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Still Rolling after More than 60 Years page 4
Celebrating august’s senior activism page 7
the hidden dangers of sleep apnea page 14
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New Law Expands Support for Caregivers The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recently announced a bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback and signed into law by Gov. Wolf that will expand eligibility and allow flexibility in the administration of Pennsylvania’s Caregiver Support Program. The program provides support to caregivers — including caregivers of older adults, grandparents raising grandchildren, and older caregivers of adults living with a disability — with the purpose of alleviating stress and promoting well-being to help sustain a healthy ongoing caregiving relationship. House Bill 464 — now Act 20 of 2021 — was one of PDA’s legislative priorities for the 202122 legislative session. Act 20 aligns the Family Caregiver Support Act with the federal National Family CSP of the Older Americans Act. The new law: • Clarifies eligibility criteria for program participants. • Removes a statutory spending limit on the cost of monthly care plans, allowing PDA to adjust those limits across the program, as necessary. This spending limit had not been increased since 1993. • Eliminates a $300 aggregate average requirement for all CSP care plans, which will allow Area Agencies on Aging to build plans that are more customized and person-centered to the needs of each individual caregiver and better support them in their caregiving role. • Removes the program’s $2,000 lifetime limit on home modification reimbursement, allowing PDA to adjust this limit as necessary. This
Dauphin County Woman Wins Statewide Pageant Jo Ann Tresco, of Hummelstown, was recently crowned Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America 2021 at the state pageant held at PA DanceSport in Hummelstown. Tresco, who retired from the military in 2014 after 34 years of service, will represent Pennsylvania in the virtual 41st annual national pageant in August. Usually held at Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the 2021 Ms. Senior America pageant will be held virtually due to COVID19. Tresco, a salsa dancer, will compete in interview, evening gown, talent, From left, 2020 Ms. Pennsylvania and “philosophy of life” portions of Senior America Esmeralda Ybarra the competition. Hetrick, of Harrisburg, passed the Ms. Senior America is a nonprofit reins to 2021 winner JoAnn Tresco, of Hummelstown. Hetrick also won organization that focuses on women last year’s national title. over 60. www.50plusLifePA.com
c hange allows for better alignment with the costs associated with obtaining home modifications and assistive devices in present-day markets and is more beneficial to caregivers. Through the CSP, caregivers have the opportunity to receive vital supports and services, such as care management, benefits counseling, caregiver education, and training. Income-eligible caregivers may also receive financial reimbursement of approved, caregiving-related expenses, including respite and consumable supplies. The new law goes into effect on Aug. 10. “Expanding the protections provided under the Family Caregiver Support Act, and removing maximum reimbursement rates for out-of-pocket expenses, home modifications, and assistive device expenses, is necessary,” Boback said. “The enactment of this bill enables Pennsylvania to further assist those across the commonwealth who need it most, like our grandparents who have been tasked with raising their grandchildren.” Those eligible for the program also include Pennsylvanians of any age caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. According to current PDA data, 26% of caregivers are providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Caregiver Support Program at aging. pa.gov/aging-services/caregiver-support.
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Phone: 1-800-783-7067 This project was supported, in part by grant number 1801PAMIDR-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
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50plus LIFE
August 2021
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Cover Story
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every week with my family and seeing all my friends,” he said. “With everyone so busy In 1957, Elvis had a hit these days, it’s great to be able record with “All Shook Up”; to spend time with my family the Russians launched Sputnik once a week. At this point, I, the first space satellite; and they are the main reason why I Lion Bowl, a 12-lane center, keep bowling.” was built on the corner of Pine He added: “You make and Martin streets in Red plenty of friends through Lion, Pennsylvania. bowling, and the camaraderie The bowling boom was is special. Bowling is a lot in its infancy. From 1955 more fun than most people through 1963, the number of realize.” bowling centers nearly doubled Dave Zelger, co-proprietor nationally, and league bowlers of Lion Bowl, said, “Pret is increased from 3 million extremely well liked. I think he to 7 million, according to knows everyone, and everyone the United States Bowling knows him.” Congress. Grove said it’s difficult to Like so many bowling-crazy imagine the bowling frenzy Americans, Preston (Pret) Photo courtesy of Barry Sparks that swept the country in the Grove’s father, Curt, joined Some years, Grove, now retired, won a league in 1957. He bowled more money bowling than he earned 1950s and 1960s if you never experienced it. for the Red Lion Zion at his regular job. Bowling centers Church team at Lion were filled with two Bowl. shifts of leagues Pret, 15, every weeknight, and accompanied his dad to weekends were packed. the center every week. Every center had a Before long, Pret was waiting list that was asked to substitute. sometimes a couple of And, soon he became a hours long. Grove said regular team member. his father had standing “Bowling in a league reservations at Lion was one of the most Bowl every Saturday exciting things for night. me growing up,” he Grove followed the recalled. “There wasn’t Photo courtesy of Barry Sparks Grove averaged a score of 184 last year but says exploits of PBA bowlers much for a farm boy to the numbers have gotten less important as he’s Don Carter and Dick do, particularly in the gotten older. “You make plenty of friends through Weber and, later on, wintertime, in a small bowling, and the camaraderie is special.” the likes of Mark Roth town of 5,500 or so.” and Earl Anthony. He Sixty-three years was one of 14 million to 15 million viewers who later, Grove, now 78, is still competing in the league faithfully tuned in to watch PBA bowlers compete on Thursday nights at Lion Bowl. every Saturday afternoon on ABC-TV. After all these years, it’s not much of a stretch to “The PBA bowlers were our heroes,” he said. say bowling is in his DNA. It’s part of his weekly “I learned how to be a much better bowler by biorhythm. He feels out of sorts if he misses a watching them.” Thursday night because of snow or a COVID-19 Grove’s grandfatherly appearance belies his shutdown. prowess on the lanes. Last year, he averaged 184, “I’ve never missed a season,” said Grove, who which is exceptionally high for a septuagenarian. bowls on a team with his grandson, Tim Johnson; His most memorable bowling moments include Tim’s girlfriend, Stephanie Newton; and his sonrolling his first 300 game and first 700 series. He in-law, Don Emenheiser. The foursome spends a lot said his weekly scores have become less important as of time kidding each other, catching up on family he has gotten older. news, and practicing one-upsmanship. “Pret’s a very good bowler,” said Dave Zelger. “I still look forward to bowling at Lion Bowl By Barry Sparks
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“He’s fundamentally sound with a smooth delivery. He’s an intelligent bowler. He knows how to adjust to the changing lane conditions. Pret played several sports when he was younger, and his athleticism is still evident.” In his younger days, Grove competed in four or five leagues a week. Still, he couldn’t get enough competition. He and his friends used to travel throughout the region competing in tournaments. Clase Heaps, proprietor of Lion Bowl, organized the trips. Heaps, who also taught at Red Lion, was one of the best bowlers and bowling instructors in the county. He believed competing in tournaments was one of the best ways league bowlers could improve their games. “Many times, 10 or 12 of us would pile into cars and head to a tournament somewhere in the region,” said Grove. “Competing in tournaments was a big deal.” He said Red Lion individuals and teams would often reenter a tournament several times, spending nearly all day at the host center. Some tournaments paid $300 to $500 to winners. “That’s a lot of money when you’re making $1.25 an hour,” stressed Grove, who retired from AMP as a die cast designer. Some years, he won more money bowling than he earned at his regular job. “Winning $500 was equal to about two months or so of pay,” he said. What advice would Grove give to other seniors? “Senior leagues are very popular right now. It’s a great way to be active, be social, and have a good time. Bowling is good for your health. I certainly would recommend seniors give bowling a try. I think many of them would be surprised.” After more than six decades, Grove is still enthusiastic about bowling. And he doesn’t plan to hang up his bowling shoes any time soon. “I’m just going to keep showing up as long as I can,” he said. Barry Sparks is the author of EARL: The Greatest Bowler of All Time.
