Complimentary | Cumberland County Edition
March 2022
More in common than we realize page 4
How much do you know about women in history? page 8
How and why to preserve your digital legacy page 16
The Reel Deal
Tyson’s Run Randal Hill
Good, old-fashioned “feel-good” movies seem to never go out of style, and audiences to this day still want to cheer for the little guy and watch sympathetic people overcome the odds. Tyson’s Run provides such a story. Autistic Tyson Hollerman, age 15, has always been homeschooled by his mother, but he has now chosen to navigate the often-roiling waters of traditional high school. Predictably, Tyson is made fun of by many of the campus big shots (mainly jocks) but is eventually supported by some empathetic fellow students. Tyson’s father happens to be the school’s football coach and seems ill at ease — embarrassed, really — that his nerdy and unathletic offspring hangs around with him in the football players’ locker room. When Tyson befriends a champion marathon runner named Aklilu, the boy, wanting to make his father proud of him, asks, “Can you teach me to run?” “I can help you,” answers the superathlete, “but
it’s up to you how you finish.” Screwing up his courage, young Hollerman asks, “Is it OK with you, Father, if I learn how to run and become a champion like the boys on the football team?” To which his dour dad responds enigmatically with, “It takes a special kind of runner to even compete in a very long race like this.” As the story unfolds, Tyson learns to have faith in himself and bravely take that formidable first step to hoped-for success. Director/scriptwriter Kim Bass also offers a refreshing perspective on those who have a condition that affects 1 out of 44 children in this country: “We are using autism as a vehicle to explain that everyone is gifted, everyone is unique, and everyone has to be given an opportunity to flourish and be the best person that he or she can be.” He then adds, “The message of the film is: Don’t put limitations on people, and don’t allow Image copyright (©) Collide Distribution or related entities. Used for publicity and promotional purposes.
please see TYSON’S RUN on facing page
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•M ulti-venue promotion — online, in print, and through social media platforms. •Y ear-round distribution — annual Women’s Expos and 50plus EXPOs, local offices of aging, and other popular venues.
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Making Friends Isn’t Easy at Our Age Making friends is easy when you’re young, but it gets more difficult once you’re past the age of playing at recess or asking, “What’s your major?” in college. Here are some tips from the Healthline website for making new friends at any age: Find or rediscover your hobbies. Pursuing enjoyable activities can help you relax and build new relationships more easily. Exercise classes, social media groups, book groups, and more can bring you into contact with likeminded people also looking for companionship. Make the first move. Don’t be afraid to ask an acquaintance out for coffee or lunch. You may get rejected — just like dating — but if you keep it casual and relaxed, the other person will often accept, forging the pathway to a new friendship. Volunteer. Find a cause you believe in and join a group that supports it. You’ll meet people with the same values while working on projects that do some good. Common interests can help you connect and form strong bonds. Keep an open mind. Don’t be too quick to judge the people you meet. You may think you have nothing in common, but you might find you share more than you think. Be willing to listen to different points of view and try new things before making a decision on whether or not you want to be friends.
TYSON’S RUN from facing page limitations to be put on you. Tyson’s Run is a film I felt compelled to make.” It was appropriate that Bass hired an autistic actor — The Walking Dead’s Major Dodson — to portray Hollerman. Dodson says, “Tyson’s a great guy. He’s a person with goals and aspirations … He just operates in a different manner … He’s a normal kid for the most part.” Amy Smart portrays Tyson’s mother Eloise, Rory Cochrane is father Bobby, and Somali-born Barkhad Abdi plays marathoner Aklilu. Filmed in Georgia, Tyson’s Run is coming out two years after its intended release date, due to pandemic-related issues that have been playing havoc with theatrical releases. Look for it March 4. Randal C. Hill enjoys getting sneak peeks of forthcoming movies from his home on the Oregon coast. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.
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Volunteer Spotlight Army Veteran Now Supports Hero Care Network Robert Petrie has for their service.” served in a variety of The American Red roles with the American Cross helps members of Red Cross since the military, veterans, 2017. As a Hero Care and their families Network family contact prepare for, cope with, card caseworker, and respond to the he ensures military challenges of military families know they service, providing are supported during 24/7 global emergency the critical times of communication services Robert Petrie entering the military and other support in and preparing for deployment. military and veteran healthcare Petrie, of Mechanicsburg, also facilities. volunteers as a Hero Care Network RSVP of the Capital Region critical community services recruits volunteers for local caseworker. He assists military nonprofits such as the American veterans and their families with Red Cross and passionately financial assistance for essential promotes seniors as powerful needs. contributors to our neighborhoods Service to others has been a part and community organizations that of Petrie’s life for many years. He desperately need additional human served in the Army for three years resources. and the Army Reserve for 18 years. At the same time, volunteers He enjoys helping veterans and has themselves are enhanced by found that just like in the Army, the volunteer experience, often you encounter all sorts of interesting displaying visible improvement. people volunteering in this position. Contact RSVP of the Capital When Petrie’s not volunteering, Region at rsvp@rsvpcapreg.org he enjoys reading and tennis. His or (800) 870-2616 to learn more advice related to volunteering and about volunteer opportunities and veterans is: “We can do more for how you can give back to your veterans than just thanking them community. 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 LIFE’s Volunteer Spotlight! Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus LIFE, Volunteer Spotlight, P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Information and support whenever you need it! View online at: www.onlinepub.com (under supplements)
50plus LIFE
March 2022
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Cover Story
More in Common than We Realize By Gabriele Amersbach Corporate Office
P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604 Phone (717) 285-1350 (610) 675-6240 Fax (717) 285-1360 Email 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 Lauren Phillips
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Senior Marketing Consultant Joshua Binkley Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer
ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall
Member of
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50plus LIFE is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.
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of experience.” Often the older adult becomes a mentor in a relationship not fraught with the power struggles that can make young adults feel resentful of parental advice. Cole has numerous examples of students who have been profoundly changed by their interaction with a program partner. One student told Cole that discussions with her older partner “literally made me change how I see my life.” The young woman was deeply touched by advice that resonated personally with her — to have a plan in life, not just to go through the motions.
