hain’s Pipe & Cigar Shop in York. Factory in Cuba. Impressed by the level of skill required to fashion a cigar, Castanon The club membership fluctuates between 30 and 60 at any given time. applied for a position. It took nine months of training and evaluations While one function of the club is before Castanon had become a cigar social interaction, it also promotes roller. cigar etiquette and educates cigar “I normally look for the bestenthusiasts about different brands and aged tobacco. We have a team of flavors of cigars. rollers [at Hain’s] to make different “It’s pretty relaxing,” Napper said.

“It gives you time—when you light up cigar blends,” Castanon said. “We a cigar, it is going to be a minimum of bring the art of making cigars to an hour. You meet different people in different events—weddings, private parties, political events. Wherever the lounges, and everything goes out people think it might fit, we move the door.” our operation there to provide a Cigars, in this case, are not the demonstration of how it is done.” stereotypical old stogie, clenched in In the late 19th century and the first the teeth of a burly, shabbily dressed, middle-aged hobo. The cigars Napper half of the 20th century, Cuba became is talking about are hand-rolled, using synonymous with the best quality cigars available. After the communist various types of high-quality tobacco takeover of Cuba by Fidel Castro, the leaves.

U.S. banned importation of Cuban Cigars are composed of a wrapper, a binder, and a filter. Made in various cigars.

Many master cigar blenders fled sizes from parejo, corona, robusto,

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717.285.1350

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The Epic MEN’S Expo committee is looking for volunteers to help at our first-ever Epic MEN’S Expo on Nov. 19, 2016, at the York Expo Center, Memorial Hall West, 334 Carlisle Avenue, York, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you could help greet visitors, stuff Expo bags, or just help out wherever needed, we would be glad to have you for all or just part of the day.

Please call On-Line Publishers at (717) 285-1350.

www.50plusLifePA.com

the country. They settled in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and other countries in South America.

Some moved to Indonesia and the Philippines, where they continued their craft.

Castanon said that now Honduras, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, and Africa are producing premium tobacco.

Tobacco farming has declined sharply in the U.S., but Connecticut is well known for its tobacco varieties, such as double claro, Colorado claro, Colorado maduro, and oscuro, a black tobacco leaf also called double maduro.

“We grow tobacco in the Dominican Republic now to harvest our own tobacco leaf,” Castanon said.

“My father and my cousins roll cigars in our shop. We’ve been at Hain’s about eight or nine years.”

Cigar bars have become trendy hangouts in most major cities, said Daniel Falcon, owner of the Lancaster Cigar Bar. After becoming an aficionado of premium cigars, Falcon, a real estate investor, realized there were no cigar bars or clubs in

Lancaster County.

“It was just a hobby for me, until one day when I was out and about looking for a place to smoke a cigar and have a beer,” Falcon said. “To my surprise, there was nowhere in town where you could do both.

There were a couple of establishments where you could bring your own beer, but that’s not what I was looking for. I wanted something a bit

The Ashton Cigar Bar in Philadelphia.

NEBRASKA from page 10 from east to west, is ranked as one of the 10 most beautiful highways in the nation.

Interspersed amongst the cattle ranches, there’s water, lots of it. In fact, the Sandhills are a recreational wonderland, filled with rivers and lakes that are perfect for fishing, swimming, tubing, and — my favorite — tanking.

This is a Nebraska specialty that consists of using a feeding tank meant for livestock, outfitting it with cushy seating, and taking it on a float down a river.

On the Carnival Pride

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Thoroughly relaxed and slightly damp, we return to Interstate 80 and head out to Wyoming. We’ve driven the length of Nebraska and one thing is certain: The best way to see Nebraska is by car — not through an airplane window.

For more on Warren Buffett’s favorite haunts as well as other great Nebraska destinations, see www.traveltizers.com.

Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www. andreagross.com).

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classier.”

Falcon turned to the internet and searched for cigar bars. He discovered the Ashton Cigar Bar in Philadelphia, which offered cigar smokers a place to eat, drink, and enjoy cigars.