Area Agency on Aging Offering Virtual Preretirement Seminars Individuals near retirement or • Original Medicare and Medicare recently retired who are confused Advantage plan coverage options about Medicare can get the facts and • Medicare prescription drug learn to better navigate the Medicare coverage and tools to navigate the system during free preretirement “Drug Plan Finder” seminars held • Medicare savings 6–8:30 p.m., Aug. Get the facts programs 26 and Sept. 23, via Zoom. and learn • Medicare preventive The seminar services to better events will be Supplemental presented by the navigate the • insurance/Medigap York County Medicare plans Area Agency on Aging APPRISE • MyMedicare.gov and system. program. APPRISE other technological is the state health tools insurance counseling program for all Medicare beneficiaries in Preregistration and a valid email Pennsylvania. address are required. Call (717) Seminar topics to be covered 771-9008 or (800) 632-9073 or include: email aging@yorkcountypa.gov for
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50plus LIFE
August 2021
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CROSSWORD
Puzzle Page
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 21. SUDOKU
WORD SEARCH
A Trip to Japan Bamboo Bonsai Gardens Islands Judo Kimono Mount Fuji Origami Osaka Pagoda Samurai Shrines Sukiyaki Sumo Sushi Swords Theater Tokyo Volcano Yen
Across 1. Sound of frustration 5. Ancient Greek colonnade 9. Napkin, of sorts 12. Italian river 13. Stags 15. Ice sheet 16. Busting a gut? 19. Response 20. Primps 21. Foreword, for short 24. Little bit 25. WWW address Down 1. Casa chamber 2. Persia, now 3. Wildebeests 4. Audience reaction to a comedian, at times? 5. Dress clothes 6. Summer shade 7. Charitable group (abbr.) 8. Above 9. Brunette’s funny offering? 10. Promissory notes 11. Cot 14. Big ___, Calif. 15. Dog biter
27. Suit material 30. World War II arena 33. Actor’s line 35. Squeeze 37. Preserves 38. Dine 39. Clavell’s ___-Pan 41. Fiddle-de-___ 42. Unlock, in verse 43. Blunder 44. Acquiesce 46. Slot machine coin 48. GI’s address
17. Biddy 18. Asian holiday 22. Electrical fix 23. Bobby of the Bruins 25. Seize 26. Guffaws, to the max? 28. John Creasey’s detective 29. Compass point 31. Recorded 32. Harbinger 33. Between ports 34. Greek letter 36. Acquire 40. ___ Khan 45. Sharp curve
49. Fable writer 51. Actor Beatty 52. Literary collection 55. Hoity-toity sorts 57. Marked test papers 60. Most recent 64. Unable to frown? 67. Roman moon goddess 68. Get ready to drive 69. Gunk 70. Young lamb 71. Labels 72. Spanish direction
47. Comedian’s platform 50. Sea anemones, e.g. 53. Astronaut’s insignia 54. Commercials 56. Scrooge’s cry 57. Paste 58. Newt 59. Musical group 61. Heroic poem 62. Name for a Dalmatian 63. Sort 64. Deli sandwich 65. Grassland 66. Haul
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Celebrating August’s Senior Activism peacetime achievements of the American people.” On Aug. 28, 1950, Truman signed H.R. 6000, the Social In the history of senior Americans, August is an important Security Act Amendments of 1950, which extended Social month for a law that a former U.S. president called “one of the Security coverage to more Americans. Social Security remains an great peacetime achievements of the American people.” “essential part of the American way of life,” Truman said. It is also important because of an influential senior advocate Today, Washington insiders suggest the Social Security costwho created an organization that fought discrimination based on of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2022 could be between 4.7% age and mandatory retirement at 65. and 5.3%. If true, this would be the largest COLA increase in On Aug. 13, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed over 10 years. An announcement is expected in October. the Social Security Act into law. It established a Social Security Aug. 3 is the birthday of Maggie Kuhn, who, forced into Administration, with a system to provide income security for mandatory retirement at 65, founded the Gray Panthers in 1971. workers who retired at 65. It also helped states provide financial The Buffalo, New York, native worked on senior issues for many Maggie Kuhn, aid to dependent children and the disabled. years before being forced to retire. American activist Retirement is an individual decision — not everyone wants to Kuhn (1905–95) waged a successful campaign against age and founder of the retire at age 65. My uncle, a businessman in New Jersey, worked discrimination. She worked with Congress to ban mandatory Gray Panthers. into his late 80s. retirement and lived to see it signed into law. “I didn’t hit my stride in business until I was over 65,” he once On Nov. 1, 1986, President Ronald Reagan, then 75, signed told me. legislation banning mandatory retirement in most professions. Social Security was good for workers who did want to retire at 65. Some “With the signing of this legislation, we take another important step by who wanted to continue to work faced pressures to retire at that age because ensuring that the many individuals 70 years of age and older who have valuable of discriminatory employment practices that included assumptions that older contributions to make will now have the opportunity to do so,” the president workers were less productive and needed more medical leave from their jobs said. than younger employees. The Gray Panthers remain at the forefront of advocacy for seniors. Find out Employers had another important financial reason as well. They could pay more about them on their Facebook page. younger workers less than their more senior workers. Other age-discriminatory James E. Patterson is a Washington, D.C.-based writer and speaker. employment assumptions may have been job related or industry specific. Employers may have felt that since Washington wanted older workers to retire at 65, they needed to help by pressuring them to exit workplaces. The Social Security Act was pejoratively called the “Old Age Act” by many, which Are you getting your share of the probably also contributed to age discrimination. I recall as a youth seeing elderly farmers, male and female, actively farming. I was raised partly in Indiana and partly in Alabama, where I saw elder farmers Which buyers make up the Silver Economy? working long hours, seven days a week, often in harsh weather. Many still • 962 million men and women over the age of 60 plowed fields with mules. Some of them lived into their 90s. • A group with 11 times more wealth than millennials On Aug. 13, 1945, President Harry S. Truman issued a statement on the • Persons with a life expectancy in the U.S. is about 78.87 years • Persons who prefer in-person contact when possible 10th anniversary of the Social Security Act. He said it was “one of the great By James E. Patterson
SILVER ECONOMY? • A group that wants to age at home as long as reasonable
Why do you want to reach these buyers? • They are free of many economic burdens • They like to take care of themselves, be active, eat well, be fashionable, and have fun • They have more free time • They are looking for products and services to help them age well
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The not-so-obvious:
• 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.