For many young people, old age is impossible to imagine. Immersed in the challenges of going to school, choosing the right career, finding a supportive circle of friends, and dating potential life partners, what can a young person at the cusp of adulthood possibly have in common with an older adult who has long ago passed these critical milestones of youth? “We have more in common than we realize,” says Stephanie Cole, special assistant to the secretary of aging Nothing is Off-Limits at the Pennsylvania In another example, Department of Aging. Cole tells the story of a She is the architect young African American of the department’s football player who Intergenerational was paired with an University Connections older African American program, which links participant who had college students in social played football in his work, public health, youth. recreational therapy, and The older participant other academic programs felt such a strong to seniors who live alone connection that he or have other factors that took it on as a personal could make it difficult mission to help the for them to engage with student avoid his own others. early mistakes, like As part of their choosing the wrong required coursework, companions and each student in the dropping out of school, class is assigned to an advice valued by his older adult identified student partner. by a local area agency “Nothing is off-limits on aging. With support Young adult and program leadership met for induring these discussions,” and direction from the person events at both West Chester and Widener faculty member, students universities in 2021. Most older adults participated says Cole. “It’s OK for contact their paired in the events virtually. Similarly, senior participants both students and older adults to be vulnerable.” partner weekly for the conversed online or by phone with their student Kathleen Wildauer, a duration of the semester. matches throughout the semester. resident of Camp Hill, In the course of participated in the program when a professor from eight to 10 conversations, most participants build the program reached out to her. Her partner was a a friendship that helps them overcome ageist quiet, somewhat shy college senior, very different stereotypes and attitudes. from his outgoing female partner in her mid-70s. “Everybody benefits,” says Cole. “Older adults Initially nervous about participating in the often feel society doesn’t value the contributions program, Wildauer found she had an “instant they can still make. The program allows them to connection.” share their wisdom and insights based on a lifetime www.50plusLifePA.com
“We talked about rescue dogs, his classes, helping neighbors, sports, his internship, and some personal things,” she says. “The more we talked and listened, the more comfortable we became, and ultimately, there were very few lulls in our conversations. I believe age doesn’t have to be a factor in whether or not you get along.”
with their partners, some of which measured feelings of connectedness with others. “These and other anecdotal information reveal many older participants felt a greater sense of purpose in their lives. Society isn’t providing this,” she says. The success of the pilot led to an expansion of the program to four other universities: Penn State Harrisburg, West Chester University, and Widener University, and this Getting Comfortable with Older Adults semester, Penn State Scranton. Brooke Morales, a social work major at Widener In fall 2021, 250 students from four universities served University, felt disconnected and uncomfortable with older 250 adults around the commonwealth. adults before participating in the program through her “Intro Initially, students were limited to phone calls, but in the to Social Work and Social Welfare” class. fall 2021 semester, students were able to engage visually She quickly found she and her partner shared a Puerto with their partners using free iPads borrowed through Rican connection. Her father is Puerto Rican, as was her Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Act Program (techowlpa. older partner’s husband. That was just the beginning. org). This program allows older individuals and individuals Brooke Morales, a social work “(My partner) was so willing to talk about her personal living with disabilities to borrow equipment for up to nine major at Widener University and intergenerational program weeks, with connectivity, if needed. life, and she was excited to hear about mine,” says Morales. “We found we had a lot of things in common. I didn’t think participant, now feels confident Ultimately, program coordinators believe the aging in her ability to work with older that would happen.” population of Pennsylvania will benefit from more adults in the future. Morales explains that both she and her partner benefitted enthusiastic social workers and health professionals who from the program. choose to work with older adults. “My partner had lost connection with her family. With my weekly call, she And for both young and old alike, taking time to have an in-depth had something to look forward to, especially during the pandemic.” conversation with people at a different stage of life manifests a universal truth: Morales herself now feels more comfortable talking to older adults. We have more in common than we realize. “Before, I was timid and hesitant about a social-work career in this field. On the cover: From left, Intergenerational University Connections Program Now I know I’d be good at working with older adults.” participant Kathleen Wildauer; Dr. A. Patricia Aguilera Hermida, professor For Stephanie Cole, this willingness to consider a career serving aging overseeing the program at Penn State Harrisburg; Pennsylvania Secretary of adults is right in line with one of the essential goals of the intergenerational Aging Robert Torres; Holly Logan and Madison Adam, program participants; and program: making young students comfortable interacting with older adults. Dr. John Mason Jr., chancellor at Penn State Harrisburg. “Professors tell me they’ve never had so many students consider working with older adults until this program,” she says. Cole and her colleagues at the Department of Aging understand that introducing young students to careers that serve seniors is critical in an aging population. Currently, about 1 in 4 Pennsylvanians are over 60, but by 2030, 1 in every 3 people in the state will be over 60; this group is expected to grow by at least 1 million. With such an expanding older population, it is even more critical that younger people feel comfortable interacting with older adults. Research shows many older people experience loneliness and depression because they live alone (about 27% in the U.S., according to a 2020 Pew Research study), lack close family ties, or are too impoverished or physically disabled to actively participate in community activities. The Intergenerational University Connections Program is becoming a crucial part of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s response to addressing the psychological, social, and physical needs of adults as they age.
The ultimate resource for boomer and senior living and care options.
Exponential Growth The program has grown exponentially since Stephanie Cole first pitched the idea to Secretary of Aging Robert Torres in March 2020. Fueled by a pandemic that has intensified the isolation of senior adults and limited student access to in-person interactions, the Department of Aging was able to set up a pilot program by fall 2020 at Slippery Rock University’s School of Public Health. First and second-year students taking an “Aging and the Older Adult” course and fourth-year students taking a recreational therapy course (a total of 60 students) met weekly with older adults as part of their class requirements. Both students and their older partners were consistently enthusiastic about the program. Students reported feeling more “comfortable” interacting with older adults and were more likely to consider careers serving this population. According to Cole, in some cases, students conducted practice assessments www.50plusLifePA.com
26th Annual Edition
Read it online, in print, and on mobile/tablet devices. onlinepub.com
50plus LIFE
March 2022
5
The Bookworm Sez
Lightning Down Terri Schlichenmeyer
The storm’s a-coming. You can smell it in the air: Rain’s on the way, maybe thunder, maybe more, but the high winds are what you hate. They make you run for shelter and pray hard. The storm’s a-coming, and in Lightning Down by Tom Clavin, it’s never as mild as you hope it’d be. As a young man on the farm near Ferndale, Washington, all Joe Moser wanted to do was to fly airplanes — the P-38 Lightning, to be specific — but though it was his deepest desire, he knew it probably wasn’t possible: As the oldest son of a widowed mother, Moser had to take care of the farm, and besides, piloting a P-38 was something only for college graduates. Moser was doing chores when he heard of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and, like most young men then, he hastened to sign up to for the military.