Falcon said Ashton has a full bar, a walk-in humidor, and a classy ambiance; the company also has its own cigar brands.

“I said, ‘Wow! This is a great

4

concept,’” Falcon said.

In September 2014, Falcon opened downtown Lancaster’s Cigar Bar, which carries more than 170 cigar selections. The layout and amenities of the lounge attract both men and women, Falcon said, and feature outdoor seating and a place to eat, drink, and smoke cigars.

“And we don’t do filter ventilation,” Falcon said. “We do 100 percent extraction. I pump out over 6,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air, which is almost unheard of; and, I grab the fresh air from outside and pump it into the room after I condition it—in winter with heat and in summer with air conditioning. “[Smoking cigars is] a culture in and of itself,” Falcon said. “It is sophisticated, and we see a lot of professional young (and old) men.

Regular smokers appreciate it too.”

Mark Twain summed up the attraction of smoking a premium cigar: “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man’s enjoyment of his cigar.”

Admission Tickets to

Take a quick survey on issues important to people over 50. You will be entered into a drawing for 4 admission tickets to the Turkey Hill Experience.

You’re a SageAge and we want to hear from you ... and your friends, family, and coworkers!

Go to www.SageAgeToday.com to enter!

Contest sponsored by:

The winner will be selected at random. You may enter no more than once a day. The winner will be emailed and called.

50plus LIFE p

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15

Calendar of Events

Lebanon County

Community Programs/Support Groups Free and open to the public

Senior Center Activities

Oct. 26, 6 to 7 p.m.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support Group Linden Village 100 Tuck Court, Lebanon (717) 274-7400

Annville Senior Community Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Club Meeting at The Hearth Oct. 20, 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Club Meeting at Jersey Joe’s Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m. – Halloween Party

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

Library Programs Annville Free Library, 216 E. Main St., Annville, (717) 867-1802 Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. – Adult Coloring Club 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

Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 Ramona Road, Myerstown Oct. 5, 7:45 a.m. – Breakfast Club at Country Fare Restaurant Oct. 12, 4 p.m. – Dinner and Mini Golf at The Wetlands Oct. 26, noon – Fall Celebration at Heidelberg Family Restaurant

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.

Oct. 8 – 10th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 16, 1-5 p.m. – Graffiti Cleanup Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. – Senior Walkabout

Do and Don’t Say These to People with Depression Clinical depression is part of life for 16 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute for Mental Health.

People with depression often feel isolated and alone, so support is as much a part of treatment as therapy and medication.

Here’s what to say—and not to say—if someone you know suffers from depression:

person’s struggle. Just knowing that someone understands the challenges of depression can help.

Don’t:

Mental Health Awareness Week: Oct. 5–9

Do: • “I’m here for you.” Let people know you’re available to listen when they need to talk. Check in regularly to show that you care.

• “Let’s do something.” Help them get out of the house. Suggest activities like taking a walk, going to a movie, or getting some coffee.

• “I know this is difficult.” Recognize the other

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Maple Street Senior Community Center – (717) 273-1048 710 Maple St., Lebanon Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 10 a.m. – Senior Yoga in Library Oct. 27, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Bus Trip: Woodloch Pines – Octoberfest Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – Halloween Party and Pizza

• “You just need _.” Minimizing the person’s pain doesn’t help.

Don’t offer a quick-fix solution to a long-term problem.

• “I get depressed, too.” Yes, everyone feels down from time to time, but clinical depression can feel like a never-ending battle. Don’t compare your occasional blue days to another person’s serious condition.

• “Other people have worse problems.” Comparing your friend’s problem to other people rarely helps—and may make the person feel worse. Show compassion for the situation and help as much as possible.

Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944 335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www. jonestownpa.org/senior.html Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. – Bingo Oct. 20, 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Group at Esther’s Restaurant Oct. 26, noon – Lunch Bunch at Dutch-Way Family Restaurant Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237 101 S. Railroad St., Palmyra Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m. – Fall Fest at Heisey’s Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. – Carpool Trip to Senior Days at Gretna Glen 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

Puzzle Page

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 18 SUDOKU

brainteasers

Carnegie Hall Performers in the ’50 and ’60s Find the names of these famous musicians and vocalists who performed at least once in Carnegie Hall during the ’50s and ’60s: 1. 1950 – vocalist Ma_____ Ja_____ 2. 1953 – violinist Ja_____ He_____ 3. 1956 – vocalist Bi_____ Ho_____ 4. 1958 – vocalist Pa_____ Ro_____ 5. 1959 – vocalist Ha_____ Be_____ 6. 1961 – vocalist Ju_____ Ga_____ 7. 1963 – violinist It_____ Pe_____ 8. 1963 – vocalist Bo_____ Dy_____ 9. 1963 – jazz musician Da_____ Br_____ 10. 1968 – pianist Vl_____ Ho_____

Federal Actions of the ’50s and ’60s Find the missing words from the federal agencies, programs, acts, and laws that started in the ’50s and ’60s: 1. 1950 – National S_____ Foundation 2. 1950 – Federal Civil D_____ Act 3. 1956 – Interstate H_____ System 4. 1960 – Federal Te_____ System 5. 1961 – P_____ Corps 6. 1964 – V_____ in Service to America 7. 1964 – Food S_____ Act 8. 1965 – Me_____ 9. 1965 – Project H_____ Start 10. 1968 – C_____ Rights Act

Written by Alan Stillson. Please see http://stillsonworks.com

Across

1. Adder 4. At what time 8. Crow noise 11. Hawaiian dish 12. Grade 13. Higher up 16. Courtliness 18. Danger 19. Just about 20. War and Peace author 22. Acclamation 25. Alder tree 26. Record

27. W here overspending will land you 30. Twister actress Hunt 31. Opaque gem 32. Title of respect 33. Secreted 34. Japanese coin 35. Jackals 37. Note taker 40. Sunburned 41. Paycheck (abbr.)

42. Talipot palm leaf 43. Daisylike flower 46. Word study

48. Utter discomfort 49. Existed 50. Greedy king 51. Quest 53. Biscuit 55. Aim at 56. Photo covering 60. Unemotional 61. Aspect 62. Deuce 63. Greatest degree 64. Let it stand!

65. Congeal

22. Aeneid 23. Make do 24. Borrowed money 25. Helps out 28. Persian Gulf peninsula 29. Vase 30. Not hers 33. Steering system 35. Convertible 36. Vote type 37. Trudge 38. Seaweed 39. Time periods 40. Stress

42. Medleys 43. Unit of elec. current 44. Entree forerunners 45. Fortune teller’s aid 46. Consume 47. Egg dish 49. Crone 52. Building block 53. Leave out 54. Impolite 56. Sharp curve 57. Common contraction 58. Be obliged 59. Negation

Down

1. Emulator 2. Sun god 3. Pastry 4. Phantom 5. Suspend 6. Engrave 7. Maiden name 8. Chicken 9. Eve’s son 10. Twisted woolen yarn 14. Critical 15. Run off 17. Twist 20. Three (It.) 21. Hankering

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October 2016

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Agencies Have Advantages for Home Care

By Barbara Trainin Blank

Puzzle Solutions

The goal of all home healthcare is to keep loved ones at home. But how do you go about it?

When seeking a home-care worker, what’s best—to rely on independent contractors or on an agency? And if you do choose an agency, what’s best—one that hires workers as employees or as independent contractors?

There are many legal and practical issues to consider.

Sue Heinle, owner of Visiting Angels of York, Inc., uses the workersas-employees model only.

“We had an option to use independent contractors, but I chose the employee model as the safest model for our consumers,” Heinle said.

With independent contractors, the family is the employer of record— responsible for hiring and firing—and there are many risks associated with that scenario.

“The family has to handle taxes.

If the worker is injured on the job or property, it’s the family’s responsibility,” she said.

One major reason family members hire independent contractors is that they’re less expensive, and cost is an issue for most people seeking home care.

“But you get the most for your dollars with an agency,” Heinle asserted.

