50plus LIFE Lancaster County – January 2022 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

Complimentary | Lancaster County Edition

January 2022

Launching a Post-Retirement Adventure with Aria & Ducky page 4

Your cellphone may not work in 2022 page 16

Remembering One-Room School Days page 18

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Family Collectibles Enliven Home Décor Lori Verderame

January is the time of the year when home goods are featured for shoppers in stores and online. Why not use your cherished family heirlooms when you decorate or redecorate your home? No family heirlooms are “too precious” for everyday display and enjoyment. Display these items proudly and creatively all around your home. Highlight antique and vintage objects that remind you of family and friends of years past. Objects from events like family reunions, holidays, and vacations are great display pieces, including old scrapbooks and photos in vintage frames. Consider having those old photos digitized and load them into a slideshow photo frame. Pull out those old high school yearbooks, scrapbooks, and wedding albums. Give them center stage on the family room coffee table, on a side table on the lanai, or on a bedroom nightstand at the cabin. Paper collectibles are fun to use as graphic and visually stimulating decorations. Like books, they are interesting to hold, read, and view. Fill a decorative box with old newspaper articles about your hometown, college campus, or favorite vacation spot, etc. Add old school report cards, class pictures, ID cards from previous jobs, hand-drawn maps to vacation cabins, newspaper clippings, college ID cards, a dog’s old collar or tags, expired library cards, etc. Depending on the size of the box, it can be placed on a shelf by the hearth or on the floor near a comfy chair and then opened occasionally for some spirited chatter. Place another memory box filled with stuff in

the guest room so Grandma and Grandpa can enjoy looking through the memory box when they come to visit. Certain antiques and vintage collectibles lend themselves to specific rooms in your home. For instance, hang Grandma’s beaded purse from the 1940s on the door handle of a guest room or powder room. Make Grandpa’s old golf clubs a feature in the foyer or back-door mudroom by leaning them in a corner so they can be seen as friends enter the house. Place an old flour-sugar-coffee-tea canister set from Auntie’s kitchen in the playroom as a catchall for the kids’ school art projects, like white-glue macaroni picture frames and clay ashtrays. For kids’ drawings, don’t frame them professionally. Just go to the craft store and get some small, inexpensive wooden table easels and position them around the house. If you want to display your kids’ artwork on a wall for a longer period of time, consider a poster frame with Plexiglas for a lightweight display option. Family heirlooms are great options for home décor, and they will make decorating your home a memorable experience.

Photo credit: Staff of www.DrLoriV.com

Grandma’s World War II-era beaded purse looks great on a bathroom or guest-room door handle.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and appears on The Curse of Oak Island on History channel. Visit drloriv.com, youtube.com/drloriv, or call (888) 431-1010.

Make New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep Making a New Year’s resolution is like setting any other type of goal. You have to choose wisely if you want to achieve something significant. Remember that a good resolution, like a solid goal, usually has a few definable characteristics: Focus. Set a definite target: “Lose 10 pounds by June 1” is better than “Lose some weight.”

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50plus LIFE

Challenge. Your resolution should be neither too hard nor too easy. Support. Share your resolutions with others who will help you work on them. Presence. Write down your resolutions in detail, and post your list where you’ll see it often. Vision. Visualize the results you want to achieve every day.