He tested for the Army Air Corps, but, though the rules were relaxed, his scores were too low for pilot school, and it looked like Moser was headed for the infantry until someone rechecked those scores. Suddenly, he was on his way to 20-plus months of training before being sent to England to pilot the P-38. That was a job he turned out to be good at. It didn’t take long for him to receive a Distinguished Flying Cross and, shortly after that, a promotion to first lieutenant. Writes Clavin, “He was still only 22 years old.” Surely, Joe Moser knew the danger of what he was doing, but he chose not to dwell on it. He went out every day and did his job, hoping “he would get out of this thing yet in one piece.” By Lightning Down: A World War II Story of Survival early August 1944, he’d had 43 missions By Tom Clavin “under his belt,” and he was looking c. 2021, St. Martin’s Press forward to rotating out and going home. 320 pages But on Aug. 13 — his 44th mission — Moser was shot down and captured … Are you getting your share of the Now, here’s the thing: If author Tom Clavin had stopped right there, you’d still have a heckuva heart-pounder in your hands with Lightning Down. But that’s not the end of this story, not by a long shot. Which buyers make up the Silver Economy? Clavin takes this tale beyond, not to a rugged POW camp run by the Red • 962 million men and women over the age of 60 Cross, but into the Buchenwald Concentration Camp where Lt. Moser was • A group with 11 times more wealth than millennials sent after his capture, then along a forced march that reads like a fever dream. • Persons with a life expectancy in the U.S. is about 78.87 years Not one single thing in this narrative is softened: Clavin relentlessly plunges • Persons who prefer in-person contact when possible • A group that wants to age at home as long as reasonable readers directly into the horror of the camp in passages that are almost numbing in their content, number, and nightmarish detail but are broken up Why do you want to reach these buyers? • They are free of many economic burdens sometimes by moments of courage. • They like to take care of themselves, be active, eat well, be fashionable, and have fun We know how this ends — Moser is saved, right? Right? — but we really • They have more free time don’t know, not until it actually happens. • They are looking for products and services to help them age well This book is an absolute winner for your dad, your granddad, your uncle, What sectors are on the rise? anyone who’s a veteran or a World War II buff, or readers seeking a tale of The not-so-obvious: The obvious: heroism. Find it now, and let Lightning Down strike you.
SILVER ECONOMY?
• Home improvements/renovations • Tourism and leisure activities tailored for them • Caregiver solutions • Financial products geared for seniors • Retirement living
• Security technology – mobile apps, sensors, wearable devices, smart clothing, etc. • Pet care – pet sitting, walking, grooming, food, accessories, etc. • Gardening/lawn services combined with snow removal • Mobile esthetic and concierge services – hairstylist, manicurist, massage, facials • Personal services – running errands, shopping
What are you waiting for? 51% of people aged 52-70 spend fewer than 11 hours a week online. While businesses need an online presence, print adds power to a media campaign. Most boomers and seniors are open to and love classic media.
50plus LIFE—Covering Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties—is an excellent venue!
The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old, and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 14,000 books.
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CROSSWORD
Puzzle Page
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 18. SUDOKU
Across WORD SEARCH
5- and 6-Letter Word Cities
1. ___ few rounds 4. Forehead 8. Cool drinks 12. Small brook 14. French Sudan, today 15. Sugar portions 17. Everything’s OK 19. Foxy-faced primate 20. Flycatcher 21. Baseball players at the July classic 23. Before, poetically 24. Alias 27. Fizzles out
28. 31. 34. 36. 37. 38. 39. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 51.
Helpless statement Buck dispenser Diminutive suffix Uncle (Sp.) Balm ingredient Stadium sounds Forest god Dour Ticks off Driver’s aid Beetle Bailey pooch ___’easter Really nervous Danish cheese
52. Camera type, briefly 53. Color TV pioneer 56. Over a period of time 60. Bitter 62. Squirrel away 63. Conductor’s cry 66. Sleep disorder 67. Hints 68. Game equipment 69. Small whirlpool 70. Slangy assent 71. Waking ___ Devine (1998 film)
Down 1. Vineyard fruit 2. Gulf ship 3. Type of outdoor gear 4. Upscale wheels 5. Actress ___ Dawn Chong 6. Cantina cooker 7. Command answer 8. Good to go 9. Pairs 10. Mrs. Peel of The Avengers 11. Cowboy boot attachment 13. Fabrication
16. 18. 22. 25. 26. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 37. 40. 41.
12th graders (abbr.) Close, as an envelope Fleur-de-___ Young foxes China setting More or ___ Numbers game Type of bicycle Tipster Exec’s note Hibernia Poi source In awe Cravings Casting need
47. No restrictions on a ticket 48. DiCaprio, to fans 49. Madness 50. Ho-hum 51. Exposed 54. Odyssey sorceress 55. Extra 56. Triumphant cry 57. Easy gait 58. Touch down 59. Paste 61. Atlantic food fish 64. Grassland 65. Cigar residue
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50plus LIFE
March 2022
7
Savvy Senior
Do I Have to File Income Tax Returns This Year?
Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, What is the IRS standard tax deduction for 2021? I didn’t file a tax return last tax year (2020) because I lost my job and my income in March due to COVID. But I got a part-time job in 2021 and am wondering if I made enough money that requires me to file this year. – Part-Time Retiree
below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if it’s over, you will. • Single: $12,550 ($14,250 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2022)
Dear Retiree, Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year depends not only on how much you earned last year (in 2021), but also on the source of that income, as well as your age and your filing status. Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax-filing requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2021 gross income — which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately — was
Why Newspapers?
