Lebanon County Edition
December 2014
Vol. 9 No. 12
A Treasure Chest of Stories Historic Home Now Houses Collection of Local Antiques By Rebecca Hanlon Andy Leh’s fascination with antiques started as a teenager. In the summer of 1972, construction crews were digging along a nearby street when they discovered what was left of a glass-recycling facility. The working men would leave at 4 p.m., and the local kids would jump in the pit, digging until dark to collect the unwanted bottles for themselves. “It was a summer fad for most kids, but it stuck with me,” said Leh, now 56. It was the start of a 42-year-long obsession with antiques. Even as a young boy, Leh remembers spending hours in his grandparents’ basement rooting through boxes and examining random items—from glasses to stoneware and furniture. When he started digging up bottles in the streets of his neighborhood, he unknowingly dug up history. If he found bottles he didn’t want, or duplicates, he would sell them to friends. At 16, Leh’s father let him drive the family station wagon to the flea market to sell the bottles, using the profits to buy better ones. By early high school, his collection was worth several thousand dollars. “My dad thought I was crazy,” Leh said. “He was angry with me for wasting my money on frivolous stuff. Now, he stands back and smiles, please see TREASURE page 13 Andy Leh in front of one of his historic home’s seven fireplaces (six in working order). The 1798 home is the perfect setting for Leh’s extensive antiques collection.
Inside:
Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash page 8
She Took a Call from Churchill page 10
Such is Life
When a Man Can’t Have Food Saralee Perel hen readers meet me, they never want to talk to me. Instead, they excitedly look all around for my husband, saying, “Where’s Bob?” Everyone loves Bob. But they feel sorry for him because I often make him look like a doofus (which he is) in my columns. They look at him with pity and say, “You’re such a good sport.” Well, I’m here to tell you: Bob adores it when I write about him. When I don’t include him, he’ll ask, “What about me?” with an insanely disappointed look on his face. Having said all that, last week he had to fast for routine blood work, which meant no food after midnight. No big deal, right? Early that evening, he was face down on the couch. I knelt down and massaged his shoulders. “What’s the matter?” I said.
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Ever so slowly he Slowly, I stepped raised his head. backward and “Don’t you whispered, “I—I— remember the may have finished medical procedure them last night.” I’m about to get?” “WHAT?” “It’s not an “Well, I, um. I operation, sweets. It’s wanted cookies.” just a blood test.” “Oh, so you He sat up. “JUST wanted cookies, did A BLOOD TEST?” you? I will never Bob and Saralee at the diner I quietly tiptoed forgive you for this.” out of the room. He dragged At five to midnight, I found him in himself off to bed. I quietly got in bed the kitchen, gorging on frozen pizza. too. In exactly three minutes he started “Sheesh, Bob. Don’t you want to nuke moaning the song from Oliver. “Food, it first?” glorious food—hot sausage and “There’s no time!” mustard.” I lovingly took his hands but he Less than an hour later, he sneezed crazily pulled away and frantically once and said, “Starvation has caused me searched through the cookie jar. to get a cold.” “Where are the peanut butter Now, I don’t like gender stereotyping. cookies?” he said. But I take that back when it comes to a
16th Annual
As On-Line Publishers, Inc. sees the conclusion of yet another year, we are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue to grow in our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Senior News a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainment for our readers in Central Pennsylvania. At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.
please see FOOD page 15
16th Annual
DAUPHIN COUNTY
LANCASTER COUNTY
April 2, 2015
May 14, 2015
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge
Happy Holidays
cold. That’s because Bob gets “man colds.” During his last one, he threw himself an “I’m going to die” party. I realized that the way I was approaching this was all wrong. So I changed. And miraculously, I also found the cure to the common cold. “You’ll be OK,” I said. “Right after your blood work, we’ll get rid of your cold. Instead of heading to your favorite diner like we planned, for a luscious omelet made with grilled apples, cheddar cheese, and bacon, we’ll keep you on nothing but chicken broth all day.” Suddenly he stopped sneezing. “Sweets, we couldn’t have gone to the diner anyway,” I said. “You’re obviously too weak from starvation. We’ll go there someday, sometime—far, far from now, since it will clearly take a long time for you to recover from your horrible fasting ordeal.”
325 University Drive Hershey
12th Annual
CHESTER COUNTY
Date and location to be determined Please watch website for updates!
