50plus LIFE Lebanon County December 2016 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Complimentary | Lebanon County Edition

December 2016 • Vol. 11 No. 12

Suspense Author Rewrites ‘Retirement’ page 4

Flu Vaccines Designed for older adults page 7

small towns celebrate christmas in big ways page 14

It Was 50 Years Ago Today

There’s no bu$ine$$ ... like your bu$ine$$!

$100 OFF

Randal Hill

‘Last Train to Clarksville’

sponsor/exhibitor REGISTRATION UNTIL 1/31/17!

E April 1, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge

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

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

and more!

Face-to-face in a comfortable environment.

Sponsor and Exhibitor Reservations Now Being Accepted

717.770.0140

FREE advance guest registration online. ($5 at the door.)

aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com 2

December 2016

50plus LIFE p

“Last Train to Clarksville” The Monkees December 1966

Q: What do “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Eve of Destruction,” “Give Peace a Chance,” and “Last Train to Clarksville” all have in common? A: During the 1960s, each became a million-selling antiwar song. Wait a minute! A teenybopper Monkees hit belongs on that contentious list? Yes, and soon you too will be saying, “I’m a believer.” In September 1965, both Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter ran an unusual advertisement: Madness! Auditions. Folk and Roll Musicians – Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running parts for four insane boys, age 17–21. Included among the tryout hopefuls were Stephen Stills (later of Crosby, Stills, and Nash), Danny Hutton (later of Three Dog Night), and— supposedly but never verified—mass murderer Charles Manson. From the 437 applicants, coveted roles went to musicians/non-actors Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork and actors/non-musicians Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz. The quartet was hired to ape the Beatles’ zany antics in their debut movie A Hard Day’s Night. (Writer Barney Hoskyns once declared the

advent of the Monkees a “post-moptop surrealism for pre-teens, with great songs thrown in as part of the package.”) And great songs they often were. Songwriting partners Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart composed the “manufactured” band’s first single. “Last Train to Clarksville” took its chord structure, “jangly” guitar sound, and tight vocal harmonies directly from the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” from earlier in 1966. In fact, Hart had thought that Paul McCartney was singing something about a “last train” rather than “paperback writer” at the song’s fadeout. Knowing that The Monkees was to be a music/comedy TV show in the style of A Hard Day’s Night, Boyce and Hart figured they couldn’t go wrong emulating the Fab Four. The songwriting pair wanted a simple title that would be easy for fans to remember. On Songfacts (www. songfacts.com), Hart explained, “We were just looking for a name that sounded good. There’s a little town in northern Arizona I used to go through called Clarksdale. We were throwing out names, and when we got to Clarksdale, we thought Clarksville sounded even better.” Boyce and Hart both opposed the Vietnam War, and they wanted the first Monkees “45” to include their please see MONKEES page 5

www.50plusLifePA.com

Keep Your Fireplace Safe This Winter The winter months are perfect for snuggling up in front of a nice, cozy fire. Just make sure your fireplace doesn’t pose a hazard to your home with these tips from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: • Clear the area around the fireplace and chimney. Debris too close to your fireplace can ignite. • Always use a fireplace screen.

• Don’t overload your fireplace with logs.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

• Don’t try to burn your Christmas tree or other refuse in your fireplace.

• Equip your home with smoke detectors and check your batteries on a regular basis.

• Place your logs on a grate at the rear of your fireplace. • Never leave the fire unattended. Make sure the fire is fully extinguished before you go to bed. • Keep fireplace wood stacked, covered, and out of doors—away from the house and off the ground. • Have your fireplace and flue inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney sweep.

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 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Cancer Society (717) 231-4582 American Diabetes Association (717) 657-4310 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association (717) 207-4265 American Lung Association (717) 541-5864 Arthritis Foundation (717) 274-0754 Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (717) 787-7500

Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Home Care Services Senior Helpers (717) 920-0707 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 Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Hotline (800) 541-2050 IRS Income Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040

Social Security Information (800) 772-1213 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000 Housing — Apartments Community Homes of Lebanon Valley, Inc. (717) 273-3333 Housing Assistance Housing Assistance & Resources Program (HARP) (717) 273-9328

Legal Services Pennsylvania Bar Association (717) 238-6715 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 Maple Street Senior Community Center (717) 273-1048 Myerstown Senior Community Center (717) 866-6786 Northern Lebanon County Senior Community Center (717) 865-0944 Palmyra Senior Community Center (717) 838-8237

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

Senior Center of Lebanon Valley (717) 274-3451 Travel 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

Medicaid (800) 692-7462 Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE p

December 2016

Cover Story

Suspense Author Rewrites ‘Retirement’

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 Representatives Itan Cooke 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.