The agency takes home-care workers through the screening process. They need to fill out an in-depth questionnaire and pass a Pennsylvania State Police criminal

background check, plus an FBI clearance if they’ve been in the commonwealth less than two years’ time.

“We also require two employer references and verification of past employment,” said Heinle. “It’s a rigorous employment process.”

Visiting Angels also conducts a health screening— including for TB—of all hires through a medical practitioner. If an individual leaves Visiting Angels’ employment and returns later, the entire screening process is repeated, including for health.

An agency can also review the requirements of the job with potential workers, such as the ability to lift so many pounds, as well as their skills in such areas as hand-washing and handling privacy and confidentiality.

“We take the worry of legality away from the family,” said Heinle. “All the work has already been done. We carry workers’ compensation in case the worker sprains his/her back or breaks an ankle while lifting the care receiver. The agency is responsible for restoring the caregiver to wellness.”

Another benefit is that an agency has a pool of caregivers to choose from and will generally make every

October 2016

Department on Aging’s local office should have a list of agencies in the area.

If you do want to look into hiring independent contractors, one question to ask yourself is: Who covers that person if he/she is sick, goes on vacation, or simply doesn’t show up to work?

“An agency can’t prevent someone from going AWOL, but at least there’s a pool of caregivers to choose from as soon as possible. If the agency can’t find a worker, the manager will try to minimize the issue. With independent contractors, you might have to find a family member or neighbor to cover,” said Heinle.

Two final points: An independent home-care worker may not have a great deal of supervision; an agency provides more. And if you’re not satisfied with a particular agency, you can always try a different one.

What are some legal considerations in choosing home-care workers?

Not all home-care agencies treat workers as employees rather than independent contractors, pointed out Vicky Ann Trimmer, an attorney with Daley, Zucker, Melton & Miner, based in Harrisburg and Lemoyne.

“But that is changing rapidly,” Trimmer said. “The IRS is cracking down on the ‘gray areas,’ and other agencies … are converting all their workers to employees.”

But each agency has its own policy.

Independent contractors are paid directly by the family. If they make more than $600, the family has to give them a 1099 form for taxes. please see HOME CARE page 22 Brainteasers

Carnegie Hall Performers in the ’50 and ’60s

Puzzles shown on page 17

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effort to provide consistent care.

Visiting Angels, for example, has a 24-hour service guarantee to replace a worker if the family believes that individual is competent but not a good match with the care receiver in terms of personality.

Agencies often offer ongoing training for workers— something that may not be required for independent contractors.

Many families often find that having a geriatric case manager on board is helpful. Going the independent route may mean hiring a care manager on your own.

“We provide many of the resources of a geriatric case manager, including a quality check [of the caregiving situation] each month,” Heinle said. “This service is not billed separately but is bundled in.”

How do you find an agency you can trust? It’s advisable to conduct interviews with at least two or three and ask lots of questions. For example, find out about an agency’s hiring procedures.

All home-care agencies in Pennsylvania are required to be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The

1. Mahalia Jackson 2. Jascha Heifitz 3. Billie Holiday 4. Paul Robeson 5. Harry Belafonte

6. Judy Garland 7. Itzhak Perlman 8. Bob Dylan 9. Dave Brubeck 10. Vladimir Horowitz

Federal Actions of the ’50s and ’60s 1. National Science Foundation 2. Federal Civil Defense Act 3. Interstate Highway System 4. Federal Telecommunications System 5. Peace Corps

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6. Volunteers in Service to America 7. Food Stamp Act 8. Medicare 9. Project Head Start 10. Civil Rights Act

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Home Care Services & Hospice Providers All Hands Home Care

Landis at Home

(717) 737-7905 www.allhandshomecare.com

Year Est.: 2014 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

(717) 509-5800 www.landisathome.org Other Certifications and Services: We provide trained caregivers for in-home care for personal, respite, hospice, 24-hour, live-in, and companionship-care services to seniors and individuals of all ages in the Central Pennsylvania region.

Our company is fully insured and bonded. Call now for a free in-home consultation!