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Millersville University Marauder Court 21 South George Street Millersville
Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available
(717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240
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Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Emergency Numbers Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 Food Resources Food Stamps (800) 692-7462 Lebanon County Christian Ministries (717) 272-4400 Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels (717) 273-9262 Salvation Army (717) 273-2655 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Cancer Society (717) 231-4582 American Diabetes Association (717) 657-4310 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association (717) 207-4265
Hearing Services Hearing & Ear Care Center 200 Schneider Drive, Suite 1, Lebanon (717) 274-3851 Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros 927 Russell Drive, Lebanon (717) 274-9775 Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Hospitals Good Samaritan Hospital 252 S. Fourth St., Lebanon (717) 270-7500
Lebanon HOPES (717) 274-7528, ext. 3201 Independent Living Communities Country Acres Manufactured Home Park, LP 1600 Kercher Ave., Myerstown (717) 866-5496 Insurance Medicare Hotline (800) 638-6833
Medical Society of Lebanon County (717) 270-7500
Legal Services Pennsylvania Bar Association (717) 238-6715
Hotlines Energy Assistance (800) 692-7462
Office of Aging Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging (717) 273-9262
Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Hotline (800) 541-2050
Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
IRS Income Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040
American Lung Association (717) 541-5864
Medicaid (800) 692-7462
Arthritis Foundation (717) 274-0754
Medicare (800) 382-1274
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (717) 787-7500
PA Crime Stoppers (800) 472-8477
CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400
PennDOT (800) 932-4600
Interventional Vein & Vascular Institute (844) 438-4884
Recycling (800) 346-4242
Kidney Foundation (717) 652-8123
Social Security Information (800) 772-1213
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (717) 652-6520
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000
Lupus Foundation (888) 215-8787
Housing Assistance Housing Assistance & Resources Program (HARP) (717) 273-9328
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Lebanon County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities (717) 274-1401
Retirement Communities StoneRidge Retirement Living 440 E. Lincoln Ave., Myerstown (717) 866-3204 Senior Centers Annville Senior Community Center (717) 867-1796
Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048 Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786 Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944 Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237 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 Capital Region, Inc. (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lancaster County (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lebanon County (717) 454-8956 RSVP York County (443) 619-3842
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
Thank You, Volunteers! On-Line Publishers, Inc. and 50plus Senior News would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the individual and senior group volunteers who donated their time and efforts at our 2014 50plus EXPOs and the Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair. Because of your assistance, we were able to bring the contents and the mission of 50plus Senior News to life for the residents of Central Pennsylvania!
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Savvy Senior
Vaccination Options for Seniors this Flu Season
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 ARTIST Janys Cuffe
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie McComsey Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Christina Cardamone Kristy Neideigh BUSINESS INTERNS Mariah K. Hammacher Christopher Lee-Jimenez SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR Eileen Culp EVENTS MANAGER Kimberly Shaffer
Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that there are several types of flu vaccines being offered to seniors this flu season. What can you tell me about them? – Cautious Senior Dear Cautious, Depending on your health, age, and personal preference, there’s a buffet of flu shots available to seniors this flu season, along with two vaccinations for pneumonia that you should consider getting too. Flu Shot Options Just as they do every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a seasonal flu shot to almost everyone, but it’s especially important for seniors who are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. The flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills around 24,000—90 percent of whom are seniors. Here’s the rundown of the different options:
CIRCULATION
• Standard (trivalent) flu shot: This tried-and-true shot that’s been around for more than 30 years protects against three strains of influenza. This year’s version protects against the two common A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B virus.
PROJECT COORDINATOR Loren Gochnauer
ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Duvall Member of
• Quadrivalent flu shot: This vaccine, which was introduced last year, protects against four types of
Awards
influenza—the same three strains as the standard flu shot, plus an additional B-strain virus. • High-dose flu shot: Designed specifically for seniors age 65 and older, this vaccine, called the Fluzone High-Dose, has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. But, be aware that the high-dose option may also be more likely to cause side effects, including headache, muscle aches, and fever. • Intradermal flu shot: If you don’t like needles, the intradermal shot is a nice option because it uses a tiny 1/16-inch-long micro-needle to inject the vaccine just under the skin, rather than deeper in the muscle like standard flu shots. This trivalent vaccine is recommended only to those ages 18 to 64. To locate a vaccination site that offers these flu shots, visit www.vaccines.gov and type in your ZIP code. You’ll also be happy to know that if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the costs of any flu shot, as long as your doctor, health clinic, or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. Private health insurers are also required to cover standard flu shots; however, you’ll need to check with your provider to see if they cover the
other vaccination options. Pneumonia Vaccines The other important vaccination the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. An estimated 900,000 people in the U.S. get pneumococcal pneumonia each year, and it kills around 5,000. This year, the CDC is recommending that all seniors 65 or older get two separate vaccines, which is a change of decades-old advice. The vaccines are Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Previously, only Pneumovax 23 was recommended for seniors. Both vaccines, which are administered just once, work in different ways to provide maximum protection. If you haven’t yet received any pneumococcal vaccine, you should get the Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 six to 12 months later. But, if you’ve already been vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, you should get Prevnar 13 at least one year later. Medicare currently covers only one pneumococcal vaccine per older adult. If you’re paying out of pocket, you can expect to pay around $50 to $85 for Pneumovax 23 and around $120 to $150 for Prevnar 13. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
Winner
Keep Stress in Check during the Holidays
50plus Senior News is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.
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The holidays should be a joyous time for family and friends, but they can be stressful if you feel stretched too thin. Don’t let the pressure bring you down. Here are some helpful hints for keeping your stress levels under control during what should be a fun and relaxing time:
Pay attention to your mood. Recognize the signs of stress, such as irritability and anxiety. Avoid these by getting a handle on things instead of just letting them happen.
holiday treats can affect your mood. Sugar overload will make you sluggish, for example, and the stimulating effect of caffeine may make you overanxious.
Set reasonable limits. Allow yourself to say “no.” Be realistic about what you can and cannot do during this busy month.
Exercise. Take a walk or visit the gym regularly. Not only will it combat the extra calories you’re consuming, but you’ll also relieve tension and get some relaxation.