December 2016

50plus LIFE p

By Megan Joyce Publishing technology has changed significantly since Sherry Knowlton’s childhood, when she cranked out a school newsletter on a mimeograph machine in the principal’s office. But Knowlton is still fascinated by the process of putting ink on paper—especially now that the words printed are her own. Knowlton, who graduated from Dickinson College in 1968, embarked on what has become a successful novelist career after retiring from fulltime work in 2009. “Like most authors, my interest in writing grew from my love of reading,” Knowlton said. “As a small child, my mother and father read me stories. As soon as I learned to read on my own, I spent hours with my nose in a book, as my mother would say. “I’d sneak books to bed at night and read under the covers by flashlight,” she said. “I bicycled to the town library at least once a week to get a new stack of books.” Elementary-school writing awards followed, as did that experience of printing the school newsletter on the mimeograph— and she later edited her high school newsletter and yearbook. Knowlton cites a range of authors among her influences, including Ernest Hemingway, John D. MacDonald, John Grisham, Tracy Chevalier, and Jane Austen. “I’ve probably read Pride and Prejudice 10 times. I’m a total sucker for Mr. Darcy and the triumph of romance,” she said. Knowlton’s series of suspense novels follows Alexa Williams, a young lawyer living in SouthCentral Pennsylvania “who keeps stumbling into dangerous situations,” Knowlton said. “Each book tells a unique, contemporary story with a historical subplot.” Her two first novels in the Alexa Williams series, Dead of

The third book in Knowlton’s Alexa Williams suspense series, titled Dead of Spring, is due to be released in early 2017.

Autumn and Dead of Summer, were published by Sunbury Press in September 2015 and July 2016, respectively. The next in the mystery series, Dead of Spring, is slated for release in early 2017. “The options for publishing vary widely these days, ranging from the traditional, big New York publishing houses to smaller, independent presses to selfpublishing,” Knowlton said. The idea for Knowlton’s first book, Dead of Autumn, came from her knowledge of two Central Pennsylvanian historical crimes: the 1993 murder of a young Russian woman found dead in the forest near Carlisle, and the Depression-era “Babes in the Woods” case, where three girls were found dead in the forest near Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Knowlton’s love of creative writing remained a neglected avocation while in the throes of her career. She spent more than 20 years working for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare (now the Department of Human Services) before becoming deputy secretary for medical assistance programs. “Before writing these books, I’d never done any novel-length fiction … Although I’ve always wanted to tackle a novel, all my earlier attempts fell to the wayside due to the time pressures of career

and family,” Knowlton said. After her tenure with the Department of Human Services, Knowlton moved to executivelevel jobs in the health insurance industry, culminating in her roles as senior vice president and general manager of a national health insurer. When that company downsized, Knowlton had the opportunity to take early retirement in 2009 and began her own part-time healthcare consulting company. “When I began to work as a consultant, I decided that it was ‘now or never’ to begin work on that novel I’d always wanted to write,” Knowlton said. “Working part-time and setting my own schedule gave me the freedom to spend a considerable amount of time writing.” Knowlton still consults occasionally but has scaled back significantly to focus on her novels, which are available online from Amazon.com and IndieBound and at Barnes & Noble and Sunbury Press. Much of Knowlton’s career included professional writing, such as writing regulations and policy, proposals, speeches, and policy statements. To write a suspense novel, however, Knowlton relies on several forms of research, both online and in person. In addition to scouring books and documents and visiting sites featured in her books, Knowlton has cultivated relationships with a wide range of professionals, including contacts in law enforcement and the legal system for her crime-related research. “I’ve spoken to farmers for information on crop cycles; physicians for information on gunshot wounds; state regulators for background on things as disparate as adoption and hydraulic fracturing,” Knowlton said. “I’ve found that people are remarkably generous in sharing their expertise with me.” www.50plusLifePA.com

Knowlton and her husband are avid travelers, starting with their postcollege sojourn around the United States in their self-described “hippie van” and their stop at the infamous Woodstock music festival in 1969. More recently, the Knowltons have broadened their journeys beyond the U.S. to places such as the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Africa, South America, and Indonesia. “In general, travel has expanded my horizons by exposing me to new experiences, new cultures, and different ways of life,” Knowlton said. “Being out of your element and pushing the limits of your comfort zone can teach you powerful lessons.” Her travels have also afforded Knowlton a rich source of settings

for her novels, enabling her to comfortably place her protagonist in exotic locales, like the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, and on African safaris. Less familiar, and therefore more challenging, to Knowlton has been adjusting to her role as the public face of her writing and as a crucial cog in its marketing machine. These days, authors—especially new ones—must play an active part in publicizing their work. “Before Dead of Autumn was released, I hadn’t fully appreciated all the effort that authors need to put into promoting their books,” she said. “That effort includes doing events, often maintaining a blog or

newsletter, and more. “Although I struggled with that unfamiliar aspect at first, I now have a knowledgeable publicity team that makes the process much smoother.” This year alone, Knowlton has done a number of book-related events, including appearing on a panel in New York City at the International Thriller Writers’ ThrillerFest conference. Having successfully established a burgeoning “second career” postretirement, Knowlton now makes a point of reading books from upand-coming authors to help pull them up into the spotlight, working specifically with International Thriller Writer’s Debut Author initiative. “As a fairly new author myself, I

know how hard it is to break through and connect with an audience of readers,” she said. Despite her newfound appreciation for the business side of publishing, at heart Knowlton’s drive stems from the transportive, simple joy of the written word, from recalling the nostalgic comfort of huddling nosedeep in a novel smuggled under the bedcovers. “As long as I can remember, I’ve liked to lose myself in a world of make-believe—whether I was reading a book or writing a story of my own.” For more on Sherry Knowlton and her novels, visit www.sherryknowlton. com.