Year Est.: 2007 Counties Served: Lancaster RNs: Yes LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Other Certifications and Services: Providing individualized care and support by competent and qualified caregivers for adults who live in their homes, a senior community, or elsewhere. A home-care service of Landis Communities. Call for an initial home visit.

Central Penn Nursing Care, Inc.

Surrey Services for Seniors

Year Est.: 1984 Counties Served: Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Year Est.: 1981 Counties Served: Chester, Delaware RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

(717) 569-0451 www.cpnc.com

Other Certifications and Services: Providing all levels of care (PCAs, CNAs, LPNs, RNs), in the home, hospital, or retirement communities with specifically trained caregivers for Alzheimer’s and dementia clients.

Home care provided up to 24 hours a day to assist with personal care and housekeeping. A FREE nursing assessment is offered.

Homeland Hospice

Other Certifications and Services: Surrey, a nonprofit, provides complete inhome services including the following: certified geriatric care managers and aging life care professionals, RNs, LPNs, CNAs, licensed clinical social workers (LSCW), and home health aides (HHA). Additional services include transportation and house cleaning.

Visiting Angels

(717) 221-7890 www.homelandhospice.org Year Est.: 2009 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs/Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: Yes

(610) 647-6404 www.surreyservices.org

(800) 365-4189 www.visitingangels.com Other Certifications and Services: Exemplary personalized care that enables patients and families to live each day as fully as possible.

Registered nurses who are certified in hospice and palliative care for both adults and children.

Year Est.: 2001 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Other Certifications and Services: Visiting Angels provides seniors and adults with the needed assistance to continue living at home. Flexible hours up to 24 hours per day. Companionship, personal hygiene, meal prep, and more. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured. Call today for a complimentary and informational meeting.

Keystone In-Home Care

(717) 898-2825; (866) 857-4601 (toll-free) www.keystoneinhomecare.com Year Est.: 2004 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

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

Medicaid Waiver approved.

If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your account representative or call (717) 285-1350.

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

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Create a Great Funeral Day

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October 30th is

Savvy Senior

How to Plan an Affordable Funeral Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, When my brother died last year, my sister and I had a regular funeral for him and got stuck with a $12,000 bill.

Can you recommend some funeral costcutting tips or cheaper alternatives? I don’t want to stick my kids with a big funeral bill after I’m gone.

– Looking Ahead Dear Looking, With the average cost of a fullservice funeral running over $10,000 today, many people are seeking alternative options to make their final farewell more affordable.

Depending on how you want to go, here are some money-saving options to consider.

Traditional funeral: If you’re interested in a traditional funeral and burial, your first money-saving step is to shop around and compare funeral providers, because prices can vary.

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October 2016

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Code LebSN

If you want some help, go online to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information page (www.consumer. ftc.gov) and search “choosing a funeral provider.”

When comparing, make sure you take advantage of the “funeral rule.” This is a federal law that requires funeralhome directors to provide you with an itemized price list of their products and services so you can choose exactly what you want. Be sure to ask for it.

Direct burial: Another way to cut your funeral-home bill is to get a direct burial. With this option your body would be buried shortly after death, skipping the embalming, viewing, and use of the funeral facilities.

If your family wants a memorial service, they can have it at the graveside or at your place of worship without the body. These services usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000, not counting cemetery charges. All funeral homes offer direct burial.

Cremation: An increasingly popular and affordable way to go, cremation can run anywhere from around $600 (for a direct cremation) up to $4,000 or higher depending on the provider and services you choose.

Green burial: An eco-friendly green burial is another affordable option that costs anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand depending on the provider.

With a green cemetery burial, the body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or just wrapped in a shroud, without embalming chemicals or a burial vault.

Veteran’s burial: If you are a veteran, you’re entitled to a free burial at a national cemetery and a free grave marker. This benefit also extends to spouses and dependent children.

Some veterans may even be eligible for funeral-expense allowances too.

To learn more, visit the National Cemetery Administration (www.cem. va.gov) or call the VA at (800) 8271000.

Body donation: Donating your body to a medical facility for research is another popular way to go, and it’s completely free. After using your body, your remains will be cremated and your ashes will be buried or scattered in a local cemetery or returned to your family.