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Changing Your Address? Here Are the ‘Keys’ to a Successful Move By Marge Jesberger Moving and starting another phase in your life can be wonderful and rejuvenating. It can also be very high on the stress scale, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can make this transition easier by preparing yourself, mentally and physically. People who move around a lot are probably “pros” in being transplanted from one place to another. Military families, those whose careers depend on it, and mission volunteers are just part of the population that has to start over at a moment’s notice. Years ago, we relocated because of a job opportunity. Now, we are entering another chapter of our life, so we moved once again. This time, it was for different reasons: retirement, downsizing, and a change of climate. We were looking for less responsibility and a more manageable space. Whether moving across the street or across the country, we have an emotional and spiritual attachment to our current living arrangements. Our roots run deep because we have invested so much time and effort into our home, family, and friends. Here are some observations that have made our moves a little bit easier. Try to be patient. I wanted to sell our existing home immediately in order to purchase our new residence. Unfortunately, bankers, lawyers, and the real estate market had their own timetable. Wait and use this time to decelerate. You will be busy soon enough. Build up your energy reserves and pace yourself. Things will fall into place eventually. Logistics, logistics. Let everyone involved decide what is best for him or her. Gather their input and try to accommodate their needs. Years ago, we moved a long distance. My mom was 75 years old. We decided to try to find a mother-in-law apartment attached to the new home. My daughter would also come with us and attend a nearby university. My son would stay behind and live in my mom’s (now unoccupied) house. Of course Jessie, our dog, would have his own doghouse. Visualize what you’ll be doing five years from now. See yourself in a new part of the world, touring new cities, states, or neighborhoods. Maybe you will go into assisted living. Think of having tea or coffee at your new friends’ places. What activities will you join? Turn your move into an adventure. List things you want to do once you have unpacked. Don’t “what-if.” Make a decision and stick to it. Indecision will unsettle you. If you make the wrong one, you know you have the resources to rectify things. If it is the right one, pat yourself on the back. Treasure your old surroundings. I looked at my living space with a new awareness; I took photos of people and things I never wanted to forget. I dug up some plants I wanted to transplant into my new yard. When they bloomed in my new home, I thought of my old “roots.” www.50plusLifePA.com

Acknowledge the people you are leaving behind. Friends, relatives, and neighbors wish you good luck, but some don’t want to see you go. They are the ones who are unhappy you are leaving. Assure them you will keep in touch, and when you get to your new location, actually follow through. Bring along a mover’s box. Put in it a utility knife (to open boxes), glue, a hammer, and nails. Also include scissors, extension cords, drills, pliers, and measuring tape. Cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner, and trash bags are a must. A first aid kit might come in handy. Don’t forget to label all boxes so you or the movers know immediately where things belong. Bring along comfort food — soup or sandwich, granola bars, yogurt, anything that will give you energy. Once you make the move, be “there.” It is OK to be homesick, but you can speed up the development of contentment by quickly getting involved in your new community. Remember, you are the new kid on the block, so it might take some effort. Take advantage of church functions, bowling leagues, anything that motivates you. Volunteer to be on a committee for the library or food bank, etc. When meeting new people, be positive. Focus on what you like about their town and not what is lacking in the area. Soon, you will experience the warm feeling of belonging. Pamper yourself. Everyone in your family will have a different perception of “the move.” They will probably lean on you for direction and stability. Try to keep your inner sanity by taking good care of yourself. Make time for spiritual reflections, get plenty of rest, and eat properly. Above all, bring your sense of humor along. We have all heard the saying, “When one door closes, another one opens.” When your doorbell in your new home rings for the very first time, be sure the welcome mat is out and the coffee pot is on.

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

50plus LIFE

January 2022

Cover Story

Launching a Post-Retirement Adventure with Aria & Ducky 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

Awards

50plus LIFE is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community. On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc. We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information not in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State laws or other local laws.