In the tune’s storyline, a young soldier pleads with his girlfriend to say goodbye at a train station. He knows he may die in the war, hence the downbeat, often-repeated line, “I don’t know if I’m ever coming home.”

The Monkees debuted on NBCTV in September 1966, and “Last Train to Clarksville” on the Colgems Records label rocketed to No. 1 within weeks. While Boyce and Hart would also write the group’s sixth

and final hit (“Valleri”), only the first of the Monkees’ tunes offered up a serious (if subtle) antiwar statement.

MONKEES from page 2 take on the conflict. But both writers knew they had to exercise caution. “We couldn’t be too direct with the Monkees,” Hart admitted later. “We really couldn’t make a protest song out of it. We kind of snuck it in.”

WE CAN BE YOUR EXTRA HAND

Currently accepting applications for:

Contact Rental Office at

(717) 273 – 3333 www.50plusLifePA.com

No Caskets

Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Rental rates based on 30% of adjusted gross income Income limit: $23,800/1 person; $27,200/2 people

Includes – h/w/s/t electricity and AC Must be 62 years of age or older

AFFORDABLE CREMATION SERVICES

No Embalming

Willow Terrace – 800 Willow St.

Rents range from $510-$631/month based on Apt. size Income limit: $28,560/1 person; $32,640/2 people

If you want a funeral with an expensive casket and embalming, go to a funeral home! If you are interested in affordable cremation services, we are the name to remember! We specialize in cremation only, statewide, no removal fees.

Serving the Lebanon Valley for over 40 years

Hill Terrace – 745 Maple St. Maple Terrace – 725 Maple St. Oak Terrace – 1407 Oak St.

Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

serving all of Lebanon county since 1981 Largest in the state of PA

Our in-home caregivers are available to assist you or your senior loved ones for a few hours a week or around the clock. Whether it is for personal assistance or expert guidance in working with those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, call today and let us be your extra hand.

For FREE brochures and pricing, call:

1-800-720-8221 (toll-free) or mail us ... Please send me FREE brochures and pricing! www.cremationsocietyofpa.com Name______________________________________________________

Call today!

717-920-0707

Visit seniorhelpers.com/harrisburg for more information. 3806 Market St., Camp Hill

Address____________________________________________________ _______________________________ Phone (

)_________________

4100 Jonestown Rd., Hbg., PA 17109 Shawn E. Carper, Supervisor

50plus LIFE p

Code LebSN

December 2016

Calendar of Events

Lebanon County

Community Programs/Support Groups Free and open to the public

Senior Center Activities

Dec. 28, 6 to 7 p.m. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support Group Linden Village 100 Tuck Court, Lebanon (717) 274-7400

Annville Senior Activity Center – (717) 867-1796 200 S. White Oak St., Annville Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – A Poinsettia Christmas Party with Glenn Miller Dec. 15, 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Club Meeting at the Mt. Gretna Hide-A-Way Dec. 30, 10:30 a.m. – A Red, White, and Blue New Year’s Eve 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 Dec. 6, 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 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. Dec. 4, 1–4 p.m. – Christmas Music by the Fireplace

Volunteers Needed for Tax-Aide Program AARP Foundation is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Tax-Aide is an AARP Foundation program that offers free tax filing help for those who need it most, especially adults 50 and older, during the tax season. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers receive training and continued support. There are a variety of roles for individuals at every level of experience. Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification prior to working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grassroots leadership, onsite greeters, schedulers of tax appointments, those who can provide technical assistance, and interpreters who can provide language assistance. Last year in Lebanon County, there were four tax sites, at which 25 Tax-Aide volunteers helped 950 people file their tax returns. To learn about the Tax-Aide Program and volunteer opportunities, visit www.pataxaide.org or call 1-888-227-7669.

Thank You, Volunteers!

Maple Street Senior Community Center – (717) 273-1048 710 Maple St., Lebanon Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – Covered Dish Social with Juniper Choir Dec. 9, 8 a.m. – Christmas Breakfast Celebration at Mel’s Diner Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-6786 Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 Ramona Road, Myerstown Dec. 7, noon – Christmas Luncheon at Berry Patch Dec. 23, noon – Christmas Party at Hebron Fire Company Dec. 30, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Bus Trip: New Year’s Party at Inn 422 Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944 335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www. jonestownpa.org/senior.html Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. – Carpool to Christmas Party Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Bunch at Cedar Grill Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m. – Christmas Covered Dish Lunch Social Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237 101 S. Railroad St., Palmyra Dec. 12, 10:45 a.m. – “Holiday Food Safety Planning: Leftovers” Consumer Education Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Party and Gift Exchanges Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m. – Christmas Banquet and Entertainment at Heisey’s Diner

On-Line Publishers, Inc., and 50plus LIFE 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 2016 50plus EXPOs and the Veterans’ Expo & Job Fairs.