Watch your diet. Overindulging in p
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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Cool Ideas for the Not-so-Valuables Lori Verderame have been known to say that just Some of the most popular repurposing because something is old doesn’t mean objects for old plates are refrigerator it is automatically valuable. I have junk magnets. Just simply stick an adhesivein my house, my grandmother had junk in backed magnet to the back of your plate her house … sometimes it’s just older piece. junk. Some damaged or With those sage words chipped plates have been of wisdom offered to the recycled into a decorative masses, here are some concrete frame around the creative ideas about what kids’ sandbox or kiddie to do with those keepsakes pool area. They will look that you just can’t part great stuccoed or glued with but you don’t want to onto wooden birdhouses, store away in a plastic garden jardinieres or tub for the rest of your birdbaths, and trivets. Photo courtesy staff of www.DrLoriV.com life. Some folks have used Vintage china or mismatched Objects that have some plates with minor damage are broken plates as walkways value to you on some level leading to a garden often repurposed. but that really won’t make shed or pool house. These a big difference when it comes to cashing are some great ways to use those damaged in are the objects that are the topic of and not-so-valuable floral plates and keep this particular column. the memories, too. Repurposing is very popular now. There Picking Up Jewelry are more people seeking out antiques and Damaged jewelry or fancy buttons— thrift-store items in order to reuse or particularly cheap pieces of costume recycle them than people who just want to jewelry that can no longer be repaired or collect for collecting’s sake. Be sure you worn—can be reused and made into really only repurpose those objects cool art objects. that really are not valuable. Damaged pieces of costume jewelry can Of course, you don’t want to repurpose be the source for jewelry that Chippendale side table or a Picasso pictures by sewing or gluing drawing, so get it checked out before you the broken pieces onto a piece of velvet, move ahead. Once you know that you felt, or fabric. Then, the textile is framed as have a low-value object, consider some you would a collage. creative ideas. Old, broken jewelry or pieces thereof Piecing Up the Plates can be made into a brooch, tussy mussy, or Plates can be among some of the most brooch bouquet comprised of both fresh inexpensive collectibles that nearly flowers and colorful, fake-gemstone pins in everyone has hanging around the house, the shape of flowers. attic, or yard sale. Vintage, decorative floral Country music star Miranda Lambert plates can be used at parties and even given carried a brooch bouquet at her countryaway to guests as favors. They really spruce themed wedding. It is a cool union of up a buffet line, block party, or family get- vintage and Victorian, fresh and faux. together. Some pieces of costume jewelry are Look around your grandma’s, aunt’s, valuable, so be sure to check out the value and neighbor’s cupboards and see if you with an appraisal before you start taking can spot any plates. I have some chipped apart the jewelry pieces that are still intact. yet colorful examples from the 1970s However, the damaged pieces are fair game hanging around my cabinets that would be for you crafters out there. prime examples for this project. Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and Some creative craft aficionados award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori hosts have taken such plates, broken them into antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is pieces, and used them in craft projects. the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s TV Just break the inexpensive plates into 2- to show Auction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, 4-inch pieces and then use them as you www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame would tiles. at Google+, or call (888) 431-1010.
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Thank You,Columnists! 50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well as entertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News: Mike Clark (The Way I See It) Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry) Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield ) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) John Johnston (Social Security News) Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques) Gloria May (NurseNews) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior)
Victor Parachin (Fragments of History) Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Nick Thomas (Tinseltown Talks) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran) Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters)
It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Senior News are enriched by your contributions.
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Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes Bethany Village — MapleWood
Lakeview at Tel Hai Retirement Community
325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 • www.BethanyVillage.org
1200 Tel Hai Circle • Honey Brook, PA 19344 610-273-4602 • www.telhai.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: Yes Private: 100 Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: One-bedroom suites; secured memory support neighborhood; skilled nursing – The Oaks.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Come discover a wonderful, faith-based community that has been voted No. 1 retirement community by readers of the Daily Local newspaper!
Colonial Lodge Community
Longwood Manor Personal Care & Memory Care
2015 North Reading Road • Denver, PA 17519 717-336-5501 • www.coloniallodgepa.com
2760 Maytown Road • Maytown, PA 17550 717-426-0033 • www.longwoodassisted.com
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 70 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes* Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 144 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes* Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: No Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: No
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: *SSI depends on availability. A veteran-approved “home for heroes” facility, all in a beautiful, rural setting.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Beautiful, homelike environment nestled in the heartland of Lancaster County. Specializing in memory support. *One-time community fee only.
Homeland Center
Mennonite Home Communities
1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7727 • www.homelandcenter.org
1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601 717-393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 50 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: Yes Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 150 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Exemplary care in a caring, beautiful environment has been provided for more than 140 years. Our continuum includes a hospice program.
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Supportive, encouraging environment. Various room types and suites available. Secure memory care offered.
Homewood at Plum Creek
The Middletown Home
425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-4166 • www.homewood.com
999 West Harrisburg Pike • Middletown, PA 17057 717-944-3351 • www.middletownhome.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 98 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 64 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: Yes Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Excellent care in a lovely environment. Call to schedule a visit.
Serving from the Heart in the Spirit of Friendship, Love, and Truth
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: No Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Beautifully appointed apartments overlooking the garden terrace with the safety and security of 24-hour nursing care.
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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Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes Pleasant View Retirement Community
St. Anne’s Retirement Community
544 North Penryn Road • Manheim, PA 17545 717-665-2445 • www.pleasantviewrc.org
3952 Columbia Avenue West Hempfield Township, PA 17512 717-285-6112 • www.stannesrc.org
Total AL and/or PC Beds: 96 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes* Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: *Three-year private pay spending. Maintain independence in an enriching and supportive environment; now offering respite stays.
Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: Yes Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Minimal Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Pending Approval Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Select rooms currently available! Call for details.
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community 625 Robert Fulton Highway • Quarryville, PA 17566 717-786-7321• 888-786-7331 • www.quarryville.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 45 Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: No Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes
Health Fee-for-Service Available: No Alzheimer’s Care: Yes Respite Care: No Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: No Comments: Quarryville assists in maintaining independence and preserving dignity in a safe and secure environment.