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The obvious:
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50plus LIFE
August 2021
7
On Life and Love after 50
Is an Iffy Long-Distance Relationship Worth the Risk?
Tom Blake
One of my readers, named Beth, emailed, “I need advice on a long-ago love from the 1990 years. We met through a singles ad in a local newspaper. We had great magic (chemistry) between us. “We have kept in contact off and on for more than 20 years, with ups and downs. We live in different states, 500 miles apart. I am 79; he is 76. “He has no children. My children are grown with families of their own. He wants me in his life again and wants me to live with him. I can’t seem to move away from my family. He will not visit me. “He was in a biking accident three years ago and can’t travel a long distance, even for a visit, to see if we could make a go of it again. I don’t know what to do.” My response: “From what you described, you would be making all the
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sacrifices. He would be making none. That’s not good. What if you moved there and he got sick or passed away? What would you be left with? “Why didn’t it work out years ago?” Beth said, “I want him, and I want my family. I want him to come for a visit, just to see if that magic is still there. “He was getting over an ex-partner, and I was going through some things also when we met. I had to walk on eggshells at times with him. I think he had a trust issue with women, and he was a lawyer and saw the mean side of people all the time. “I made the first contact this time after not hearing from him in over a year. “No one since has made me feel the way he did, and I don’t know what to do. He was special, and I don’t want to lose him again. This might be the last stop for us.” My response: I told Beth I don’t usually advise people on what to do, but I gave her six questions to ponder. 1. He can’t travel long distances because of a bike accident three years ago. He can’t even take a bus or a train? Or, is it that he doesn’t want to bother to travel? 2. She hadn’t heard from him for more than a year. She contacted him. That doesn’t sound like a man who is interested in her. 3. The same magic, or chemistry, that was between them 20-plus years before will not be the same. Age takes its toll on chemistry. Also, if he is so debilitated from the bike accident, does she think he would have the same physical capabilities he had back then? And how about her? Would she still be like she was in that age category? 4. Why, if she had to walk on eggshells with him before, does she think that would be different now? 5. She is 79. Does she really think she’d want to relocate to be with a man she barely knows and leave her family behind? Doesn’t she think that would be terribly risky? 6. She says she doesn’t want to lose him again. As it is, she doesn’t have him.
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“I hope the above six questions will clear the air for you,” I wrote. “For a new relationship to work, both people need to be on the same page. It appears you are not. Stay where you are.” For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to findingloveafter50.com.
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities Listings with a screened background have additional information about their services in a display advertisement in this edition. This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. The CCRCs listed are sponsoring this message. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.
Designed with their residents’ changing needs in mind, CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)/Life Plan Communities offer a tiered approach to the aging process. Healthy adults entering these communities can live independently. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can transition to personal care, assisted living, rehabilitation, or nursing care facilities.
Cornwall Manor
Bethany Village
1 Boyd Street, P.O. Box 125 Cornwall, PA 17016 Jennifer Margut Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (717) 274-8092 www.cornwallmanor.org
325 Wesley Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Stephanie Lightfoot Director of Sales & Marketing (717) 766-0279 www.bethanyvillage.org
The Campus of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg
Homestead Village
1800 Marietta Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 Christina Gallagher Director of Marketing (717) 397-4831 cgallagher@hvillage.org www.hvillage.org
St. Anne’s Retirement Community
4000 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17112 Keona Carter Director of Marketing & Admissions (717) 441-8510 kcarter@jhgh.org www.jewishhomeharrisburg.org
“A Catholic-Centered Community, Honoring All Faiths”
3952 Columbia Avenue West Hempfield Township, PA 17512 Mary Jo Diffendall Giving and Sales (717) 285-5443 www.stannesrc.org
Willow Valley Communities
600 Willow Valley Square Lancaster, PA 17602 Margie Seagers Manager of Sales (717) 464-6800 info@willowvalley.org www.willowvalleycommunities.org
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Some CCRCs/Life Plan Communities have designated dementia areas that address the progressing needs of people who have any form of dementia. In addition, some communities have sought out and earned accreditation from CARF International, signifying they have met CARF’s stringent set of quality standards. CCRCs Life Plan Communities enable older adults to remain in one care system for the duration of their lives, with much of their future care already figured out—creating both comfort and peace of mind.
United Church of Christ Homes A place to be yourself and celebrate your life. Victoria Velez Director of PR & Fund Development (717) 303-1502 www.ucc-homes.org
Woodcrest Villa Mennonite Home Communities 2001 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Connie Buckwalter Director of Marketing (717) 390-4126 www.woodcrestvilla.org
Homeland Center
1901 North Fifth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-1598 Barry S. Ramper II, N.H.A. President/CEO (717) 221-7902 www.homelandcenter.org
Pleasant View Communities
544 North Penryn Road Manheim, PA 17545 Joe Kwiatkowski Marketing & Development Coordinator (717) 664-6644 info@pvcommunities.org www.pvcommunities.org
Ephrata Manor....................................... (717) 738-4940 Kindred Place at Annville................... (717) 867-5572 Kindred Place at Harrisburg............... (717) 657-7900 The Lebanon Valley Home................. (717) 867-4467 Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home........ (717) 245-2187 Thornwald Home.................................. (717) 249-4118
If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact Christianne Rupp at (717) 285-8126.