84%
of Baby Boomers have taken action as a result of seeing an ad in a print newspaper in the past 30 days.2
• Married filing jointly: $25,100 ($26,450 if you or your spouse is 65 or older or $27,800 if you’re both over 65) • Married filing separately: $5 at any age • Head of household: $18,800 ($20,500 if 65 or older) • Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $25,100 ($26,450 if 65 or older) To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at (800) 829-3676
How Much Do You Know about Women in History? Take this quiz and learn something about the roles of five particular women in U.S. history: 1. Which mother led a 125-mile march of child workers from the mills of Pennsylvania to President Theodore Roosevelt’s vacation home on Long Island? 2. What did Dolores Huerta do for farmworkers in the United States?
Because in print or online, newspapers are
the most trusted source of news and information among all age groups.1
To advertise your products and services, call 717-285-1350 or email info@onlinepub.com Sources: 1Coda Ventures; 2NAA
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3. Which Asian American physicist disproved a fundamental scientific law?
March is Women’s History Month
4. Who led the movement to improve conditions for poor immigrants? 5. Her 1939 Easter Sunday concert drew a crowd of 75,000 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Who was she? See answers on page 13. www.50plusLifePA.com
and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2021,” or you can get it online at irs.gov. Check Here Too You also need to be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2021, owe any special taxes like an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse, or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll need to file. You’ll also need to file if you’re receiving Social Security benefits and onehalf of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married and filing jointly. To figure all this out, the IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file or if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes approximately 12 minutes to complete. You can access this tool at irs.gov/help/ita — click on “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at (800) 829-1040. Check Your State Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding you’re entirely in the clear. For Pennsylvania, the agency is the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue at revenue.pa.gov or (717) 787-8201. Tax Prep Assistance If you find you do need to file a tax return this year, you can free file through the IRS at irs.gov/freefile if your 2021 adjusted gross income was below $73,000. Or, if you need some help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call (800) 906-9887 or visit irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you. You can also get tax-preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. Call (888) 227-7669 or visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp for more information.
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Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
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is available online for anytime/anywhere reading!
Dr. Danette Nulph, Au.D. Dr. Kristen A. Duncan, Au.D. Dr. Michelle Tewell, Au.D.
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March is
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Weight Loss Reduces Risk of Growths Linked to Colorectal Cancer Overweight and obese people who lose weight may reduce their chances of later developing colorectal adenoma — a type of benign growth or polyp in the colon or rectum that could lead to colorectal cancer. The research findings were published in February in a new paper in JNCI Cancer Spectrum, published by Oxford University Press. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer and the third leading cause of death from cancer among men and women in the United States. Over the past 30 years, obesity has increased in the United States and worldwide, leading to increased development of many chronic diseases. Obesity is a known risk factor for colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer. Doctors recommend weight loss for overweight and obese people commonly. Although weight loss is thought to have some beneficial health effects,
whether losing weight can reduce the chance of developing colorectal adenoma has been an open question. Most studies have only investigated colorectal adenoma risk in relation to obesity or body mass index assessed at one time point, with fewer studies assessing the role of weight change. Researchers here assessed weight change (including both weight gain and weight loss) over three periods of adulthood in relation to colorectal adenoma using self-reported weight data in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. The trial enrolled 154,942 men and women in the United States ages 55-74 from 1993 to 2001 to evaluate the effectiveness of different screening approaches in preventing death from various cancers. This current study used data from please see WEIGHT LOSS on facing page
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Melinda’s Garden
Managing Gnats on Houseplants Melinda Myers
They flit across your face, hover near your pebbles in the saucer to elevate the pot above any houseplants, or gather by the window. Fortunately, excess water that collects in the tray. these fungus gnat insects are more annoying to us Adjust your watering schedule with the change than harmful to our plants. of the season. As day length and light intensity This pest finds its way into our homes on plants change throughout the year and heat and air added to our indoor houseplant collection or those conditioning are employed, a plant’s water needs moved inside after a summer outdoors. Some may change as well. enter on organically rich, non-pasteurized soil. Use containers with drainage holes or selfThe small, 1/8-inch adult resembles a fruit fly watering pots with overflow outlets, also known or mosquito but does not feed on overripe fruit as weep holes, to avoid waterlogged soils. Refresh and vegetables, and it does not bite. Adults live for potting mix as needed. Older planting mixes only seven to 10 days, but the female can lay up to degrade over time, retaining moisture longer and 200 eggs in the cracks and crevices of moist soil in creating an inviting environment for fungus gnats. that short time. Manage unwanted fungus gnats with an Photo courtesy of Summit Responsible Solutions. Eggs hatch, releasing wormlike larvae with Adult fungus gnats live for just seven to 10 days, but organic Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) the female can lay up to 200 eggs in the cracks and black heads and elongated white or clear legless product, such as Summit Mosquito Bits®, labeled crevices of moist soil, so populations grow quickly. bodies. The larvae begin feeding in the top 2-3 for controlling fungus gnat larvae. inches of soil, dining on fungi, algae, and organic Just sprinkle it on the soil surface, and this matter and occasionally on plant roots and leaves on the soil surface. naturally occurring soil bacterium kills the fungus gnat larvae in the soil. It’s Plant damage is usually insignificant. If conditions are right, fungus gnat safe for people, pets, and plants. Read and follow label directions, repeating as populations can reach damaging levels, resulting in root damage that leads to needed. wilting and stunted growth. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult populations. Place homemade or Over- and under-watering, over-fertilization, and other environmental factors purchased traps on sticks in houseplant containers. are more likely the causes of these symptoms. Provide proper care to reduce the Use 1/4-inch slices or wedges of potatoes to attract and monitor fungus gnat risk of this type of damage. larvae. Stick a portion of the potato into the soil. Check for fungus gnats after a Fungus gnat populations on houseplants seldom reach levels that require few days and replace the potato wedge to help manage this pest. control for the plant’s health and longevity. The adults can be annoying, Understanding the fungus gnat and its preferred environment will help you especially to the non-gardeners in the family, and are often the motivation for safely and effectively eradicate this pest. managing this pest. Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Start control by adjusting your watering practices. Since fungus gnats Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything DVD series and thrive in moist soil, avoid overwatering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and between thorough waterings. contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. melindamyers.com Pour off excess water that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Or place
WEIGHT LOSS from facing page participants in the screening arm of the trial, who received a colorectal cancer screening test at baseline and again three or five years later. The investigators found that, compared to stable weight, weight loss in adulthood (defined as loss greater than or equal to 1.1 pounds per five years) was associated with a 46% reduced risk for colorectal adenoma. This was particularly true among adults who were initially overweight or obese. The investigators also reported that weight gain in adulthood was associated with an increased chance of adenoma, particularly for weight gain greater than 6.6 pounds over five years. Findings for weight loss and weight gain appeared stronger among men than women. www.50plusLifePA.com
Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important. Symptoms may include: • A change in bowel habits • Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement) • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way • Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away • Losing weight and you don’t know why
The researchers believe the findings suggest the importance of healthy weight maintenance throughout adulthood in preventing colorectal adenoma. Additionally, adults who are overweight or obese may be able to reduce their risk for developing colorectal adenoma by losing weight. “Our findings suggest that avoiding weight gain in adulthood may help lower someone’s chance of developing a precancerous growth called colorectal adenoma, which may in turn reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” said the study’s senior author, Kathryn Hughes Barry. “Based on our findings, we would not recommend weight loss for all adults. But the results suggest that overweight and obese adults may benefit from weight loss.”