To locate body-donation programs in your state, see the Anatomical Board of the State of Florida’s online list (www.anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/ usprograms).

Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org

Visit Our Website At:

50plusLIFEPA.com Central Pennsylvania’s Award-Winning 50+ Publication www.50plusLifePA.com

Create a Great Funeral Day

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October 30th is

Such is Life

Our Last Will and Testament Saralee Perel

On the way to signing our wills, my husband, Bob, said, “I know it’s hard to talk about, but what do you want done with your body?”

“Just take it to the dump.”

“This is no time for jokes,” he said.

“OK, I’ll be serious. I promise.”

“I don’t even know if you want to be cremated or buried.”

“Cremated. Just make sure I’m dead. And that I’m wearing clean underwear.”

Smartly ignoring my responses, he solemnly said, “Would you want a beautiful ceremony and have your ashes scattered in the ocean?”

“Just toss them in the cat litter.”

In spite of himself, he laughed, then grew very serious and said, “If I go first, I want you to go on with your life. Find someone else and be happy.”

I said, “If I go first, and you even glance at another woman, I will haunt you every night. I’ll make the bed levitate. I’ll appear in a long, white, flowing gown, and I’ll bring your evil mother with me. I’ll—” He cut me off. “We’ve never discussed life support. I don’t want to be kept alive on machines.”

“I do. Just make sure the place is kept clean, the laundry’s constantly

getting done, and my husband make that although the years have gone by that I’m well fed.” fun of me again for so quickly, we have each other to hold “I do all that wearing my 20-year- on to, for right now, for this night, for this moment. now.” old blue bathrobe, Maybe I’ll be blessed to fall asleep “And make sure which has holes there’s a TV.” bigger than the holding hands with my best friend We continued biggest pancake ever for many nights to come, to hear his laughter upon seeing me in my blue our drive to the made. appointment with I touched Bob’s bathrobe, to feed our pets together.

That would be heaven on earth. our lawyer. He’s a lovely face. He gentle, fine man. The opened his sleepy only lie I’ve ever told eyes and merely Nationally syndicated, award-winning him was when he said, “I know. I feel columnist Saralee Perel can be reached Saralee and Bob. asked me to swear I the same way.” at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her was of sound mind.

We fell asleep holding hands, aware website: www.saraleeperel.com.

And so, after we signed our wills, we held hands as we walked outside.

I can’t fathom life without Bob. In the middle of that night, I lay awake, crying. I pictured coming home alone someday, and feeding our pets all by myself. I’d need a stool to reach their food.

I pictured seeing the first blossom of our salvia—a hummingbird drinking 50plus LIFE’s editorial content the nectar—without Bob having had just earned awards! the chance to see how beautifully his garden had grown.

Silver Award I pictured sleepless nights with our “2,000 Miles of Happy Trails” cat in my arms, without Bob beside me

by Rebecca Hanlon to share in a three-way embrace.

And I thought about never having

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SUPERNATURAL from page 9 of whom confirmed that Emma was indeed bewitched. Emma’s sister even claimed to see a likeness of Mrs. Boyer appear in a bowl of water in Emma’s bedroom.

After years of accusations, the Boyer family finally reached its breaking point. Mrs. Boyer’s son, John, filed a defamation suit. The Justice of the Peace at Fort Hunter determined there was enough evidence for the case to proceed but it never made it to trial because the Boyers moved away from Stoney Creek to escape their neighbors’ torments. They went on to live long, perfectly normal lives.

As for Emma Gilday, perhaps

she truly was cursed. Her father, William, dropped dead less than four years after his daughter was first “diagnosed” as being bewitched by Mrs. Boyer. Adding to her sorrow, Emma’s first husband died at age 28.

The Hex Murder On Thanksgiving Day 1928, Nelson D. Rehmeyer was found dead in his York County home. He had been badly beaten and the killers had tried, unsuccessfully, to burn his house—with his body in it.