Privately Owned Centers Senior Center of Lebanon Valley, Inc. – (717) 274-3451 710 Maple St., Lebanon

Because of your assistance, we were able to bring the contents and the mission of 50plus LIFE to life for the residents of Central Pennsylvania!

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.

December 2016

50plus LIFE p

www.50plusLifePA.com

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

Flu Vaccines Designed Specifically for Older Adults

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any specific flu shots that are better suited for seniors? I just turned 65 and would like to find out what’s recommended and how Medicare covers it. – Semi-Healthy Senior Dear Semi-Healthy, There are actually two different flu vaccines available this year that are designed specifically for adults age 65 and older. One option is the Fluzone HighDose, which has been available since 2010, and the other is the new FDA-approved FLUAD vaccine (you only need to get one of these). The Fluzone HighDose (see www.fluzone. com) is a high-potency vaccine that contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. The new FLUAD vaccine (www. fluad.com) also contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. The extra protection these vaccines provide is particularly helpful to individuals who have weaker immune defenses and have a great risk of developing dangerous flu complications. The CDC estimates that the flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills an average of 24,000—80 to 90 percent of whom are older adults. But be aware that both the Fluzone High-Dose and FLUAD are not recommended for people who are allergic to chicken eggs or those who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past. You should also know that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend one vaccination over the www.50plusLifePA.com

other, and to date, there have been no studies comparing the two vaccines. If you decide you don’t want to get an over-65 flu shot, there are other options available, including the standard (trivalent) flu shot; the quadrivalent flu shot, which protects against four different flu viruses; and the FluBlok vaccine for those who have egg allergies. To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these flu shots, visit Vaccines.gov and type in your ZIP code. You’ll also be happy to know that as 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. Pneumonia Vaccines Two other important vaccinations the CDC recommends to people over 65, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. Around 1 million Americans are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 people die from it. The CDC is now recommending that all adults 65 or older get two vaccinations—Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered just once at different times, 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, wait at least one year before getting the Prevnar 13. Medicare Part B covers both shots if they are taken at least 11 months apart. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org

Happy Holidays! We at On-Line Publishers, Inc. are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community in 2016. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus LIFE 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.

Enter to

WIN

Gift Card to

Take a quick survey on issues important to people over 50. You will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches.

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 to win once per contest (one winner every six months). The winner will be emailed and called.

50plus LIFE p

December 2016

Your Friends’ and Neighbors’ December Holidays 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

Are You Reading? Join the 2017 One Book, One Community campaign by reading Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein 80 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 throughout the winter and early spring!

Visit www.oboc.org or your library to learn more

Give someone you love the gift that entertains, informs, and inspires, month after month! Or renew an existing subscription! Get a 12-month subscription to 50plus LIFE for just $10. Mail form to: 50plus LIFE, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Please start a gift subscription for: Beginning (month) _ ___________________________ Name_ _____________________________________ Street_ _____________________________________ Apt._ ______________________________________ City/State_ __________________________________ Zip_ _______________________________________ Sign card from: Your name___________________________________ Street_ _____________________________________ Apt._ ______________________________________ City/State_ __________________________________ Zip_ _______________________________________ Your phone number____________________________ Paper (or papers/$10 per edition): Expires 12/31/16 qChester qCumberland qDauphin qLancaster qLebanon qYork

December 2016

50plus LIFE p

The celebrations and holidays of December come from many different countries and cultures. Here’s a guide to what your friends and neighbors are up to this month: Hanukkah, Dec. 24 to Jan.1 Hanukkah marks the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem following the Jews’ victory in the Maccabean Revolt in 165 B.C. According to the Talmud, the Jews had only enough olive oil to keep the eternal flame in the temple burning for a single day—but miraculously, the oil continued to burn for eight days, during which time the Jews were able to produce and consecrate fresh oil for the flame. The eight-day Jewish holiday begins at sundown. Hanukkah is observed by the lighting of a nine-branched candelabrum, called a menorah. One candle is lit each of the eight nights, with a central candle lit each night to light the others. Christmas, Dec. 25 This Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus, sometime between the years 7 and 2 B.C. The word Christmas comes from “Christ’s Mass,” a phrase first recorded in old English in 1038. Christmas began to be observed with feasts and celebrations in

the Middle Ages—the online encyclopedia Wikipedia notes that King Richard II of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377, with 28 oxen and 300 sheep eaten. The colonial Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas celebrations, banning them during the 17th century. But other colonists observed the day with Christmas trees and nativity scenes. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the law making Christmas a federal holiday in 1870. Kwanzaa, Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 A seven-day celebration of African heritage and culture, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by activist Maulana Karenga to provide African-Americans with a holiday that emphasized their shared history and experience. The name Kwanzaa derives from “matunda yakwanza,” a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.” Houses are decorated with African art and colorful cloth, and seven candles are placed in the kinara, a candleholder. The central candle in the kinara is black, with three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right. The candles represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, which are contemplated each day as one is lit: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. www.50plusLifePA.com