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.
Health Matters
Make the Holidays a Little Brighter: Visit a Care Facility Lisa M. Petsche f you are planning to visit a relative or friend in a nursing home over the holidays, follow these suggestions to help ensure positive interactions.
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General Tips • Call ahead to the unit where the person resides to find out the best time of day to visit. Plan to visit when you are not rushed for time. • Bring something with you: flowers and a vase, a photo album, a magazine or newspaper, a guestbook for visitors to sign, a favorite music CD, or a special food treat. (Check first with staff whether the person has any diet restrictions.) • Position yourself at eye level, face to face. Ensure you are close enough and speaking loudly enough that the person www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
can adequately see and hear you. • Actively listen to what the person has to tell you. Express interest in their daily activities, and allow them to vent their feelings about their situation. • Encourage reminiscing (“Remember when …?”) This stimulates the mind and evokes pleasant feelings. • Tell some jokes or a funny true story, or bring in a humorous video to watch together. • If conversation is difficult or impossible, share news about family, friends, and current events; read aloud; or listen to music together. Sit in the lobby and people-watch. And learn to become comfortable with silence.
• Check the recreational activities schedule for special events, and accompany the person you visit to one of them. • Telephone between visits if you can’t get in as often as you’d like.
• Play a card game or board game. • Play a musical instrument. • Fill out forms, such as weekly menus, together. • Write or tape a family history.
Ideas for Activities • Watch home movies or rent a favorite movie—perhaps a holiday classic.
• Make a family collage out of photos.
• Decorate the room: bring in pictures, a calendar, a sun-catcher for the window, a plant, special knickknacks, or a seasonal decoration.
• Give a hand or foot massage.
• Share a project, such as sorting through family photos. Look through picture books or albums that reflect past interests. • Write a letter to someone special.
50plus SeniorNews
• Give a manicure, apply makeup, or set hair. • Bring your pet in to visit (find out the facility’s policy first). • Bring children or grandchildren with you. Lisa M. Petsche is a clinical social worker and freelance writer specializing in eldercare issues. p
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Traveltizers
Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel
Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash By Andrea Gross ’m half-submerged in a luxurious whirlpool tub, sipping from a glass of sweet ice wine and looking out the window at the cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Over there, in the distance, is the United States. Here, at the Radisson Hotel, is Canada. Divided in part by the Niagara River, the two countries share the falls, with Horseshoe on the Canadian side and American and Bridal Veil falls technically in the United States, although better viewed from Canada. They’re not the tallest falls in the world, but they’re among the most powerful, and tonight, illuminated in festive colors, they’re surely the most beautiful. Waterfalls, wine, and a whirlpool tub—could there be a more glorious way to spend New Year’s Eve? I think not, but a party is waiting outside—not just any
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Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls. From left, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls is wider than seven football fields, and as the water drops the distance of a 13-story building, it creates an explosion of mist.
party, but one of the grandest in Canada and the only one that’s televised from coast to coast. In short, “It’s Canada’s answer to Times Square,” says Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
My husband and I don our parkas— December weather in Niagara typically ranges from the low 20s to the mid30s—and set out for Queen Victoria Park. It’s not far from the hotel, and as we
walk along the path bordering the falls, we’re surrounded by trees sparkling with more than a million lights and more than 100 illuminated displays representing everything from Noah’s ark and an Inuit kayak to humongous Canadian and United States flags. By the time we arrive at the park, music is blaring from the stage, and the place is packed with revelers. Off to the side, the Skylon Tower rises 775 feet above the falls. The circular top, which resembles a space station, is aglow with lights, and the exterior glass-enclosed elevator, called the “Yellow Bug,” streaks up and down, ferrying visitors to and from the revolving dining room and observation deck at the top. The countdown begins shortly before midnight. Eight, seven, six … one! The Yellow Bug zooms to the top, fireworks explode from the tower, and the crowd roars. Then, led by the performers on stage, everyone begins singing “Auld Lang Syne.”
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Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
The Falls are illuminated at night, adding to the festive air of the holiday season.
Photo courtesy of Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights features a Christmas Tree Walk that extends more than 3 miles.
Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
Fireworks mark the coming of the New Year during Niagara’s New Year’s Eve bash.
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It’s almost 1 a.m. when we head back to the Radisson, and we have to run to catch the Falls Incline Railway before it closes. This saves us the uphill hike from the street-level park to the Fallsview Tourist Area, where the hotels, casino, eateries, and shops are located. We arrive in our room chilled but thrilled, ready to start the new year. The next day we explore more of Niagara’s winter offerings. After walking farther along the 3-mile illumination route, we warm up amongst the poinsettias and Christmas cacti at the Floral Showhouse and then make our way to Journey Behind the Falls, an attraction that helps us truly appreciate the size and splendor of Niagara. Dressed in waterproof ponchos (distributed free at the entrance), we slosh through tunnels to emerge 13 stories below ground level at the point where Horseshoe Falls crashes into the Lower Niagara River. We’re showered with mist as the equivalent of more than 1 million bathtubs full of water rush over the falls every hour, traveling at a speed of 25 mph. (During the winter, the lower observation deck is closed, but there’s drama and moisture aplenty on the upper deck.) Although it’s possible to see all three falls from the ground-level walkway, we take a helicopter ride in order to better understand the area’s geography. From up high we can see how the Niagara River, which begins in Lake Erie and flows north into Lake Ontario, divides as it circles around Goat Island. The southern side plummets over a cliff to form Horseshoe Falls, while the northern side leads to American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. These two smaller falls www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
are, in turn, separated from each other by the much smaller landmass of Luna Island. Finally, since the Niagara Peninsula is one of the top ice-wine-producing regions in the world, we visit Inniskillin Estate Winery, an award-winning producer of the luxury wine. We see the vineyards, where harvesting of the frozen grapes has just begun; watch a video of the production process; and sample three different types of ice wine: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Sparkling. We can’t agree on which one we like best, so we splurge on mini-bottles of each. If we can’t make it back to Niagara next year, at least we’ll be able to celebrate at home—but it won’t be the same without the whirlpool tub and the magnificent view of the falls. If you go: Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights runs through Jan. 12, 2015. www.niagaraparks.com www.radisson.com/niagarafalls.ca Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com).