50plus LIFE
March 2022
11
The History of Ordinary Things
Victorian Hair Receiver Bowls Doris Montag
Do you remember the early dresser sets with the comb, brush, mirror, and the matching bowl with a hole in its flat lid? In the Victorian era, this hair receiver bowl was kept on the dressing table to store hair removed from brushes and combs. Victorian women had much time on their hands with few raw materials available. Human hair art, called “hairwork,” became popular as a way of expressing sentiment and affection. It was much like saving a lock of hair from a child’s first haircut today. Hair was recycled and crafted in one of several ways:
and photos were a rarity. Human hair can keep its color and does not decay. If properly cared for, hair will remain stable, making it sustainable for centuries. In 1861, when Prince Albert died, Queen Victoria plunged herself into deep, lifelong mourning. She made mourning fashionable and recognizable. A woman in a black crepe dress and veil signaled a household in mourning, and a woman in mourning black gained more respect. These cultural mourning practices became widely practiced by the English middle classes. Queen Victoria’s children and grandchildren were given jewelry made from her hair. Napoleon had a watch chain made from his wife’s hair. 1. Used as stuffing for a hair pillow, Many Victorian women learned the art of Today, we would describe this as a called a “rat,” which was used to bulk creating elaborate designs with hair. Finished pieces, such way of grieving and accepting the death. up women’s hair. This pillow was the as this hairwork c. the 1850s, were framed and often hung in It was the Victorian way of remembering foundation of Victorian hairstyles. parlors. their loved one. Mortality rates in the 1800s were 2. Enclosed in a locket, a th much higher than today. In the U.S., hair jewelry was vogue after the tradition that dates to hair memorials in the 16 century. Civil War, which had left millions of grieving families. The deaths 3. Woven into hair jewelry, which was considered both sentimental and fostered a general mourning culture. Hair jewelry was popular because it was “decent” enough to be worn during mourning. fashionable. Hairwork fell out of favor with the outbreak of World War I. The economic hardships, Spanish flu pandemic, and patriotic volunteering By the mid-1800s, hairwork became a parlor craft among middle-class efforts shifted the emphasis away from over-the-top mourning and rituals. white women. The long hair strands were wrapped around a thin wire. The advent of funeral homes moved death out of the home. There were They could then be braided into detailed jewelry, woven into wreaths with also changes in fashion styles and new theories about hygiene. delicate floral designs, or arranged under glass in popular brooches. In the early 1900s, hair jewelry could be ordered from Sears & Beads, buttons, and sometimes seeds could be incorporated. Wreaths Roebuck Co. Today, hair wreaths and pieces can be found at antique were typically formed into horseshoe shapes, a Victorian symbol of stores, at estate sales, and in a few museums. Their value continues to good luck. Hair pieces were given as gifts to friends and loved ones as increase, with prices from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, keepsakes. depending on the size and condition. Hairwork was often shared at funerals because hair was a tangible Hairwork is now regarded as “hair art” that documents the way part of the loved one. In this era, photography was still in its infancy, please see VICTORIAN on facing page
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How Much Do You Know about Women in History? Answers to quiz on page 8: 1. Mary Harris Jones, who became known as “Mother Jones,” led the march in 1903 to call attention to the evils of child labor. 2. Dolores Huerta, a labor activist, co-founded the United Farm Workers union in 1962 and served for more than 20 years as its vice president, chief lobbyist, spokeswoman, and labor contract negotiator. 3. Chien-Shiung Wu came to Photo credit: Smithsonian Institution, Flickr.com the United States to study science Chien-Shiung Wu performing and become the world’s foremost experiments. female experimental physicist. Her most famous experiment showed March is Women’s that the principle of conservation of parity (which states that the History Month laws of physics in a right-handed system of coordinates are the same in a left-handed system) could be violated in nature.
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4. Jane Addams co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889, which sought to improve the lives of immigrants by providing English classes, childcare, health education, and recreation. Addams won the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize for her dedication to the cause of international peace. 5. Marian Anderson had earlier been barred from singing in Washington’s Constitution Hall because she was Black. Her open-air concert was a triumph over bigotry.
VICTORIAN from facing page
Victorian women regarded love and loss, a story of life and death rarely told. It also explains the hair receiver bowl in Victorianera dresser sets. Hairwork pieces can be viewed online to appreciate their amazing intricacy.
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Doris Montag is a homespun historian and an exhibit Hair receivers were typically made of curator who researches and ceramic, bronze, or crystal. displays historical collections of ordinary things, such as can openers, crochet, toy sewing machines, hand corn planters, powder compacts, egg cartons, and more. Contact or follow her on Facebook, HistoryofOrdinaryThings.