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stuffed toy animals when adults are around. In pictures with no adults, the toys are depicted as It was a sunny afternoon, with “Papa” pushing living characters whose animated expressions 5.5-year-old Aria on the swings, when she told her charm the reader. grandfather a fascinating tale of her toy Ducky’s Working on all aspects of developing a children’s surprise birthday party. André Renna had to listen book was a new challenge for André Renna for hard to catch the story between each pass of the which his long, successful corporate career had not swing. prepared him. “I loved her Born in story about Brooklyn, New Ducky, a small York, Renna has yellow toy duck lived for the last she picked at 40 years in the an arcade in Lancaster area and Ocean City,” he held management says. “When I positions in mentioned to my manufacturing wife, Patricia, at Hershey Foods what Aria had and Victor F. told me, she Weaver (now part said, ‘You should of Tyson Foods). turn that story He was also into a children’s a healthcare book.’ That led executive at to Aria and I Lancaster General From left, illustrator David Leonard, collaborating on Hospital (prior Aria (with Ducky), and André Renna. our first children’s to the affiliation book.” with Penn For Renna, producing The Adventures of Aria Medicine) and held numerous positions over a & Ducky: The Surprise Birthday Party was a 21-year career at the health system, including: year-long labor of love. Renna explains that his president of Lancaster General services, president granddaughter had a very clear picture of Ducky’s of Maple Farm, president of the Visiting Nurses friends and the details of the party. It was her Association, senior vice president of business vision that he and illustrator David Leonard development, and senior vice president of brought to life. ambulatory services. Since it was Aria’s story, “I drove the artist crazy Prior to retiring, he was executive director of because I wanted the girl in the book to look like Regional Gastroenterology Associates of Lancaster Aria,” says Renna. Finally, when the graphic artist and then Regional GI after RGAL merged with captured the sparkle in Aria’s lively, dark eyes, the another practice. resemblance was complete. Aria made sure Ducky’s friends — flamingo, A Link from the Old Days to the Present penguin, unicorn, dinosaur, and turtle — all By 2017, Renna was a highly regarded and wellreflected her vision. known Lancaster County healthcare executive, “We fixed T-Rex to make him bigger. David yet he decided to retire to spend time with his even redrew Jasmine (Aria’s cat who makes a grandchildren, Aria and Aiden. guest appearance in the book) until the fur and “It was very important to me to spend time with color were accurate. Aria demanded we add more my grandkids while they are young,” he says. balloons in the book. Renna and his wife watched their grandchildren “And when Aria saw that the little girl wore fliptwo days a week, time that fostered a special bond flops as she is sitting on the swing, she firmly told between grandchildren and grandparents. me, ‘Papa, I wear my pink sneakers when I’m at the Renna says both the child and grandparent are playground.’” greatly enriched by spending time together and In a clever technique, the characters look like developing a close relationship. www.50plusLifePA.com

“Grandparents can play a unique and vital role in their grandchildren’s lives. They provide continuity, linking the past to the present. We can tell stories of our heritage and culture, anecdotes about members of our family, and pass along traditions. “We can also have ‘teaching moments’ that support the values and goals that the parents are instilling in the children. I think it is extremely difficult to be a parent in this day and age. Grandparents can be a resource and an asset in so many ways.” By spending time with Aria, Renna had the special joy of recapturing the innocent pleasures of his own childhood in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, a very Italian-American neighborhood. “I had the greatest childhood. All my relatives were within walking distance,” he explains. “We’d sit on the ‘stoop’ and talk and often spend time at each other’s homes. “I visited my grandparents many times in a week. My grandmother would tell me stories of her home in Italy, coming to America, the hard times the family faced, and the traditions that we followed. Of course, these talks always involved some sort of Italian food! Great memories.” A Labor of Love Renna strove to write a book that reflects the creativity and exuberance of childhood. The result is an imaginative, beautifully illustrated story that is highly engaging for children and offers a moral for parents who want their child’s books to include a deeper meaning. Spoiler alert — Jasmine the cat ends up ripping up the presents and decorations and knocks over the food, ruining the party. But the moral is clear: Birthdays are about friendship, not just getting stuff. Ducky is thrilled that his friends planned a special day for him despite Jasmine’s rampage. Surveying the mess, Ducky declares, “Don’t be sad, Aria; this is the best birthday ever!” As a self-published author, Renna’s task is enormous since he is also in charge of marketing the book. Aria loves helping out when her grandfather presents the book and does readings. A highlight for both was a special reading at Aria’s elementary school. Aria sat up front while her principal read the book to the class. Through Renna’s efforts, The Surprise Birthday Party (ariaandducky.com) is available at Barnes & Noble and Bellaboo, a local Lancaster children’s store, or through Amazon.com. “There is so much more to publishing a children’s book than simply writing the text. It is a strain on your time and resources. Unless you write the next Harry Potter or Dr. Seuss series, it will be a long, arduous, and at times frustrating road,” Renna says. “But for me, the real ‘profit’ is the joy of spending time with my granddaughter, laughing, sharing creative ideas, and making memories.” Although Renna’s post-retirement days are filled with consulting, teaching, and volunteer work as a small-business mentor with SCORE, Renna is already planning his second book with Aria. This one will include her little brother, Aiden, who is now 4 years old. “It’s definitely not over — there’ll be more Aria and Ducky adventures. Aria is now 7 years old and in first grade. It will be interesting to see what the next adventure will be for Aria and Ducky. “I knew I’d love being a grandparent, but I didn’t know how amazing it would be. Grandkids keep you young and vital,” he concludes. “I feel honored and blessed to be around my grandchildren. I never take that for granted. I know that I’m a lucky guy. Writing books gives me the opportunity to stay connected to their world.”