Brian Dobslaw, MSN, CRNP
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Salute to a Veteran
Churchill Told Her How Sorry He Was to Learn of FDR’s Death Robert D. Wilcox eraldine (Jeri) Kopf was a native of Central Pennsylvania who kept herself in shape through her love of playing sports. So, when the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was formed in World War II, she felt ready to enlist in September 1943 and serve her country. The fact that she had a strong background in stenography didn’t hurt. Having women in the Army was very controversial at the time. But she was determined to go. And she was soon on her way to basic training at Daytona Beach, Fla. Did she have a tough time in basic? “No, not at all,” she laughs. “They gave us the same training they gave the guys, and because of all the sports I had played, I was ready for it. I enjoyed every minute of it.” She was then sent to MacDill Field in Tampa and was assigned to Headquarters Company, where she handled public relations for the base. “At MacDill, pilots were being trained to fly the B-26 medium bomber,” she says. “It was such an unstable plane that an unbelievable number of planes were being lost. In one 30-day training period, 15 planes crashed, leading to the catchphrase: ‘A plane a day in Tampa Bay.’” Fortunately, they soon solved that by adding 6 feet of wingspan and upgrading the engines. “The other big excitement,” she says, “was meeting Don Scott, who was to
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become my future “Where messages husband. He was a were to be encoded, I member of the base arranged that through band who played all the the Signal Corps. And I instruments, as needed. kept copies of He also had a everything that was said wonderful voice and by anyone and decided was gifted with perfect for action. Later I saw pitch. that copies were then “We got engaged sent to each general in before I shipped out to the meeting.” the Pentagon, and he How did she get went to the Pacific, selected for such an where he and the band important post? played at bases “I haven’t the slightest throughout the Pacific. idea,” she says. “But you “At the Pentagon, I know the Army. They was astonished to be don’t explain what they put in charge of the do. They tell you what Overseas Conference you’re going to do, and st Pvt. 1 Class Geraldine Kopf at Room, where I worked you just do it.” MacDill Field, Tampa, in 1943. daily with the Army What about that call Chief of Staff, General from Winston of the Army George C. Churchill, when he Marshall and later with General of the shared his condolences over President Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, when he Roosevelt’s passing? Did she expect to be became Army chief of staff. talking with a famous man like that? “Officially, the Overseas Conference With a little smile, she says, “Not Room didn’t exist, because everything really, but most of the people I talked that went in there was absolutely top with regularly were among our most secret. important generals and admirals. And “The room had a thick carpet of deep when the prime minister called, I red with a massive mahogany table and enjoyed only a few words with him maps of military facilities around the before passing him on to General world lining the walls. My job was to see Marshall.” that the room was kept in perfect shape By January 1946, she was a sergeant, and to manage all contacts with senior and her hitch was over. All WACs were officers around the world. asked to reenlist, but she and her fiancé
were discharged on the same day, Jan. 18, 1946, and shortly thereafter were married. She became Mrs. Geraldine (Jeri) Scott and embarked on a wonderful 58 years of married life. The Scotts settled down to live in Central Pennsylvania. And she immersed herself in a wide range of community activities. One close to her heart was serving as executive director of the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. There, she came up with the idea of a Readathon, during which children would “solve the mystery of MS” by reading books for credit. WGAL-TV filmed the skit through which the program was presented to the local children. That film was sent to the national MS headquarters, who found the film so inspiring that they adopted the Readathon as a national program, sending copies of the film to MS chapters across the U.S. In addition to all her other activities in the community, in 1991 Scott started an art gallery that she still runs today. However, when asked what she thinks today about having actually talked with Winston Churchill so many years ago, she says with a grin, “At that time, I didn’t think of it as something so different from what I did every day. But now I more strongly think of it as a remembrance to be truly cherished.” Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.
Are You Reading? Join the 2015 One Book, One Community campaign by reading Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 85 libraries in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties and their community partners present the regional reading campaign.
Read the book during December and January and attend free library programs and discussions in February!
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CROSSWORD
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 12
WORD SEARCH
Across
SUDOKU
1. 5. 9. 12. 13. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. 23. 24. 25.
Bridge Singer McEntire Chapeau Jacob’s son Finals Islands (Fr.) Master copy (abbr.) Weight unit ___ mia! Fantasy, of sorts Civil wrong Car of yore Body covering
Down
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14. 16. 21.
Unhurried Persian spirit Bird (Lat.) Lingerie Happen again Exhilarates Football’s Starr Handmaiden Nut tree Jai ___ Slender gull Mix Droop Early-blooming shrub
27. 30. 34. 36. 38. 39. 41. 42. 44. 46. 47. 49. 22. 25. 26. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 37. 40. 43.