Deal Me In

The Illusion of Skill By Mark Pilarski

Dear Mark: A group of us meets every third Friday night to play poker. We stick to Texas Hold’em and as close to Vegas rules as we can. One rule we are not quite sure of is when a player wins a hand at the showdown, is he obligated to show both of his cards, or only the card that made him a winner? Sometimes a player will demand to see both cards. Half of us believe the winner only has to show the card that won the hand, whereas others believe you have to produce both cards. What is your take on this rule, and how is it viewed in the Vegas poker rooms? – Clay B. Obviously, Clay, your Friday night get-together is a private game, so letting whoever is gracious enough to supply the table plus the food and beverage is my favorite option on who determines the rules. Home poker play can have all sorts of bizarre rules that define how the game is played. That’s all fine and dandy, just as long as they are set up front. With your showdown scenario, some in your group believe the winning player must expose all of their cards, face-up on the table, whether they were used in the final hand played or not. They undoubtedly figure that if they paid to see their opponent’s cards, they should be able request to see the caller’s hand. Personally, Clay, I have always considered it poor etiquette to do so. In Vegas, rules can vary from casino to casino. Thus, it is going to depend upon which Vegas poker room that you are playing in. There is no “official” Las Vegas rulebook of poker. All casinos have their modus operandi that they either shaped themselves or borrowed from another source. That said, I have seen the abovewww.50plusLifePA.com

touch will not make any difference, although the rabbit’s foot in your purse may, notwithstanding the evidence that it didn’t work for the rabbit. Gambling Wisdom of the Month: “The people who run the casinos are tough and smart in so many ways, but they belong in the Dark Ages. They explain the phenomena of their world the way the ancient astrologers did. They really believe that dice get hot.” – Edward O. Thorp, The Green Felt Jungle (1965)

mentioned challenge handled both ways. Since Robert’s Rules of Poker is not the end-all reference in Las Vegas poker rooms, if the casino states you must show your “whole” winning hand, then you must. Other casinos have guidelines that say you only have to show the cards that made you a winner. Although you might be bellied up to a felted octagonal table in someone’s den, it’s not Las Vegas. I would recommend that house rules should be discussed at the onset of the evening, and not after a riff ensues. Dear Mark: I like to play on slot machines that allow me to stop the reels from spinning. Does having control of the outcome make any difference? – Kate S. Whether you stop the reels yourself or allow the machine to do it, both ways, Kate, produce random results. Many a superstitious player believes in synchronicity, that simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related. The game’s designers prefer to call it the “illusion of skill.” Those who favor stopping the reels from whirling think they are in charge of the outcome. In reality,

Kate, your result had already been predetermined when the reels started spinning. Sorry, Kate, but your golden

Mark Pilarski is a recognized authority on casino gambling, having survived 18 years in the casino trenches. Pilarski is the creator of the bestselling, award-winning audio book series on casino gambling, Hooked on Winning. www.markpilarski.com

Your regional paper has national appeal! 50plus LIFE recently earned 3 Media Awards from the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA)! Third Place

Division C General Excellence

First Place

Division C Most Improved

Third Place

Division C Profile

“Reap More than What You ‘Sew’” by Chelsea Peifer www.50plusLIFEpa.com

50plus LIFE p

December 2016

Health Matters

Holiday Help for Alzheimer’s Caregivers Lisa M. Petsche

Many people consider the holiday season a hectic time, due to the preparations and festivities that typically take place. Staying sane, not to mention enjoying this special time of the year, is even more of a challenge when you are caring for someone with dementia. If your relative has changed significantly, you may be particularly uneasy about the approaching holidays. Follow these suggestions to help keep stress manageable for everyone in your household. Gifts • Shop by mail order, online, or buy gift cards. • Use decorative bags and boxes to streamline wrapping.

• Keep presents stored away until it’s time to exchange them. • Be prepared when friends ask for suitable gift ideas for your relative. Suggestions should take into account cognitive and physical limitations. Decorating • Don’t decorate too far in advance. • Keep decorations minimal and out of reach as much as possible. Forgo anything valuable or fragile. • Avoid lights that flash or play music

and sound- or motion-activated items. • Don’t keep food, such as a gingerbread house, out in the open. • Don’t let extension cords dangle or run across walkways and don’t rearrange furniture. • Steer clear of decorations that could be harmful if ingested. Entertaining • W henever possible, entertain at home rather than go out. Familiarity provides comfort.