50plus LIFE
August 2021
9
The History of Ordinary Things
Doris Montag
The Multiple Sources of Multipurpose Gelatin
Gelatin has been a silent ingredient in our food since the Middle Ages. For the castle lifestyle, gelatin was used to create jelled dishes flavored with vinegar, wine, almond extract, and such to produce a tart rather than sweet flavor. The foods to be glazed were more often meats than sweets. The “glue” in gelatin, called collagen, was laboriously extracted from meat bones; think of the gelatinous layer when you cool a boiled ham bone. The collagen was derived primarily from pork skins, cattle and pork bones, or split cattle hides. Contrary to popular myth, horns and hooves are not used, and no horses are A display including the involved. In the Middle Ages, deer antlers half-cup metal mold, one were a popular source of the collagen, and of four original Jell-O later, calves’ feet and knuckles. Housewives molds, along with red-andin the 19th century used isinglass, made from white plastic stackable molds, circa 1950s. the membranes of fish bladders. Gelatin-making was a daylong affair, requiring the tedious scraping of hair from the feet, hours of boiling and simmering with egg whites to degrease and clarify the broth, and careful filtering through jelly bags or “filtering stools.” The finished product was then dried into sheets, leaves, or rounds that needed a long soaking before it could be used. This gelatin was a translucent, colorless, odorless, brittle, and nearly tasteless substance. In 1890, Charles Knox developed the world’s first pre-granulated, unflavored gelatin, marketed as KNOX. His wife, Rose, developed hundreds of recipes that were printed on KNOX packages and leaflets and in illustrated cookbooks. In the early 1900s, unflavored gelatin was used to stretch foods, with recipes incorporating meats, eggs, olives, kidney beans, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower as well as fruit. In the late 1920s, their son, James Knox, produced pharmaceutical gelatin “gel caps” to encapsulate vitamins and medication. Knox also developed
Let’s get back to ice cream fun! Enjoy unlimited free samples of Turkey Hill Ice Cream and Drinks! Create your own virtual ice cream flavor and packaging, then star in your own TV commercial. Don’t miss the Taste Lab, a hands-on interactive educational ice cream experience. For more information and reservations visit
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plasma extender, an intravenous solution used as a blood plasma substitute during World War II. Thomas J. Lipton Inc. acquired the Knox empire in 1972. In 1885, Pearle Wait, a LeRoy, New York, carpenter and cough syrup manufacturer, purchased an unused patent for powdered gelatin. His wife, May, added sweetener and the four original fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry, orange, and lemon. May named Dainty Desserts cookbooks the powder Jell-O. circa 1920s. Unable to successfully market their product, in 1899, Wait sold the business to his neighbor, Orator Francis Woodward, for $450. By 1902, Woodward placed advertisements in the Ladies’ Home Journal proclaiming Jell-O to be “America’s Most Famous Dessert.” By 1904, his company, Genesee Pure Food Co., was sending salesmen across the country to distribute free Jell-O cookbooks directly to Jell-O Girl was used from housewives, a pioneering marketing tactic at 1904-1949. the time. In 1925, Jell-O was acquired by Postum Cereal Co., the first subsidiary of what became General Foods Corporation. In 1934, comedian Jack Benny became Jell-O’s first spokesperson, introducing the jingle “J-E-L-L-O.” In 1989, General Foods merged into Kraft Foods, JellO’s current parent company. Today gelatin is used as a gelling agent in foods like trifles, aspic, marshmallows, and confectioneries, such as Peeps, gummy bears, and Jelly Babies. It can be found in jams, yogurt, cream cheese, and margarine. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, photography, and cosmetic manufacturing. For decades, gelatin was touted as a good source of protein, said to strengthen nails and hair. There is little scientific evidence to support such an assertion. Jell-O has tried, and retired, many flavors, including celery, mixed vegetable, Italian salad dressing, and spicy tomato for use with vegetable dishes (1964), as well as chocolate (1906), coffee (1918), and cola (1942). Today, strawberry is the most popular flavor, followed by orange and berry blue. Jell-O pudding pops were introduced in 1982. In 1990, Jell-O Jigglers transformed Jell-O from a funeral dinner salad into a kid’s snack food. Today, Kraft claims Jell-O to be the world’s most popular prepared dessert, selling over 300 million boxes every year: nine boxes every second. Of course, there are multiple other manufacturers as well. Gelatin has evolved, and perhaps guided, our eating choices while adding fun to our food. Harken back to the 1964 jingle, “There’s always room for Jell-O!” It remains true today. Doris Montag is a homespun historian and an exhibit curator who researches and 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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Free Diabetes Management Program Offered The York County Area Agency on Aging is offering a free diabetes selfmanagement program this month. The free virtual workshops will be held 10–11 a.m. every Tuesday, Aug. 10 through Sept. 14. A computer and internet access are required, as the workshops will be done via Zoom or by phone conference. Adults 60 and older living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and caregivers age 60 and older caring for someone with diabetes, can participate in the workshops. The interactive program spans six workshops, once a week for one hour, and will be taught by certified instructors through the agency.
Developed by the SelfManagement Resource Center, formerly Stanford University Patient Education Program, this healthpromotion program introduces participants to self-management tools like healthy eating, monitoring blood sugar, action planning, and dealing with difficult emotions, among others. A companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, 4th Edition, and an audio relaxation CD will be provided for all participants. There is no charge for the workshops. Preregistration is required by calling Megan Craley at (717) 771-9610, ext. 1017.
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Bob’s Tech Talk Extra
Bob DeLaurentis
App Removal, Tracker Tags, and Google Photos’ New Fees
Q. There is an app on my phone that I do not use. Can I save space by removing it? A. Not only will you save space, but removing unneeded apps will also make the phone much less cumbersome to use. When I set up my mom’s new iPhone, I removed all but the half-dozen apps she used. That worked out great for her. A word of caution: While you cannot damage a phone by deleting an unwanted app, you can lose data. Be sure the app is really never used before you remove it. If you delete an app by mistake, you should be able to reinstall it, but data associated with the app will be lost. To remove an app from Android, go to Settings, then select Apps. The exact steps vary depending on the phone, but eventually you should be able to tap a disable button. To remove an app from an iPhone, press the icon of the app until a menu appears. Select Remove App from the menu. I suggest choosing the option “Remove App from Launch Screen.” That way, it is less likely to lead to data loss. While saving space is always useful, having a simple menu of apps makes the
phone much friendlier to use. Q. Are Apple’s new AirTags and Samsung SmartTags ready for everyday use? A. It is still early days for the technology. In demos, they look great. They make it look easy to find your keys in a flash or see if you left your purse in a friend’s car. But there are also drawbacks that demos do not show. These kinds of devices use short-distance Bluetooth radios, not GPS. That means that in order to locate a tracker, another device with a stronger radio and GPS has to be in close range. The more devices in use that are compatible with the tracker, the better the odds the tracker will be located. Apple has the biggest tracker network, with a billion devices circulating throughout the world. But Apple has its drawbacks also, most noticeable at close range. If the tracker is somewhere in your house, the tracker will report that it is home, but not necessarily in the laundry basket downstairs. You can ask the tracker to emit a beep.