Watering hole ___ de menthe Stroke Hamlin cartoon character Playwright Burrows Cries of excitement Before Paulo or Tome Forest inhabitant Father and son actors John and Sean Squirrel away Before (prefix) Charged particles
50. Intelligence group inits. 52. Information 54. Windows, for one 62. Old casino game 63. Attempts 64. Hack 65. Move, as a stream 66. Mother-of-pearl 67. Ireland 68. Sharp curve 69. Aerie 70. Value
Requisite Ritual Amphitheater Essay Actress MacGraw Fluorescent dye Expressions of discomfort Verse form Dental items Title Pastureland Liveliness Real estate agreements
45. 48. 51. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.
Kitchen appliance Lawn tools Memo abbr. Resource Disconnected Wan God of love Persia Gracious E. Ireland village Egress Explosive device
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Social Security News
Being Aware of Fraud is Your First Step to Avoiding It By John Johnston ith all of the holiday shopping going on this time of year, both in stores and online, there is no better time to remind you to beware of fraud—you never know where it is lurking. When it comes to doing business with Social Security online, there is little to worry about—all of our online services are protected by strong Internet security protocols, and you should have confidence that they are safe and secure. But, there are other ways identity thieves and criminals can obtain your personal information and cause you significant harm. Here are some tips to help keep that from happening. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other identifying information, beware.
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Don’t provide your personal information without first contacting Social Security to verify if Social Security is really trying to contact you. It could be an identity thief phishing for your personal information. Call Social Security’s toll-free number at (800) 7721213 or TTY (800) 325-0778. If you receive a suspicious call, report it by going to http://oig.ssa.gov/report. Or call (800) 269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. You should provide as much of the following information as you know: • Names of the alleged suspect(s) and victim(s), address(es), phone number(s), date(s) of birth, and Social Security number(s) • Description of the fraud and the location where the fraud took place • When and how the fraud was committed
• Why the person committed the fraud (if known) • Who else has knowledge of the potential violation Identity theft is one of the fastestgrowing crimes in America. If you or anyone you know has been the victim of an identity thief, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.idtheft.gov; (877) IDTHEFT or (877) 438-4338; or TTY (866) 653-4261. Another form of fraud that people fall victim to: businesses using misleading advertisements that make it look as though they are from Social Security. These businesses often offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. By law, such an advertisement must indicate that the company is not affiliated with Social Security.
If you receive what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, Md. 21235. Also, advise your state’s attorney general or consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau. If you see or hear what you believe is misleading advertising related to Social Security, you can report it at the address above, by calling (800) 269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, or by visiting http://oig.ssa.gov/report. Protect your investment in Social Security and do your part to report potential fraud. We rely on you to let us know when you suspect someone is committing fraud against Social Security. John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.
Volunteer Spotlight Retired Teacher Leads Food Pantry
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JOY as the executive director shortly before its opening in September 2011. Linda established relationships with churches, community groups, businesses, schools, and individuals in support of JOY. Volunteering in excess of 40 hours per month, her many duties include: speaking to groups and tours of the pantry; representing JOY at community events; organizing volunteers for food distributions and work parties at the pantry; overseeing the four monthly food distributions; coordinating food
pickups and deliveries; working with local groups to coordinate food drives; and organizing special holiday extras for clients. Today, Linda leads a team of approximately 50 volunteers who serve about 125 needy households monthly. Linda Wood represents the finest qualities of a lifelong public servant, first
as an educator and, now, as a volunteer leader of a nonprofit organization positively impacting many lives in her community. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Scott Brubaker, Lebanon RSVP development coordinator, at lebanonrsvp@ rsvpcapreg.org or (717) 454-8956.
Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’ Volunteer Spotlight! Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.
Puzzles shown on page 11
Puzzle Solutions
RSVP of the Capital Region has announced Linda Wood of Jonestown as its Volunteer of the Month for December. Linda is the executive director of the Jonestown Outreach Pantry (JOY), 48 W. Market St., Jonestown. She retired from the Northern Lebanon School District in 2010 after teaching first and second grades for 38 years. The Jonestown Outreach Pantry provides food to those in need in the northern tier of Lebanon County. As a volunteer, Linda took over leadership of
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TREASURE
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because I eventually got him into it, too.” Leh began to study antiques, learning from older people he’d meet at the flea markets who would show him what to look for and what wasn’t worth it. From there, he gained an interest in blue-decorated stoneware, which he found more interesting than bottles, as each was handmade and uniquely decorated. “I learned at some point that diversity is good,” he said. “I got into all avenues of antiquing, buying painted furniture, iron, glass, pottery, oil paintings, baskets, and china.” While he works full-time as a salesman estimator, Leh has filled his weekends running to different auctions. He still loves variety, but he keeps a sharp eye out for his favorite blue crocks. He looks for ones with special decorations. Tulips and other floral designs are most common, with fruit falling as a close second and birds as a third. The rarest finds have moons, cats, or dogs. Leh has close to 100 crocks in his personal collection and said he can’t even begin to count the bottles. No matter how many he gets, he keeps his finds local. His fascination with history pushed him to sell his home and move in September to a 1798 stone house built by Thomas Pettit, the son of a county founder. The architecture is unparalleled, Leh said. There are seven fireplaces, thick
window boxes, no longer has a and original chair booth, but his rails and father still runs hardwood floors one out of through the Easton, Pa. home. A lot of the The house was antiques Leh added to the tries to sell are National Register higher-end items of Historic Places that can sit too in 1983. It is the long at a local Leh acquired this local farm table perfect market. He finds (circa 1820) in summer 2014. environment for better luck Leh’s numerous sending those to treasures, now auctions. displayed and Visiting one is incorporated into an experience, he the house’s décor. said. “I just love “It’s the history,” he said. people, it’s the “It makes perfect food, it’s the sense for me to trip,” he said. have a place like “There’s not an Back row, from left, Gaudy Dutch cup and plate, Rabbitware plate, Leeds plate. Center, this to fill with auction I don’t from left, eagle butter print, pewter master the items I am so go to where I salt, seated Redware dog, and cow butter print. don’t know fascinated with.” While antiques people.” became a huge part Although of Leh’s life, he slowly made it a family antiquing can be expensive, it doesn’t affair. His father bought a home in have to be, Leh said. upstate New York that was built in 1894, He’s bought many things for more and together, they decorated it with period items that fit the theme of the home. Over the years, his father’s collection grew and he started selling things with his son, sharing a booth at a local antique mart. Soon, they had two booths and eventually three. The younger Leh
Give someone you love the gift that entertains, informs, and inspires, month after month!