• Prepare guests for your relative’s cognitive and physical functioning and any uncharacteristic behaviors. • Enlist a friend to supervise your relative while you’re engaged in hosting duties. • Keep rooms well lit, since shadows may cause confusion and fear. Avoid candles. • Keep music soft and familiar. • Keep gatherings small. Otherwise, situate your relative in a quiet spot and have guests visit one or two at a time. • Instruct guests to introduce themselves to your relative by name and relationship—for example, “I’m Mary, your brother John’s wife.” • Place guests’ coats and handbags in a secure area if your relative is prone

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!

December 2016

50plus LIFE p

www.50plusLifePA.com

to rummaging. • Clean up immediately after entertaining, before your relative has a chance to consume anything that might make them ill. • Before inviting overnight guests, consider how disruptive this might be to your relative’s routines. Outings • If you accept an invitation, do so on the condition that you may back out if your relative is having a bad day. • Limit the time and ensure there’s a quiet place your relative can retreat to if they can’t handle the stimulation. • Take along medications, adapted dishes and utensils, a bib, extra briefs, and a change of clothes as needed. • Recognize that your relative may not eat as well as they normally do, owing to anxiety or distractions. • Attend an event without your relative, if it’s not feasible to take them with you. Further Tips • Let family and friends know your

On the Carnival Pride

2017 American Heroes Cruise

needs and limitations. • Share plans with your relative on a need-to-know basis. • Include your relative in simple preparations to make them feel valued. • Share holiday memories. Bring out photo albums or home movies and play favorite seasonal music. • Schedule holiday activities during your relative’s best time of the day. Space them out and try to stick to routines. • Have a plan in place to deal with challenging behaviors that may arise. • Don’t pressure your relative to participate in festivities. Previously enjoyed events may cause distress if they don’t understand the significance or no longer recognize family or friends. • Last, but not least, find something relaxing you can do each day. And do treat yourself to a special gift. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care.

April 20, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

York Expo Center • Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York

This event is FREE to attend. Veterans (of all ages) and the military community and their families are invited to join us!

The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families.

The Job Fair brings veterans and spouses who need jobs together with employers who can benefit from this rich source of talent to aid their organizations.

9/24/2017 7 nights East Carib.

www.americanheroescruise.com or call: 717.639.3551

At the Expo

Veterans Benefits & Services Medical/Nonmedical Resources Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services

At the Job Fair

Employers Job Counseling Workshops Employment Seminars Resume Writing Assistance Hosted by:

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

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

www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE p

December 2016

Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes Bethany Village — MapleWood

325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 • www.BethanyVillage.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: Yes Personal Care Home: 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

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.

The Bridges at Bent Creek

2100 Bent Creek Blvd. • Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 717-795-1100 • www.thebridgesatbentcreek.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100 Assisted Living Residence: No 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: No Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: No

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: Home-like setting, personalized, tailored care and healthcare, secured memory supports, peace of mind. Call today!

Colonial Lodge Community

2015 North Reading Road • Denver, PA 17519 717-336-5501 • www.coloniallodgepa.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 70 Assisted Living Residence: No 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: 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.

Harrison House of Chester County

300 Strode Avenue (Rt. 82) • East Fallowfield, PA 19320 610-384-6310 • www.harrisonseniorliving.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 80 Assisted Living Residence: No Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes 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: Yes Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Excellent arts and entertainment programs. Affordable rates and professional staff. Call to schedule a tour.

Homeland Center

1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 717-221-7727 • www.homelandcenter.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 56 Assisted Living Residence: No Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Private Pay: Yes SSI Accepted: No Short-term Lease: No Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No Part/Totally Refundable: No Outdoor Areas: Yes Medication Management: Yes On-call Medical Service: Yes Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes

Respite Care: Yes Social Programs: Yes Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes Transportation (Scheduled): Yes Personal Car Permitted: Yes Pets Permitted: Yes Comments: Providing exemplary care in a beautiful environment for more than 149 years. Our continuum includes a hospice program, therapy services, home care and home health services, and 24-hour medical staffing. All-private rooms with full baths and kitchenettes.

Homewood at Plum Creek

425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331 717-637-4166 • www.homewood.com Total AL and/or PC Beds: 92 Assisted Living Residence: No 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: Yes 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.

The Middletown Home

999 West Harrisburg Pike • Middletown, PA 17057 717-944-3351 • www.middletownhome.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 64 Assisted Living Residence: No Personal Care Home: Yes Private: Yes Semi-private: Yes 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: Beautifully appointed apartments overlooking the garden terrace with the safety and security of 24-hour nursing care.

Pleasant View Retirement Community

544 North Penryn Road • Manheim, PA 17545 717-665-2445 • www.pleasantviewrc.org Total AL and/or PC Beds: 96 Assisted Living Residence: No 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.