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And there is also a homing function that will help you point the phone toward the tracker (think of the kids game Hot and Cold!), but that only works on the very newest iPhone models. In general, Bluetooth trackers are young. There was a recent announcement from Amazon and Tile about teaming up to expand the Tile tracker network. And I doubt Samsung will be standing still. Today, Apple performs the best so far. I expect the technology will improve in the next few years, but right now, they are useful as long as you are aware of their limitations. Q. I store my entire photo library on Google Photos. What do the recent policy changes mean to me? A. Google Photos is no longer free as of June. If your current photo library is large enough, you should have received an email about the upcoming changes. However, it is good practice to check for yourself. If your library requires more than 15 GB, you will need to create a Google One account and begin paying a monthly fee. The good news is that the fee for the first tier (100 GB) is $1.99 a month. 100 GB should be enough to cover the storage needs of all but the very largest of libraries. The 15 GB free tier still exists, but it is like a free sample: enough to give you a taste and perhaps hook you, but you have to pay to get the full value available. As I have written many times, I think that both Google Photos and iCloud Photo Library for Apple are inexpensive bargains. They provide another backup to protect your photos, safe from fires, floods, and hurricanes. Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.
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Savvy Senior
The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, How can you know when someone has sleep apnea? My husband has become such a terrible snorer that he wakes himself up at night, and he keeps me up too. – Tired Teri Dear Teri, If your husband is a loud snorer who wakes himself up during sleep, he probably needs to be tested for sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that affects more than 22 million Americans but often goes undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep, hundreds of times during the night, for 10 seconds or more at a time. Left untreated, it can cause extreme daytime sleepiness, as well as a host of serious health conditions, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. In fact, it’s estimated that every year, around 38,000 Americans die in their sleep from a heart attack or stroke because of sleep apnea. But the good news is that sleep apnea is very treatable, and most insurance
Volunteer Spotlight Food Bank Volunteer Honored RSVP of the Boyd has lived Capital Region’s in the Manchester volunteer of the area for over 50 month is Beverly years. She enjoys Boyd for her sewing, walking, volunteer efforts gardening, and at York County crafts. She has Food Bank. four daughters, Boyd has also two sons-insown drawstring law, seven bags and lap grandchildren, quilts and has four stepclipped coupons grandsons, and a for the military. dog. Volunteer Beverly Boyd. She has also For more volunteered with information on Special Olympics for 20 years, volunteering with RSVP of the with AARP to assist with taxes, Capital Region, please contact and with the Agency on Aging as Scott Hunsinger at (717) 893a friendly visitor. 8474 or yorkrsvp@rsvpcapreg.org. 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 17604 .
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companies, including Medicare, cover it. Who Has It? There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA) is by far the most common and occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway. While anyone can have it, sleep apnea is most common in people who are overweight, male, and middle-aged and older. For women, the risk increases after menopause. The symptoms include loud snoring (however, not everyone who snores has apnea), long pauses of breathing, gasping or choking during sleep, and daytime drowsiness. But because most of these symptoms happen during sleep, most people don’t recognize them. It’s usually the person they’re sleeping with who notices it. Diagnosing Sleep Apnea To help you get a handle on your husband’s problem, the American Sleep Apnea Association has several diagnostic tests he can take at sleepapnea.org/
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Volunteer Spotlight
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 17604. www.50plusLifePA.com
treat — click on “Test Yourself.” If the screening indicates he may have sleep apnea, make an appointment with his doctor or a sleep specialist, who will probably recommend an overnight diagnostic sleep test called polysomnography. This can take place at a sleep center lab (see sleepeducation.org) or at home using a portable device. Treatment Options Your husband is at greater risk for sleep apnea if he’s overweight, smokes, and/or consumes excessive amounts of alcohol. Excess weight, especially around the neck, puts pressure on the airway, which can cause it to collapse. Smoking can increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. And alcohol and sleeping pills can relax the muscles in the back of his throat, interfering with breathing. Addressing these issues, if necessary, is usually the first line of treatment. If that doesn’t do the trick, mild cases of sleep apnea may respond to oral
devices that fit into the mouth, like a removable mouth guard or retainer. These devices work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open during sleep. Another noninvasive treatment option to consider is the new FDA-approved eXciteOSA device (exciteosa.com). This treats sleep apnea and snoring by improving tongue muscle function by delivering electrical stimulation to the tongue through a mouthpiece that’s worn for just 20 minutes during the day. If none of these options works, the most effective and commonly prescribed treatment for OSA is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This involves sleeping with a snorkel-like mask that’s hooked up to a machine that gently blows air up the nose to keep the passages open. 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.
Dear Pharmacist
Why a Dill Pickle is Good for You Suzy Cohen
Lately, I’ve been working on my herbal garden and just planted some rosemary and lavender. I saw dill plants available for purchase, but those won’t grow as a perennial in my Colorado area, where winters always include temperatures in single digits or below! So a dill plant is not an option in my herb garden, but it might be for you, and today’s article tells you why a dill pickle’s good for you! I’m going to share the medicinal benefits of this delicious and ancient weed. The dill plant is related to the “carrot” family of plants, which sounds bizarre. Dill is an “umbellifer,” so it is related to asafoetida, caraway seeds, celery powder, parsley, coriander seeds, and fennel. An allergy to one of the spices may mean you have a cross-sensitivity to the others listed here. Anethum graveolens, commonly called dill or dill weed, has been used for eons because it has incredible health benefits for your intestinal tract. In addition to stimulating appetite, dill can help with diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, and stomach pain. Active constituents in dill stimulate and activate digestive juices and bile, so it aids digestion. Dill has a lot of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Since it contains many antioxidants, like vitamin C and natural beta carotene, it reduces damage from free radicals. It’s great for kidney and urinary tract health, as well as brain, heart, and eye tissue. As an added perk, dill may help to lower LDL cholesterol very slightly. Just a note of caution, dill supplements have mild diuretic properties, so if you take a supplement, that might mean you lose water more rapidly. This is helpful for people with hypertension; however, it could be a problem for some people who take lithium, for example. Talk to your doctor about using a dill supplement, which is concentrated. This warning does not apply if you are sprinkling a dash of dried dill spice or adding a sprig of fresh dill on your meal. Here are eight ways you can incorporate fresh dill into your day: 1. Put on top of vegetables during the last two minutes of roasting. 2. Add it to potato salad. 3. Use it in soup. www.50plusLifePA.com
4. Make a tzatziki sauce and add dill. 5. Make dill pickles! 6. Put it on top of fish before you cook. 7. Make a “tea” by steeping sprigs of dill for five minutes in water; add honey/lemon. 8. Scissor a small sprig of dill into your garden salad. Some people wonder if drying dill is better than freezing it. I recommend freezing it, and it’s very easy. Rinse fresh dill of impurities in water and shake off the excess, and then pat the sprigs dry. Lay them out on a cookie sheet and put it in the freezer to flash freeze them. Later on, you can transfer the frozen dill sprigs to a storage bag and keep that in the freezer for up to six months. If you are supplementing with dill tablets, please make sure you ask your doctor if it’s right for you, especially if you already take blood pressure pills or diuretics. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.