Tax-Aide Names Lebanon Sites, Seeks Volunteers This year, free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income is again available through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. The program, in its 46th year, is the nation’s largest free tax-assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service. There are four AARP Foundation TaxAide sites for helping older low- to moderate-income taxpayers in Lebanon County: Maple Street Community Center 710 Maple St., First Floor, Lebanon www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
than $10,000, including a Lancaster County farm table he bought this summer. But there are a variety of levels at which people can get involved, he added. Every year he goes to the Baltimore Bottle Show, where he sees many kids getting started at the same age he did. Some of them walk in with $5 and leave with 10 bottles, ready to start a collection they can build on. Many of them can even specialize in certain bottles, such as medicine bottles, or soda and beer bottles. “My problem was I specialized in everything,” he said, laughing. Leh also finds value, not necessarily in the expensive items, but in the ones that are the most unusual. “What they were, wherever they came from, what they were used for—those stories are what interest me,” Leh said. Early Pennsylvania settlers brought a little bit of nature into their own homes, he said, painting furniture, pottery, and other decorations. “Those are some of my favorite items,” he said. “At one point, they were all close to someone’s heart. And I like to think I can appreciate them now.”
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon Myerstown Church of the Brethren 51 W. Stoever Ave., Myerstown United Methodist Church 109 W. Market St., Jonestown (new site to be opened in February 2015) For more information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call (888) OURAARP ((888) 687-2277). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. Additional volunteers are needed. For more information on volunteering, call Michelle Long at (717) 273-9262.
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My 22 Cents’ Worth
Are You Losing Your Mind? Walt Sonneville hen you were much, much younger, you may have wondered if your mind was playing tricks. Has that monster under your childhood bed vanished, only to be replaced by other mental quirks, also unsettling, as you age? Where did I leave my keys? The check I wrote a moment ago is not in sight. The envelope in which it is to be mailed is here in front of me. I keep hearing the same song over and over in my mind (a phenomenon called “earworms”). You are not losing your mind. These are mild irritations, not alarms. Alarms are triggered when you forget to turn off
the range or you become disoriented as to time or place. That famous painting called The Scream of Nature by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch intrigues us because it portrays how we feel on occasion. The agonized subject in the painting is clasping his head with the palms of
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The Scream of Nature by Edvard Munch
his hands, the mouth opened into a large oval, the panicked eyes glancing skyward. He stands on a bridge, but the artist does not show to where the bridge leads. What lies ahead? Perhaps Munch’s figure suffers from gerontophobia, which is the irrational fear of aging and what lies ahead. Symptoms include any of several apprehensions, such as
social isolation, inadequate resources, and inability to remain physically selfsufficient. Most seniors do not experience that phobia on a recurring basis. Yet we are fascinated by Munch’s painting because it illustrates a rare extreme in our response to anxieties. Seniors, like others, experience normal episodic bouts of melancholy. It can be severe temporarily, as when brought on by death of someone in the family or a friend. Less severe is holiday melancholy, where we feel excluded from participating with others in the general merriment. Causes of our dark moods are not always clear. It could be either insufficient
Calendar of Events
Lebanon County
Programs and Support Groups
Free and open to the public
Dec. 24, 6 to 7 p.m. – Personal Care Family Support Group, Linden Village, 100 Tuck Court, Lebanon, (717) 274-7400
Senior Center Activities Annville Senior Community Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville Dec. 11, noon – Lunch Club Meeting at the Hilltop Café Dec. 15, 11 a.m. – Christmas Party Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m. – Black & Bling New Year’s Eve Party
Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944 335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www.jonestownpa.org/senior.html Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m. – Pinochle Club Dec. 23, 8:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast and Quoits Tournament Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – Watch Little House on the Prairie Christmas
MapleSenior Street Community Center – (717) 273-1048 Center Activities 710 Maple St., Lebanon Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. – Juniper Village Singers Dec. 5, 8:30 a.m. – Christmas Gathering for Breakfast Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m. – Catered Breakfast with Entertainment
Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237 101 S. Railroad St., Palmyra Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. – Christmas Party at Hometown Restaurant Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m. – Fall-Prevention Program Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Celebration and Gift Exchange
Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 Ramona Road, Myerstown Dec. 3, 9 a.m. – Healthy Steps Fall-Prevention Program Dec. 12, noon – Center Christmas Party at Hebron Banquet Hall Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m. – Holiday Luncheon at The Berry Patch Bed & Breakfast
Please contact your local center for scheduled activities. If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
What’s Happening? Give Us the Scoop! Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Lebanon County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com
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or excessive sleep, stress, taking or not taking medication, or simply a misdiagnosis. If the melancholy becomes chronic, one might be prescribed an antidepressant. Some prescriptions work for some people and not others. Patients reportedly try different antidepressants to determine which works best. They’re caught in a casino of choices where they hope to place the right bet. Severe melancholy or depression has been a characteristic of many of the most important contributors to our culture. If these personalities had lived during what is called the “Prozac Generation,” we might have been deprived of their genius. Aristotle concluded that “all men who have become outstanding in philosophy, statesmanship, poetry, or the arts are
melancholic.” He saw melancholy as an asset to the gifted. Super achievers frequently are driven to succeed to escape their “Black Dog,” as Winston Churchill described his own dark moods. Those who have been afflicted with psychiatric maladies include Abraham Lincoln, Sir Isaac Newton, Noah Webster, Samuel Johnson, Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Darwin, Ernest Hemingway, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, and Herman Melville. If today’s medications had sedated their psyches, would they have been less driven to achieve? Crossword puzzles have long served as a choice for those who seek mental stimulation. Now the trend is toward computer games. AARP has free games on their website, www.aarp.org.