from

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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50plus LIFE

January 2022

Legal Ease

Lots of Reasons to Rethink This Plan, Part 2 Jonathan J. David

Dear Jonathan: I am a widower and have five adult children. Rather than engage in any formal and costly estate planning, I plan to keep it simple by adding my daughter’s name to the title of my assets. My assets include my home and bank and investment accounts. I also have two life insurance policies and an IRA, and I plan to name her as the beneficiary of those investments. This way, after I die, all of my assets will end up in my daughter’s name without having to go through probate, and then she can divide everything with her brothers and sisters. She is willing to do that, and I trust her completely. What do you think? Jonathan says: This is part two of my column addressing this question. In Part 1, I listed several reasons why it would be a mistake to add your daughter’s name to the title of your assets. In this column I will specifically address the reasons why it would be a mistake to add your daughter’s name to the title of your home. Those include: 1. As with your other assets, if you add your daughter to the title of your

The road of life contains more than a few curves …

… and confident decisions are informed decisions. Throughout the year, 50plus LIFE includes Special Services pages dedicated to connecting you with these resources in our area: • CCRCs/Life Plan Communities • In-home Healthcare • Hospice Providers • Nursing/Rehab Communities • Assisted Living/Personal Care Communities • Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys

Please access this free and valuable information any time at

50pluslifepa.com/special-services 6

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50plus LIFE

home, you will have made a gift to her of a 50% interest in your home, which will require the filing of a gift tax return with the IRS. 2. Once your daughter is added to the title of your home, she will be a co-owner, and she will now have a say in all decision-making regarding your home. For instance, you will no longer be able to sell the home or refinance the mortgage (if you have one) without her consent. 3. After you pass away and your daughter divides the ownership in the home among her siblings — either by adding them to the title of the home (which would be impractical) or by selling the home and dividing the proceeds with them — she will be deemed to have made a gift to each of them if the value of their respective shares exceeds $15,000. 4. When you add your daughter’s name to the title of your home, not only are you giving her a 50% interest in the home, but she is also receiving half of your cost basis, which is what you paid for the home. This means that a capital gains tax will be incurred when the home is sold after you pass away. How much capital gains tax will have to be paid will be based on the difference between the home’s selling price and the amount of cost basis that is attributed to your daughter. The greater the difference is in those amounts, the more significant the capital gains tax will be. If, instead, you retain sole ownership of your home through the date of your death and have your children receive the home from you as an inheritance, they will receive what is known as a “stepped-up” basis in the property. This means that your cost basis will be “stepped-up” to the home’s fair market value as of the date of your death. Consequently, if your children turn around and sell the home for its date-of-death value, they will not incur a capital gains tax. 5. When adding your daughter’s name to the title of your home, you have to make sure that the deed is prepared properly; otherwise, you could inadvertently create a tenancy in common ownership with your daughter. This means each of you would become the owners of an undivided 50% interest in the home, and your interest would have to probated upon your death, which, of course, you are trying to avoid. Instead of adding your daughter to the title of your home, the better plan is to set up a trust and retitle your home in the name of your trust. This will achieve what you are trying to accomplish without any of the potential problems I have discussed herein. I recommend you meet with an estate-planning attorney, who can review all of this with you in more detail as well as explain how engaging in estate planning, including the preparation of a trust, would be beneficial to you, your daughter, and your other children. Good luck. Jonathan J. David is a shareholder in the law firm of Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., 1700 E. Beltline N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