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Free Workshops Address Chronic Pain The York County Area Agency on promotion program provides tools for Aging is offering a chronic pain selfmanaging your health, dealing with management program starting Sept. difficult emotions, and living a better 3. life with chronic pain. These free workshops will be held The program introduces virtually from 9:30 a.m. to noon participants to self-management every Friday, tools like Sept. 3 – Oct. healthy eating, 8. You must exercise, Learn how to live have internet action access and a planning, a better life with computer to and dealing chronic pain. participate. with difficult Adults emotions, age 60 and among others. older who are A living with chronic pain, and 60companion book, Living a Healthy plus caregivers caring for someone Life with Chronic Pain, and an living with chronic pain, are invited exercise CD will be provided for all to participate in the interactive participants. program, which spans six workshops, There is no charge for the once a week. workshops. Preregistration is required Taught by certified instructors by calling Megan Craley at (717) through the agency, this health771-9610.
“
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
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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”
Telepsychiatry a Boon for Patients during Pandemic The COVID19 pandemic forced many healthcare workers into virtual mode, offering their services via Zoom or other video outlets. Mental health services were among those embracing the technology. A survey of clinicians at 18 mental health centers in 11 states, reported on the Psychiatry Advisor website, found that 73% who used two-way video to treat patients found the experience “excellent” or “good.” Sixty-six percent who used phonebased services said the same. Only 4% who used video, and 3% who relied on phones, rated the experience “poor” or “very poor.”
Overall, the most common advantages cited by providers were flexible scheduling or rescheduling (77%), timely appointment starts (68%), and a decline in no-shows (52%). There were some disadvantages, including technical difficulties by patients using devices (52%), lack of closeness or connection with patients (46%), and technical difficulties on the provider end (39%). Still, 64% of providers in the survey plan to continue using telepsychiatry in some capacity after the end of the pandemic. www.50plusLifePA.com
You Can Heal a Family Estrangement Estrangement between parents and adult children can happen for many reasons — parents who object to their children’s lifestyle choices and relationships or children reacting to abuse, toxic behaviors, or lack of support, and other causes. It doesn’t have to last forever, though. The Quick and Dirty Tips website offers this guidance on how to repair the rift:
8th Annual
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Acknowledge and apologize for past actions. You can’t change what’s in the past, but you can be open to the future. Even if you believe you never did anything wrong, be willing to admit you might have made mistakes. That can go a long way toward easing hurt feelings. Accept family members for who they are. Accept that people are imperfect. You won’t be able to magically transform a parent or child into the person you want them to be. That doesn’t mean tolerating abusive behavior, but it can lead to an open and honest conversation about the other person’s perspective. Use this knowledge and insight to move forward, if you feel the effort is worth it. Try to change your behavior. You may not be aware that you’re harming someone else with your actions, but once you know, you can take steps to stop. Find out what the other person finds difficult, and whenever possible, try to limit the behavior around him or her. You don’t have to change who you are, but you can adjust your reactions to something the other person can live with.
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Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori
Top Sterling Silver Tips Lori Verderame
Here are my top tips for identifying, preserving, collecting, using, and enjoying sterling silver. Look for the marks. Sterling silver pieces must, by law, be clearly marked using symbols, numbers, icons, and letters, which are “sterling” or “sterling silver” spelled out. Another required mark is an image or depiction of a striding lion figure facing left, called the lion passant. These marks indicate value, fineness, and quality of a piece and have been widely used over the years. The most common silver mark is the number 925 to indicate the 925 parts per 1,000 parts silver purity standard, or 92.5% pure silver, within the object. The other 75 parts are usually copper for strength and durability. Like decoding and understanding pottery marks and other identifying markings on art or antiques, if you can’t find these marks that tell you that you have a piece of sterling silver, then you probably don’t have an actual piece of
sterling silver. Places to look for the mark include the underside of the silver piece, close to the bottom, or around the bottom of the base. Silver marks may be on the underside of a teapot lid or on the back of a piece of sterling silver flatware. Seek out quality. Look for large pieces of sterling silver with good weight and quality and highly decorative pieces with intricate designs or repoussé.
Photo credit: Staff photographer, www.DrLoriV.com
Sterling silver candlesticks.
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Don’t overlook the flatware. Sterling silver flatware or silverware is some of the most highly prized sterling silver that people have in their homes. Sterling silver flatware should have the word “sterling” or the number 925 on the back of each individual spoon, knife, or fork. Maker’s marks and pattern names may also be found on the back of a piece of flatware. Flatware can be very valuable. People, including young collectors, currently collect sterling silver flatware and look for specific
patterns and styles. Look for specialty pieces like shrimp forks; long iced tea spoons; chowder spoons with large, round bowls; fish knives; and other pieces that match a sterling silver set. Serving pieces will increase the overall value of your set too.