For Einstein, theorizing may have been his equivalent of a computer game. But he benefited also by playing the violin to exercise his brain. In 1890, William James, in his The Principles of Psychology, theorized that “organic matter, especially nerve tissue, seems endowed with a very extraordinary degree of plasticity.” For 50 years, that hypothesis was ignored. The conventional scientific wisdom held that the brain cannot create neural growth; its structure is immutable. Neuroscientists now know, through research of neuroplasticity, that the brain is capable throughout a lifetime of strengthening and creating neural connections, adapting and reorganizing following injury, illness, or behavioral alterations.
Experiment with ways in which you can be the gatekeeper of your brain’s rehabilitation. What is your choice: computer games, violin lessons, bridge, chess, painting portraits or landscapes, or maybe crossword puzzles? As with the selection of an antidepressant medication, we may have to try several to find which works best for us. Walt Sonneville, a retired market-research analyst, is the author of My 22 Cents’ Worth: The Higher-Valued Opinion of a Senior Citizen and A Musing Moment: Meditative Essays on Life and Learning, books of personal-opinion essays, free of partisan and sectarian viewpoints. Contact him at waltsonneville@verizon.net.
Make This the Year Your Resolutions Come True Is this the year you’re really going to achieve your New Year’s resolutions? Follow these steps to setting good goals and following through: Write down your goals. Make them specific; make sure you can measure the goals. For instance, instead of “Lose some weight,” resolve to drop 5 pounds by June 30. Motivate yourself. Write down why you want to achieve the goal. List all the ways you will benefit from achieving it. Take stock. Analyze exactly where you
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are now in reaching that goal. Note the strengths that will help you, the weaknesses that could hurt you, and the opportunities you can use to attain what you want. Gather resources. Determine what you’ll need to invest to achieve your goal. Whether it’s time, money, or something else, know what reaching this goal could “cost” you. Commit to learning. You may need to master new abilities to fulfill your resolution. Will you need to take classes to learn a new skill? What kind of
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And with that, he jumped out of bed and said, “I feel great!” After the blood work, we went to the restaurant, where Bob made a speedy recovery as he reveled in mouthfuls of glorious food. That week, I wound up with a monster cold. I knew Bob would get back at me for how I tricked him into getting better. I stayed in bed—waiting. He found my grandmother’s quilt in the cupboard and placed it on me, tenderly snugging it under my chin. Between sneezes I said, “This is the worst cold I’ve ever had. Go ahead. Make fun of me. I deserve it.” “Yep, you do,” he said, putting on his jacket and getting the car keys. “Bob, you’re going out when I’m on my deathbed?” When he came home, he had a bag www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
with him. He took out a chicken pot pie, my favorite Kleenex made with aloe, a copy of People magazine, and a carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. He propped up our pillows. We spent the day together, watching Murphy Brown reruns and luxuriating in the breathtaking nearness of each other. So, of course everyone loves Bob. That’s because we all know that he is just like this—sensitive, loving, compassionate, and adoring—even when I don’t have a cold. Saralee Perel is an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist. Her new book is Cracked Nuts & Sentimental Journeys: Stories From a Life Out of Balance. To find out more, visit www.saraleeperel.com or email sperel@saraleeperel.com.
information do you need access to? Get help. Identify all the people who can serve as your support group. This may also include organizations that can help you. Develop a game plan. Set deadlines for
achieving your goals. List specific dates on which you want to complete the various steps of the plan. Celebrate. Give yourself a reward for achieving the various steps in your game plan and a final reward for achieving the intended goal.
Help 50plus Senior News spread your local news! • a birthday or anniversary milestone • a volunteer who should be recognized • a photo of a smile that begs to be shared • a groundbreaking event • community activities • support programs • local news
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One small incision. And you’re back to making memories.
With da Vinci Single-Site® gallbladder surgery at The Good Samaritan Hospital, your surgeon only has to make one small incision in your belly button to remove your gallbladder. This revolutionary, minimally-invasive technique speeds recovery and leaves you virtually scarfree. You can put the pain of frequent gallbladder attacks, and the worries of scarring, behind you for good. So you’re back to making memories instead of excuses. Ask your doctor if Single-Site gallbladder surgery at Good Samaritan is right for you.
The Good Samaritan Hospital | Lebanon, PA | comfortingcare.org
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