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

December 2016

50plus LIFE p

www.50plusLifePA.com

Puzzle Page

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 14 SUDOKU

brainteasers

More Singers of the Top Songs of the ’50s Find the last names of the singers of these top songs of the ’50s: 1. “Honeycomb,” 1957 – Jimmie __________s 2. “It’s Not for Me to Say,” 1957 – Johnny __________s 3. “Singing the Blues,” 1957 – Guy __________l 4. “Jamaica Farewell,” 1957 – Harry __________e 5. “Great Balls of Fire,” 1958 – Jerry Lee __________s 6. “Splish Splash,” 1958 – Bobby __________n 7. “Peggy Sue,” 1958 – Buddy _________y 8. “All the Way,” 1958 – Frank __________a 9. “Johnnie B. Goode,” 1958 – Chuck __________y 10. “Lipstick on Your Collar,” 1959 – Connie __________s Radio Shows of the ’50s Find the titles of these radio shows that were popular in the ’50s. Many of them were popular both before and after the ’50s: 1. Amos ’n’ A_____ 2. My Little M_____ 3. Can You T_____ This? 4. The C_____ Kid 5. F_____ McGee and Molly 6. Gang B_____ 7. The Green H_____ 8. Hopalong C_____ 9. The Life of R_____ 10. S_____ King Written by Alan Stillson. Please see http://stillsonworks.com

Across

1. Cut off 4. Aeneid 8. To and ___ 11. Roof 12. ___ B. Toklas 14. Appeal 15. Dill seed 16. Jamborees 17. Expel 18. Majestically 20. Hateful 22. Age 23. Affirmative vote 24. Egg holders

28. Retrieve 30. Mollusk 31. Gazelles 33. Adolescent 35. Macaw 36. Fuse together 37. Dig 38. Shade trees 39. Goal 40. Brink 41. Porters 42. Locomotive type 45. Saddle horses 47. Disease controller

48. Wildebeest 49. Watering hole 52. Tern 55. Revolves 57. Thought 60. Transported, as gas 62. Workspace 63. Perjurer 64. Fling 65. College studies 66. Allow 67. Not daughters 68. My (Fr.)

25. Moth-eaten 26. Conditions 27. Sp. ladies (abbr.) 28. Craze 29. Wife of Hagar the Horrible 30. Single 31. Spirit 32. More anile 34. Fir, for example 36. Espouses 37. Actress Dolores ___ Rio 38. Golfer Ernie 41. Meet

43. Sweetener 44. Ostrich relative 46. Electrodes 49. Cubic meter 50. Blighters 51. Queries 53. Old records (abbr.) 54. Mouth parts 56. Garden man 57. Sick 58. Expire 59. Consume 61. Country club figure

Down

1. Hermit 2. Gr. letter 3. Conservation org. 4. Young bird 5. Performed on stage 6. Cooking additive 7. Swindle 8. Grippe 9. Thing, in law 10. Cereal grain 11. Challenge 13. Compass point 14. Cornbreads 19. Caustics 21. Some

Your ad could be here on this popular page! Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.

www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE p

December 2016

Traveltizers

By Andrea Gross

Small Towns Celebrate Christmas in Big Ways

St. Augustine, Florida, which was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565, is festooned with 3 million lights. These represent the candles that brighten Spanish homes during the Christmas season. The town of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, features a parade of les petits chanteurs who sing French carols, while the Kansas community of Lindsborg, settled by Swedes in the late 19th century, celebrates Christmas with Scandinavian music and folk dancing. And so it goes. Across the United States, people come together to observe the holidays in ways that combine quintessentially American customs while at the same time honoring the traditions of their ancestors. Here, a spotlight on three towns that speak to the best of America: its commonalities as well as its diversity.

Photo courtesy of Ste. Genevieve Tourism

December 2016

Photo by Irv Green

Ste. Genevieve’s holiday parade honors the town’s many traditions.

permanent settlement in what became the United States. Then, knowing that their families back in Europe were celebrating the Fiesta de Navidad, they celebrated a Christmas Mass. It was the first Christmas in the New World. I swallow the water, but it’s laden with sulfur and smells like hardboiled eggs. I’d rather have eggnog.

Today, St. Augustine’s annual “Nights of Lights,” which has been selected by both National Geographic and the Smithsonian as one of the world’s best holiday displays, begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs through the end of January. Ste. Genevieve’s French Connection Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, 60 miles

Brainteasers More Singers of the Top Songs of the ’50s

Puzzles shown on page 13

Photo by Irv Green

The Colonial Spanish Quarter in St. Augustine is filled with museums, eateries, and shops that reflect the town’s heritage.

Ste. Genevieve is known for its well-preserved collection of early French architecture.

Puzzle Solutions

St. Augustine’s Spanish Heritage I take a sip of water. According to legend, this water, which comes from a natural spring near St. Augustine, Florida, is going to bestow upon me a magical gift—the gift of eternal youth. Convinced that they’d found the storied Fountain of Youth, the Spanish, along with enslaved AfricanAmericans and native Timucuan Indians, established the first

Photo courtesy of FloridasHistoricCoast.com

St. Augustine honors its Spanish heritage by putting lights in the windows of downtown buildings.