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50plus LIFE
March 2022
13
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen
5 Incredibly Fast-Acting Sore Throat Remedies
When your throat hurts it’s because it has been irritated, which can happen for many reasons. Among the most common are postnasal drip, chronic allergies, pollution, or cold/flu. The discomfort is usually mild and selflimited; however, sometimes a sore throat gets so bad that you need more than a Popsicle®! My focus here is just to relieve the symptom of a non-serious sore throat. See your doctor if yours is accompanied by other symptoms, because it is an early symptom of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Here are five incredibly fast-acting ways to soothe your sore throat: 1. Saltwater Gargle Gargling with saltwater is a well-known remedy to help with throat pain. Saltwater helps by reducing inflammation and pain in the area. It can drive out some pathogens in the tissue simply by making your throat less hospitable to them! Here’s a recipe that’s even better than plain saltwater.
• 8 ounces cool water • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or Real® salt if you have it) • Combine about 5 drops of essential oils into the saltwater using any of these: eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme, On Guard® or Thieves®, or even lemon. Stir together and gargle with this every three to four hours. 2. Lozenges The lozenge you choose is entirely up to you, but most of them contain menthol, benzocaine, dyclonine, honey, or eucalyptus, and more! Each ingredient does something slightly different, but they’re all similar in that they act to anesthetize your throat for a few minutes so you swallow better and find more comfort.
please see SORE THROAT on facing page
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Sixties Flashback
Where No Show Had Gone Before Randal C. Hill
When Star Trek premiered on NBC-TV in Boston-born actor Leonard Nimoy spent years September 1966, creator Gene Roddenberry was struggling for a breakout role in Hollywood, no doubt knocked for a loop when his muchwhere he once delivered newspapers and drove anticipated show tanked. It never rose above 52 a cab to make ends meet. By the time he joined in the ratings, and that was only during the first the Star Trek cast, he had acted in more than 50 season of its three-year run. “B” movies and in minor roles on numerous TV Yet much of the technology found within those shows. 79 original Star Trek episodes resonates now in As emotionless and logically minded Mr. Spock our everyday activities. on Star Trek, Nimoy became almost as popular In 1964, Hollywood scriptwriter Roddenberry as Shatner’s Kirk character. Spock, second in (he of Highway Patrol and Have Gun – Will Travel command on the Enterprise, was half-human, fame) set out to create something unique for half-Vulcan. (Vulcans were the first extraterrestrial television — a sci-fi series different from the usual species to make contact with humans.) doom-and-gloom “rocket operas” of the day. His split-finger Vulcan salute became iconic, Roddenberry had to work hard to sell his idea. with most viewers unaware that the gesture was Some NBC-TV honchos were initially lukewarm a Hebrew blessing that Nimoy conjured from his about Star Trek being a “cerebral” show (which synagogue youth. meant probably not generating much sponsor The series featured a groundbreaking, racially money). diverse cast, as well as American television’s first Other overly cautious executives objected interracial kiss between Capt. Kirk and Lt. Uhura to Spock’s pointy ears, claiming they looked (Nichelle Nichols). diabolical and satanic. Star Trek never downplayed its “message” Photo credit: NBC Television Star Trek was set in the Milky Way galaxy motifs concerning war, sex, religion, politics, and Publicity photo of Leonard Nimoy and William in the 23rd century, in a utopian future where racism. Yet the show’s ongoing theme seemed to Shatner as Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk from the divisions of race, gender, and nationality have consistently be that, in the end, good will triumph television program Star Trek. become concepts cast aside. over evil. The stories take place aboard the starship As to cultural influences, consider that much Enterprise as it journeys on a five-year mission of scientific exploration and of the Star Trek technology is commonplace now. Communication devices intergalactic diplomacy, zooming to distant planets in response to distress shown then are akin to today’s cellphones. Earpieces worn by Enterprise calls and confronting warmongering aliens. crew members have become today’s Bluetooth devices. Universal Translators The show’s spotlight fell primarily on Canadian actor William Shatner. He are replicated by modern voice-recognition software. And Zoom-type had trained as a Shakespearean actor but was willing to take whatever work videoconferencing first appeared on Star Trek’s interactive video screens. came his way, including a stint on The Canadian Howdy Doody Show. Who says that science fiction is fictitious? When Shatner moved to Hollywood, Roddenberry cast him as Capt. James T. Kirk, the take-charge commander who guided the Enterprise and its Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the rest of him resides in Bandon, Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com. crew.
SORE THROAT from facing page Lozenges are not generally curative; they’re mainly for symptomatic relief, although eucalyptus does have some “kill” action. 3. A Big Spoonful of Honey For adults, a spoonful of honey is soothing to a scratchy, sore throat, especially if it is accompanied by a cough. Raw honey contains natural antibacterial agents, such as bee pollen and bee propolis. Do not give honey to babies younger than a year or two. 4. Herbal Tea You can have it iced or warm. The temperature of the tea is completely your preference. Even when my throat is sore, I still prefer warm herbal tea over iced tea. www.50plusLifePA.com
There are commercial tea bags made specifically for sore throats, or make your own spearmint and slippery elm bark tea. Add some dried orange peel for vitamin C. 5. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen These analgesics are great antipyretics, which is why they’re useful for both fever and pain. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduce swelling, which affords you temporary relief so you can take in nourishment and food. In closing, if you develop a high fever or chills or see a buildup of pus near your tonsils, or any other symptoms that are indicative of infection, please see your practitioner and get proper antiviral or antibiotic treatment. If you would like to read a longer version of this article, please sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com and I’ll email it to you. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.
50plus LIFE
March 2022
15
Bob’s Tech Talk Extra
Bob DeLaurentis
How and Why to Preserve Your Digital Legacy
Imagine losing access to your phone and all the data you ever created. If that thought scares you, read on. The terms “digital legacy” and “digital inheritance” describe what happens to digital information created by someone who is deceased. Buried beneath the tech-speak is a very simple idea: Your digital information contains precious family photos, important PDFs, vital passwords, social network identities, and perhaps much more. As more records exist only in digital form, those records may be stored on devices that relatives may not know how to access. Moreover, every software update further blurs the line between where data is actually stored — either on-device or online. Many people may have already unknowingly created a situation where their personal data will be lost when they die. Leaving behind the password to your phone is a good first step, but it is not enough. With a little careful planning, you can secure your accounts and make it much easier for family members to preserve your digital legacy.