Patterns matter. Make certain the pattern name is the same on all of your sterling silver pieces. Look for exact markings, which show if pieces in your flatware set were made at the same time. You can tell if your set was accumulated in the same pattern but purchased over several decades by the marks: The pattern will look the same, but the markings will be different. Store it right. Keep your storage box closed when your silver is not in use. If you have a storage box that is felt or velvet lined, keep your sterling silver flatware in the box. Store your sterling silver in its own individual places within the storage box. Forks go with forks, spoons with spoons, etc. Don’t stack silver. Do not store unwrapped sterling silver flatware, as the pieces can be scratched or dented easily. Some pieces may be hollow and susceptible to dents. Stacking silver pieces is a no-no. It’s important to keep sterling silver properly stored so the pieces will retain their good condition and value. Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. Dr. Lori offers free information about antiques appraisals and selling at drloriv. com and youtube.com/drloriv.
www.50plusLifePA.com
It Was 50 Years Ago Today
‘Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)’ Randal Hill
Well-respected rock-music critic and historian Dave a man of power.” Marsh is normally quite sparing in his praise, but Marsh Contrary to Gordy’s fears, “Mercy Mercy Me” peaked at once could barely contain his enthusiasm when he reviewed No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100; Gaye was the sole composer a Marvin Gaye single and proclaimed it to be “the greatest of a work considered by many to be the most meaningful piece of music ever written in favor of the survival of the anthem ever in regards to pollution, global warming, and environment on the greatest Black pop album ever made.” our deteriorating environment. That 45 was the now-classic “Mercy Mercy Me (The In 2002, his creation won a prestigious Grammy Hall of Ecology),” which was lifted from Gaye’s legendary 1971 LP Fame Award. What’s Going On, the first album in his extensive Motown Gaye’s lyrics pulled no punches when he delivered catalog to sell a million copies. his ethereal, thought-provoking lament of polluted When Motown owner Berry Gordy Jr. was approached skies, poisonous winds, oceanic oil slicks, and mercuryabout “Mercy Mercy Me,” he was unfamiliar with the term contaminated fish, as well as the realization that, sadly, far Photo credit: ecology and had to have it explained to him. too many creatures had become endangered. “Mercy Mercy Me Gordy was always a tough sell about including anything Those elements, and the increasing overpopulation of our (The Ecology)” political or controversial on his records and always kept an planet, inspired Gaye’s tough rhetorical question: By Marvin Gaye eye on the mainstream sales charts in seeking as wide an “How much more abuse from man can she stand?” August 1971 audience as possible. How much more indeed, Mr. Gaye! Initially, Gordy argued against releasing Gaye’s thoughtRandal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be provoking What’s Going On? He feared it could run the risk of alienating reached at wryterhill@msn.com. Gaye’s fans, who would be expecting Gaye’s usual pop/soul product, such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” But Gaye was growing as an artist, and he wanted to go deeper than his previous releases. “I began to reevaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say,” he explained later to Rolling Stone. “I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world.” Industrialization, corporate greed, and a lack of environmental concern all fueled Gaye’s interest in creating a thoughtful message rather than another commercial ballad. Gaye’s offering arrived a year after the first Earth Day brought concern about our stewardship of the Earth, so his tune served as a clarion call for us to face responsibilities to our home. In an interview with Sounds 25th Annual magazine, Gaye said, “I’d love Edition to become only interested in Closing date: Nov. 5, 2021. knowledge and power that this Street date: Jan. 2022 Earth will give us, if we’re only willing to put in the time and To be included in the 2022 edition of 50plus effort … The power’s here. It’s in LIVING, call your marketing consultant, call the rocks, it’s in the air, it’s in the animals … I would like to become (717) 285-1350, or email info@onlinepub.com
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The Beauty in Nature
Ways Salamanders Live Clyde McMillan-Gamber
The various kinds of salamanders, worldwide, attractive. Spotted salamanders are black with have different life cycles. two rows of yellow or orange spots down their Examples of those lifestyles are represented backs and tails. And red salamanders are red in southeastern Pennsylvania by local species with many tiny black dots all over. of salamanders, including spotted and red During heavy or prolonged rains sometime in salamanders, eastern newts, and slimy March each year, many mature male and female salamanders. They are some of the larger, more spotted salamanders trudge over lingering snow colorful and common of those amphibians in and dead leaves on forest floors to spawn in pools this area. in those woods. Being related, salamanders are constantly Each female deposits scores of eggs in a milkymoist, small, attractive, cold-blooded, and white blob on the bottom of a puddle. A male hidden away, making them difficult to fertilizes those eggs. After spawning, spotted experience. Most have four legs, and all have salamanders retreat to damp coverings of fallen tails. And all salamanders, young and adults, foliage on forest floors for the rest of the year. consume invertebrates. Each female red salamander attaches her up Spotted salamanders and red salamanders to 70 eggs under rocks in woodland springs and Slimy salamander. start life in water as eggs that hatch into aquatic running brooks. She then protects those eggs larvae, which have external gills and swimming until they hatch. tails. As they develop, they grow lungs, crawl out of their watery nurseries, and Eastern newts start life in water with gills but emerge from their aquatic shelter under moist, dead-leaf carpets on forest floors. cradles as red efts that are red and have lungs. Efts live on moist woodland As adults, these common salamanders are 6 inches long, stout, and floors for a few years but return to the ponds where they hatched. There they become olive-green on top, with two rows of red dots and yellow below. And there they live out their lives as newts, feeding and spawning. The striking red efts may have returned to water to be adult newts long ago because they couldn’t compete with other adult salamanders on land for shelter and food. Efts that returned to water, where few adult salamanders dwell, were the only newts that survived to this day. Slimy salamanders live entirely on woodland floors, under rocks, fallen logs, and dead-leaf coverings. As a species, they can roam far from water because they are not tied to it to spawn. They have no aquatic stage in their life cycle and no lungs. They breathe through their moist skins. Slimy salamanders are black and silver and slimy for their protection against predators. Females of this common species lay egg clusters in their moist, dark homes on woodland floors. The young hatch as miniatures of their parents. These salamanders represent some of the interesting ways their kind lives.