south of St. Louis, is a charming town of 4,500 people, most of whom trace their ancestry back to France. We explore streets filled with intriguing shops and eateries, stopping for nearly an hour at ASL Foundry, where we watch folks craft pewter plates, goblets, and—to my delight— Christmas ornaments. Finally, we make our way to the town’s historic district, which has gained worldwide recognition for its collection of French Creole buildings. Christmas in the historic district begins the day after Thanksgiving with Vieux Noël in Lights, during which folks follow a path marked with signs that tell the Christmas story. The path ends at a small crèche that has been secreted in a boxwood grove. The Holiday Christmas Festival, which takes place a few days later on the first weekend in December, celebrates 500 years of the area’s rich musical traditions. Free performances feature everything from chamber concerts and violin concertos to church music and holiday carolers. For good measure, there’s even a grand holiday parade with Santa. In addition, the Felix Vallé State Historic Site hosts Le Réveillon, which features a French Christmas circa the early 1800s. As French music plays in the

1. Jimmie Rogers 2. Johnny Mathis 3. Guy Mitchell 4. Harry Belafonte 5. Jerry Lee Lewis

6. Bobby Darin 7. Buddy Holly 8. Frank Sinatra 9. Chuck Berry 10. Connie Francis

Radio Shows of the ’50s 1. Amos ’n’ Andy 2. My Little Margie 3. Can You Top This? 4. The Cisco Kid 5. Fibber McGee and Molly

50plus LIFE p

6. Gang Busters 7. The Green Hornet 8. Hopalong Cassidy 9. The Life of Riley 10. Sky King

www.50plusLifePA.com

background, guides in historically accurate dress explain the various decorations and encourage people to taste test dessert items such as bûche de Noël, a sweet rendition of the Yule log. But the biggest holiday celebration is La Gulannée Watch Party on New Year’s Eve. Similar to the English custom of wassailing, partygoers dress in outlandish costumes and go from house to house begging for favors.

Photo by Jim Turner

Lindsborg’s Christmas festivities, like those in Sweden, lighten the dark days of winter.

Lindsborg’s Swedish Celebration In Lindsborg, Kansas, where more than a third of the residents are of Swedish descent, Christmas is all about music. The season kicks off the first Sunday in December with a musicfilled Jultide Concert and doesn’t fully end until spring, when the town choir performs the country’s longestrunning annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah. The biggest event of the season is the St. Lucia Festival, which celebrates the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. To brighten a time when light is in short supply, a young girl adorned

Photo by Irv Green

During the summer festivals, the streets of Lindsborg are filled with folk dancing.

Photo by Jim Turner

Photo by Irv Green

Lindsborg is home to the world’s longest-running annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.

50plus LIFE 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 LIFE:

For an expanded version of this article that includes other ways that these towns celebrate their heritage, see www. traveltizers.com. Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com).

Please join us for these FREE events! May 9, 2017

18th Annual

Thank You, Columnists!

Lindsborg has strong musical traditions.

with a crown of lighted candles is chosen to serve cookies and coffee. The candles, which are set among green leaves, are meant to show that the dark winter is turning into a bright spring. Finally, as Christmas winds down, folks begin to prepare for the spring presentation of Handel’s Messiah. Although the oratorio is traditionally associated with Christmas, only the first section focuses on the birth of Christ. The latter parts tell the story of death and resurrection and were originally intended to be performed at Easter. It is then, after a weeklong celebration, that the 200-person Bethany Lutheran Choir performs the well-known piece. As the last notes fade away, Lindsborg’s Christmas truly ends, just as the sights and sounds of spring begin to fill the air. Feliz Navidad, joyeux Noel, god Jul ... Happy holidays to all!

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey

DAUPHIN COUNTY

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 LIFE are enriched by your contributions.

www.50plusLifePA.com

May 18, 2017

18th Annual

Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) Mark Pilarski (Deal Me In) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Terri Schlichenmeyer (The Bookworm Sez) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Abby Stokes (Is This Thing On?) Nick Thomas (Tinseltown Talks) Dr. Lori Verderame (Art and Antiques) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran)

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LANCASTER COUNTY

Shady Maple Conference Center Smorgasbord Building 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl

June 8, 2017

14th Annual

Tom Blake (On Life and Love after 50) Mike Clark (The Way I See It) Suzy Cohen (Dear Pharmacist) Dick Dedrick (Nostalgia Road) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) John Johnston (Social Security News) Bill Levine Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior) Victor Parachin (Fragments of History)

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CHESTER COUNTY

Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton

Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available (717) 285-1350 (717) 770-0140 (610) 675-6240

www.50plusExpoPA.com 50plus LIFE p

December 2016

Now coming new patients. WellSpan Physiatry is now open in Lebanon. Beginning December 1, Interventional Physiatrist Henry Richardson, MD, will see patients in the new WellSpan Physiatry office in Lebanon. WellSpan Physiatry provides personalized, non-surgical treatment for chronic pain to help minimize pain, restore function and improve quality of life. Your goal is to lead a healthier life. WellSpan Physiatry can help you find effective pain relief.

Henry Richardson, MD Interventional Physiatrist

WellSpan Physiatry 956 Isabel Drive, Lebanon

Call (717) 639-2255 to make an appointment.

December 2016

50plus LIFE p