Let’s take a look at three of the most used services: Apple, Facebook, and Google. Apple’s Digital Legacy Program Apple’s Digital Legacy program is very new. It seems polished, but I would not be surprised if you encounter a few rough edges. It also does not have many options. If one of your devices has the latest software update (iPhone/iPad 15.2, Mac 12.1), you will be able to designate up to five people in your contacts list as legacy contacts. When you choose a contact, the device will generate a code to give the designee. By using that code along with a copy of a death certificate, your designee can request access to your account. From there, they will be able to retrieve any valuable data or delete the account. The entire process is a bit easier to set up if your designee is also an Apple user, but that is not a requirement. Nevertheless, I recommend finding someone who already knows iCloud if at all possible. Otherwise, leave instructions on how to retrieve the most important data. please see DIGITAL LEGACY on facing page
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Colcannon, Soda Bread, and an Irish Ditty By Sheila Velazquez
Once you taste it, you won’t want to wait until next St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy the caraway and raisin-rich bread that is appropriate for any meal, from breakfast to the evening snack.
The traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast is corned beef and cabbage. Potatoes round out the meal and can be boiled or mashed. I make them as Irish Soda Bread colcannon, mashed potatoes into which butter, milk, and cooked and chopped kale is mixed, • 5 C flour then seasoned with salt and pepper. • 1 C sugar So simple, so good. I used the remaining • 1 Tbsp. baking powder container of frozen kale from last year’s garden to make the batch shown. Make extra, because it • 1 1/2 tsp. salt goes well with everything. I especially like a scoop • 1 tsp. baking soda on a plate of eggs. • ½ C butter Corned beef comes as a point cut or a flat cut, • 2 ½ C raisins which is slightly more expensive per pound, but a • 3 Tbsp. caraway seeds better choice. Put it in a pot, cover with water, add St. Patrick’s Day • 1 egg the packet of pickling spices that came with it, bring all to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for • 2 ½ C buttermilk Thursday, March 17 about three hours. Into a large bowl, whisk or sift together flour, If you want to boil the potatoes and cabbage sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in butter until it is in small wedges in the same pot, add them before the meat is fully cooked/fork tender. pieces. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds. The one-pot boiled dinner likely came about because Irish peasants did not Mix egg into buttermilk and add. Note: Soured milk can be substituted for have a lot of utensils. buttermilk. Make it by putting 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice or white vinegar for A good, big pot was critical to cooking the meals necessary to feed large each cup of “buttermilk” needed into an empty glass measure. Irish families. It is the subject of an old tune, “Who Threw the Overalls in Then fill with regular milk to the desired level. For this recipe, that would be Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder,” which can be heard sung by vaudevillian Edward 2 ½ Tbsp. of lemon or vinegar and enough milk to equal 2 ½ C total. M. Favor on a 1901 Edison phonograph and cylinder record from 1901. Blend by hand only until all is moistened. Spread in a large, buttered pan or I cannot listen to or sing this ditty without laughing. It’s easily found on divide between two buttered bread pans. YouTube if you’d like to listen and have a chuckle. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until a knife or toothpick inserted in the The other traditional dish that must be mentioned is Irish soda bread — center comes out clean. If it isn’t quite done and the top is well browned, lay a also simple, and nothing beats it toasted with lots of butter. If you don’t have piece of foil over it as it finishes up. a wide-slot toaster, run thick slices under the broiler for a bit. Once cold, a 15second microwave nearly duplicates that warm-from-the-oven flavor.
DIGITAL LEGACY from facing page To find out more about the scope and requirements for Apple’s Legacy program, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT208510. Facebook Memorialization Facebook is a bit easier to set up because everything is stored online and can be accessed from just about any device. However, Facebook also allows an account to be converted into a memorial, which enables your digital presence to remain online long after you have passed. Your first step is to visit Facebook Settings & Privacy > Settings > General > Memorialization Settings. From this page, you can choose another Facebook user to take charge of your account. The page will explain the available options. They include deleting the account and managing any activity that occurs after your last post. You should contact your designee beforehand because Facebook will confirm the setting with the designee right away. Google’s Inactive Account Manager Google’s legacy settings are known as the Inactive Account Manager. This tool has been around for years, and it has a number of options. For example, it can be set up to activate under a number of different circumstances. Within your Google account settings, search for “inactive” to reveal the Inactive Account Manager, or select Data & Privacy, and scroll down to find the item named– “Make a Plan for Your Digital Legacy.” www.50plusLifePA.com
Click the Start button, and the Inactive Account Manager will step you though a number of decisions on how and when you wish Google to take actions on your behalf. Control over your email account is especially important, because most password-recovery tools require an email password to reset. You should consider your email account as a sort of indirect master key to your digital assets. Keep that in mind when telling Google when to grant access to your account. Apple, Facebook, and Google probably cover the largest group of important accounts for most people, but they are only a starting place. Not every service has legacy settings, but, at the very least, you should leave behind a list of your accounts, passwords, and a brief overview of what they contain. If you are the person who set up your home network, be sure to include info on base station passwords and service providers. Pay special care with accounts with backup services like Backblaze, storage lockers like Dropbox, and any other social networks, such as Twitter and Instagram. Also, leave special instructions for any accounts that use two-factor authentication. Data inheritance can be a complex topic. Hopefully this article will help get you started. You can learn more from the Digital Legacy Association (digitallegacyassociation.org). Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.