Three persons were convicted of the crime: John Curry, age 14; Wilbur G. Hess, age 18; and John J. Blymyer, age 28.

The trio believed Rehmeyer to be a witch and went to his home with the intention of obtaining a lock of his hair. Burying the hair was, according to Blymyer, the only way to break the spell they believed Rehmeyer had cast upon them.

Once inside the home, however, things went terribly wrong. Rehmeyer fought his attackers but was eventually subdued by blows with a piece of firewood. The dismal attempt to cover the crime was futile, and within two months all three were tried and found guilty of murder.

News of the York County killing made national headlines. That it involved “powwowing”—the belief

in special powers to cure illnesses and cast spells—fascinated readers and served to cement the widespread view that the “Pennsylvania Dutch” were a closed and superstitious sect.

The “hex signs” on barns, many said, proved the community’s belief in black magic. Today, of course, we know that the only thing frightening about these signs are the high prices paid by tourists who can’t seem to get enough of them.

reduces the paperwork for the family of the care receiver, and the agency takes care of workers’ compensation, Medicare, Social Security, withholding tax, unemployment compensation, health insurance, and life insurance of the workers.

“Otherwise, there’s a much bigger burden on the family,” Trimmer explained.

If the person is deemed to be an employee, the family is required to file IRS Schedule H to report the employer’s share of certain taxes. The employee can also request that they withhold income taxes.

One issue that arises when the home-care worker is an independent contractor or direct employee of the family is what happens if the worker is hurt on the job—as a result, for example, of helping the care receiver out of the tub. Who is responsible?

You may have to add a rider to your insurance policy.

Another issue: What happens if the worker steals something? Is that individual bonded?

“Most people looking for care for loved ones go through an agency, since the agency has already pre-vetted the worker and done background checks and criminal checks,” Trimmer said.

When you hire directly, you should do a credit report, verify the Social Security number, and find out if the

individual is authorized to work in this country. Those are also tasks an agency can do for you.

In general, there’s a bigger risk if you hire directly.

Of course, there are numerous agencies in Central Pennsylvania, and all follow different processes.

“Some are better than others from an administrative viewpoint,” Trimmer pointed out. “The family should ask about the ease of changing caregivers—getting replacements when a caregiver is ill or just does not show up.”

Another consideration is terminating a worker’s services.

Pennsylvania is a firing-at-will state, which means you can fire for no reason.

But that doesn’t protect an employer from firing for an inappropriate (hidden) reason, such as the worker’s religion or sexual preference, cautioned Trimmer. If you hire someone privately and fire that person, you may be stuck in litigation.

The bottom line is to know what you’re getting into before you hire a home-care worker. Make sure your loved one not only receives excellent care, but that you also know what your legal requirements and ramifications are if you hire an independent contractor, either through an agency or on your own.

Stephanie Hoover, whose books include Philadelphia Spiritualism and the Curious Case of Katie King, is a historical truecrime author and folklorist. Information about her books and writing can be found at www.stephaniehoover.com.

HOME CARE from page 18 “The IRS may determine that someone hired directly is an employee of the family, and that imposes additional tax and reporting requirements,” said Trimmer. “Just

because the family hires them does not make them independent contractors.”

The advantage of using an agency that has the employee model is that it

WE CAN BE YOUR EXTRA HAND Serving the Lebanon Valley for over 40 years

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Coordinated Get expert cancer care, all in one place, and all so close to home.

Now you don’t have to travel all over to get the cancer care you need. WellSpan’s Sechler Family Cancer Center offers advanced treatment and care under one roof, right here in Lebanon County. s On-site oncologist offices, lab services, pharmacy, nutritionists, a spiritual center and more. s Warm, healing environment with private, sunlit rooms for infusion and chemotherapy. s New, state-of-the-art radiation therapy allows precise and customized image mapping and dosage to accurately target tumors while protecting healthy tissue. s Compassionate physicians and staff work together as your integrated team. s Part of WellSpan’s network of cancer centers with locations in Adams, Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties.

Take a virtual tour and learn more about the Sechler Family Cancer Center at WellSpan.org/Lebanon.

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