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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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Melinda’s Garden
Melinda Myers
Manage Mosquitoes to Better Enjoy Your Outdoor Space
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Puzzle Solutions
Dine, play, and enjoy your outdoor while the Mosquito Dunks provide 30 spaces more than ever this year by days of control. managing annoying and diseaseThe active ingredient is Bacillus spreading mosquitoes. Use a multifaceted thuringiensis israelensis, a naturally approach to boost your enjoyment and occurring soil bacterium that kills the help keep mosquitoes away. mosquito larvae but is safe for children, Plan your outdoor activities when fish, pets, beneficial insects, and wildlife. mosquitoes are less active. Females are Keep your landscape looking its the ones looking for a blood meal and are best by managing weeds and grooming most active at dusk and dawn, when they neglected gardens. This eliminates some are looking for warmth and food. of the resting spaces for hungry adult Screened-in porches add a layer of mosquitoes. protection but only when they are intact Always protect yourself whenever and properly sealed. The same applies outdoors. Cover as much of your skin as to your home. Check screens and seals possible with loose-fitting, light-colored around doors and windows to help keep clothing. Mosquitoes are less attracted these pests from entering your home. to the lighter colors and cannot readily Use bug lights in light fixtures by reach your skin through loose clothing. entryways and in outdoor entertainment Further protect yourself by using a Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com Scatter citronella oil and candles throughout outdoor spaces. These emit yellow light that is personal repellent approved by the EPA. entertainment areas and within a few feet of guests for short-term not as attractive to mosquitoes and other For those looking for DEET-free options, relief from mosquitoes. insects. Bug lights will not eliminate the Centers for Disease Control and every unwanted insect but will reduce the Prevention has approved products with number visiting your lights at night and finding their way into your home. the active ingredient picaridin, IR3535, and the synthetic oils of lemon and Enhance the ambience and reduce mosquito issues when entertaining eucalyptus. outdoors. Use a fan to create a cooler space and keep these weak flyers away. Check the label for a list of active ingredients and safety recommendations Provide fragrant, subtle lighting with citronella oil and scented candles. Scatter when shopping for mosquito repellents. Avoid products that contain both them throughout the area and within a few feet of the guests for short-term sunscreen and insect repellent, since you need to apply sunscreen more often relief. than the repellent. Reduce the overall mosquito population in your yard by eliminating their Spending more time outdoors is good for the mind, body, and spirit. Using breeding grounds. Empty water that collects in items left outside. Change the a combination of mosquito-managing tactics will allow you to enjoy and water in your birdbath at least weekly or whenever you water your container benefit from your time outdoors. gardens. Add a bubbler or pump to keep water moving in fountains and ponds Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space so mosquito larvae cannot survive. Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything DVD series and Toss an organic mosquito control like Mosquito Dunks and Bits the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and (summitresponsiblesolutions.com) in your rain barrel, pond, or other water contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. MelindaMyers.com feature. Mosquito Bits quickly knock down the mosquito larval population,
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Grief Relief
The 3 Vital Steps for Grief Recovery Victor M. Parachin
Sooner or later, everyone will experience the death of someone they have loved. When this happens, the result is grief — a natural but unpredictable response to the loss that impacts a person emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Here are the three vital steps for a healthy and successful grief recovery. 1. Turn to family or friends. Even if you’re the type of person whose psychological style is to be self-sufficient, silent, and strong, remind yourself that a season of grief is the right time to forge connections with others. Linking yourself to a trusted, valued family member or friend can lighten the burden, making it easier to get through a tough day. A popular and accurate bereavement wisdom statement says: “Grief shared is grief diminished.” Talking about your loss with a supportive family member or friend can greatly ease the pain. Professional counselor L. Gordon Brewer Jr., M.Ed., LMFT, explains the power and value of such talk: “One of the first things I do in a session with someone that is coming to me for grief therapy is for them to simply tell me what happened. Telling the story of what happened is something I revisit several times during the course of therapy. “My thoughts on that are that when people are traumatized, ‘the story’ controls them. By telling the story again and again, it begins to take on new meaning for them. They eventually reach the place emotionally that the story no longer controls them, but they control the story.” 2. Join a grief support group. This idea is for those who do not want to overburden family or friends and for those who are more comfortable exploring their grief with others who are bereaved. The benefits of a grief support group are numerous and include: • Realizing you’re not alone – One woman who attended her first grief
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s upport group later said, “Until I went to a grief group, I thought I was the only person in the world with this problem.” That insight alone provided her with a powerful feeling of relief. • Affordability – Unlike professional counseling, which can be expensive, grief support groups are generally free. • Mentoring – In a grief group you will encounter women and men who are successfully recovering. These individuals provide you with role models and mentors for better managing your own grief. • Making new friends – A sense of community emerges when participating in a grief support group, and new friendships are created. 3. Strengthen your spiritual side. Death and ensuing grief raise powerful, painful questions about the meaning of life. These are not abstract philosophical musings but the desire to live an authentic, vibrant, meaningful life. Tap into your spiritual side by engaging in whatever practices sustain you: regular church attendance, participating in a retreat, or reading biographies of saintly women and men. For one woman, her spiritual practice was meditation. After she and her husband became guardians of their twin grandchildren, she says, “I opted for meditation as a spiritual path to healing. Some people fill their lives with activity and noise in an effort to escape the pain of grief. I did the opposite and embraced quiet time, 15–20 minutes a day.” She quickly discovered that meditation brought her many benefits, such as “self-knowledge, awareness of weaknesses, awareness of strengths, understanding life purpose, setting new goals, gratefulness for life, and a sense of peace.” Today, she offers this guidance to those whose grief is fresh and raw: “Meditate in a quiet place that has no background noise. Relax your body and repeat a word or phrase. Often, I focused my meditation on one word, such as love.” As you make your unique journey Are you 62+ or through grief, allow yourself to be 18 to 61 with permanent guided, motivated, and inspired disabilities? by this insight from bereavement Welcome to your authority Rabbi Earl Grollman: new home! “Grief is not a disorder, a utilities included! disease, or sign of weakness. It is an Look at all we have to offer ... emotional, physical, and spiritual Newly Renovated Units, necessity, the price you pay for love. Fitness Center, Service Coordinator, and More ... The only cure for grief is to grieve.” Give us a call and check out our fabulous facilities. We offer congregate meals to all residents, Mon.–Fri., at 11:30 a.m.
b’nai B’rith Apartments 130 South Third Street • Harrisburg
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Victor M. Parachin, M.Div., is a grief counselor, bereavement educator, and author of several books, including Healing Grief.
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Capital Blue Cross Seminar Dates and Locations: August 2, 10 a.m. • Four Points Sheraton, 1650 Toronita Street, York 17402 August 3, 11 a.m. • Courtyard by Marriott, 150 North Park Road, Reading 19610 August 5, 10 a.m. • Eden Resort and Suites, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster 17601 August 9, 10 a.m. • Clarion Hotel And Conference Center, 148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland 17070 August 10, 10 a.m. • The Center Hotel, 7736 Adrienne Drive, Breinigsville 18031
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CUMBERLAND COUNTY
September 22, 10 a.m. • Four Points Sheraton, 1650 Toronita Street, York 17402
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September 24, 10 a.m. • Clarion Hotel And Conference Center, 148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland 17070
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Carlisle Expo Center 100 K St., Carlisle
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Let’s Safely Come Together Again Face-to-Face! 2021 Expo Dates Exhibitor booths will be spatially distanced, and personal social-distancing and other CDC guidelines will be observed.
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Sept. 29
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Oct. 13
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Oct. 23
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Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim
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