50plus LIFE
March 2022
17
Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori
Dr. Lori’s Art & Antiques Buying Guide Lori Verderame
When embarking on a new phase of life, time, you’ll get a good piece this way because like a new marriage, a new home, a new job, you are not considering too many objects at a big anniversary, or retirement, many people once, which could cause confusion. chronicle the experience with the purchase of an Slow Down important object. Forget life’s distractions when you are When looking for an investment object that considering a major art or antique purchase. This is both fun and smart, art and antique objects work of art or antique object will become a part immediately come to mind. It is that item you of your home life for years to come. always wanted, and you are ready to “treat Learn to look at the work of art or antique yourself.” piece for more than just a few minutes. Don’t For the novice collector or even the seasoned let a pushy dealer, encouraging friend, or other art and antiques lover, jumping into the market “background noise” distract or rush you into a can be tricky. This is a great time to buy, so here Surfer, oil on canvas by Frank Lind, highly collected major art or antique purchase. I will share my insider tips about starting an art Pratt Institute art professor and American artist. Take a minute and just stand there and collection. quietly look at the work. Think about what you see and try to figure out what you I’ve compiled an Art & Antiques Buying Guide to help you find, understand, like about it. Consider it, ponder it, and don’t rush it. negotiate, and collect the best examples of fine art and antiques. Learn from Masters First, learn as much as you can about art and antiques in places where you are not tempted to buy art or antiques. What does that mean? How do you start a collection without buying? First, visit museums, historical societies, libraries, gallery exhibitions, and other places where fine art and antiques are on display but are not for sale. You should learn about the various media (e.g., pastels, watercolors, bronzes, oils on canvas, etc.), art movements (e.g., Surrealism, Impressionism, Contemporary Realism, etc.), and subjects (e.g., still lifes, seascapes, portraits, etc.) first so you have a good idea of what sparks your interest. Upon gaining this understanding, you’ll be better equipped to invest in something good that you also like. This method will prevent you from buying something on impulse or just because the opportunity presents itself.
Back to Basics Try to consider the basics, starting with black and white. Don’t be taken in by an artwork’s color or an antique’s various ornamental details. Some people who sell art or antiques will try to get you to like a particular work based solely on its colors or how it may fit into your home’s color scheme. Remember, a big part of buying something good is learning to recognize quality pieces. The goal is to buy something you like that is also of high quality.
Stick to Your Budget Don’t think about buying a work of art or antique piece until you establish a budget. I know, I know … boring. Boring but necessary. When you have your budget in mind, settle on it, and stick to it. Do not waiver. Don’t convince yourself to overspend because you fell in love with a piece either. No matter what, you will be happy if you stick to your budget. Most of the
Appraisers know that the best quality art and antiques are always the best choice for a collection. Collecting quality art and antiques is always a good investment.
Buy Training Buy the work of the trained artists and established craftsmen. Better yet, buy the work of artists who teach other artists, like those established professors from prestigious art schools. When it comes to market success, those who can, teach!
Puzzles shown on page 7.
Puzzle Solutions
Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori appears on The Curse of Oak Island on History channel. She gives appraisal value information at drloriv.com, youtube.com/drloriv, or (888) 431-1010.
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The Beauty in Nature
Waterfowl in Flight Clyde McMillan-Gamber
Winter and early spring are the parachutes and gently float down to times of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and water or soil. swans) in southeastern Pennsylvania. At sunset one winter day, I saw a These exciting flocks of handsome silhouetted group of mallard ducks waterfowl are inspiring to see and hear racing across the sky. Suddenly they lifting off from still water at dusk in swept down into drifting snow, tinged winter, steering into the wind for flight pink by the sunset, to a field to ingest control, their reflections on the water corn. doubling their beauty. One March morning years ago, Seconds later, their lines and many thousands of stately, loudly V-shaped flocks, following each bugling Canada geese, in flock after other across the sky as if on an aerial flock after flock, poured fairly low over highway, are strikingly silhouetted my neighborhood without break for black against the sunset as they noisily about three hours! head for harvested cornfields to scoop They were all going north to up corn kernels. Canada to raise young. That morning, In a few minutes, thrilling skeins all of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where Snow geese in flight. of each kind of waterfowl gracefully they wintered, emptied of Canada circle over their chosen field to watch geese. for danger. Waterfowl in flight are an amazing, thrilling sight and exciting to hear! Soon each group, one after another, with every pair of wings stretched out Look for them this spring. like parachutes, swings into the wind and descends like a feathered waterfall to the field. Those ducks, geese, and swans add wild beauty and elegance to that field. I have pleasant memories of the majestic flights of snow geese, tundra swans, mallard ducks, and Canada geese in southeastern Pennsylvania. Thousands of snow geese often take flight at once, blocking out the Eye Associates background, and without collision with each other. One end of a flock takes flight first. Then every goose across their masses, Medical in turn to the other end, becomes airborne until the whole flock is in the air, • Diagnostic testing with every bird honking. The flock rises like a sheet lifted off a bed by one end • Disease evaluation first. • Routine eye care Blizzards of bugling snow geese swirl over a feeding field, while individual • Emergency care and treatment geese float to the ground like giant snowflakes. The field is soon white with snow geese. Surgical Elegant tundra swans fly in small lines and V’s, with long necks extended. • Cataract removal and intraocular lens implants Many times I’ve watched these magnificent birds set their wings like
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Nature’s Wonders
by Clyde
A nature blog by Clyde McMillan-Gamber, retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist and longtime 50plus LIFE columnist
Each story is like a walk with your own naturalist. NaturesWondersByClyde.BlogSpot.com
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Eye Care for Life! John W. Pratt, M.D. • Michael L. Szmodis, M.D. Ryan J. Hershberger, O.D. • Foster E. Kreiser, O.D.
890 Century Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-1414 • www.kilmoreeye.com www.50plusLifePA.com
50plus LIFE
March 2022
19
Please Join Us for These 2022 Events!
omen’s Expo
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
DAUPHIN COUNTY
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wyndham Resort (Formerly Lancaster Host)
2300 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
May 4
Wyndham Resort LANCASTER COUNTY
(Formerly Lancaster Host)
2300 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
June 25
9th Annual
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey
June 8
Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton
Sept. 21
10th Annual
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sept. 17
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lebanon Expo Center 80 Rocherty Road Lebanon
E
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sept. 28
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Oct. 22
6th Annual
LANCASTER COUNTY
Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim
York Expo Center Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York
YORK COUNTY
Oct. 12
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Carlisle Expo Center 100 K St. Carlisle
50plusExpoPA.com
11th Annual
26th Annual 20th Annual 23rd Annual
Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey
May 21
8th Annual
April 28
18th Annual
23rd Annual
23rd Annual
Caregiving t Finances t Health & Wellness t Home Improvements Leisure Activities t Nutrition t Retirement Living t Technology and more!
Health & Wellness t Finance t Home Shopping t Technology t Beauty Nutrition t Fashion and more!
omen’s Expo
Nov. 12
Cumberland County
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Carlisle Expo Center 100 K St. Carlisle
aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available!
(717) 285-1350