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CROSSWORD

Puzzle Page

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 22. SUDOKU

Across WORD SEARCH

Fruit Basket

1. Giraffe cousin 6. Renown 10. Pesky insect 14. Speeder’s bane 15. Legal claim 16. NV city 17. Karate experts 19. Consequently 20. 18-wheeler 21. Foolhardy 22. Western film classic, The Magnificent ___ 23. Showman Ziegfeld 25. Tin can appliance

27. Large bird of prey, the Great ___ 31. Filth 32. Cereal grain 33. Condo division 35. Knitting ___ 39. All excited 41. Type of stare or cartridge 43. Diva’s song 44. Indicate 46. Moonshine mix 48. Mornings, for short 49. Burden 51. Gainsborough painting

53. Withstand 55. Hostel 56. Explosion 57. Wilted 60. Jason’s ship 64. Final notice 65. Embarrassed to the hilt 67. Exploding star 68. Above 69. The Republic writer 70. Water pitcher 71. Sets 72. Brusque

22. Arid 24. Singer Rawls 26. Walking papers 27. Egg on 28. The latest thing 29. Town on the Thames 30. ___ Abner 34. Scottish cap 36. Ho-hum 37. Airport pickup 38. Effortless 40. Kindergarten reward 42. Apprehend 45. Race track tipster

47. Fifth-century barbarian 50. Computer key 52. Empower 53. Pasta shape 54. Gullible 56. Dog treat 58. Matinee ___ 59. Atlas feature 61. Kind of admiral or window 62. Catches on 63. Native Nebraskan 65. Dust remover

Down 1. Globes 2. Curly cabbage 3. Comic Sandler 4. Appease 5. Aggravate 6. Chigger 7. Suffers 8. Modus operandi 9. Print measures 10. Chinese beverage 11. Audacity 12. Infuriate 13. Warner Bros. creation 18. Grizzly, e.g.

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

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50plus LIFE

January 2022

Grief Relief

Starting a New Year with Grief Victor M. Parachin

Some common new-year greetings include expressions such as, “Wishing you happiness and health in the new year,” “Wave goodbye to the old; embrace the new with hope and joy,” and “May the days of a new year be filled with happiness for you.” It’s likely those kinds of wishes may not resonate strongly with those grieving the recent death of a loved one; however, it is possible to tap into the positive energy and symbolism of a new year to help you manage grief and move on with life. Here are some suggestions. Draw motivation from the Serenity Prayer. Written by Rev. Reinhold Niebuhr, the Serenity Prayer offers this motivating wisdom for those who are grieving: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” For the bereaved, that prayer is a simple but eloquent reminder that the reality of loss cannot be reversed, so the wise course of action is in acceptance and adjustment. Consider these bereavement New Year’s resolutions. Culturally, a new year is an ideal time to reframe the mind and refocus the spirit. So, consider making these types of affirming resolutions to help you resolve grief: I will not compare my grief to others ... I am able to overcome loss and live again ... I will surround myself with wise, supportive friends ... I have the ability to navigate my life through this challenging time ... This is hard, but I am able to see it through ... I will nurture my body, mind, and spirit as I work through grief. Remind yourself mistakes are OK. Since there’s really no manual for dealing with grief, the process is one of trial and error. When you make a mistake, rather than berate yourself, give yourself credit for trying. Writer Neil Gaiman says: “I hope that in this year to come, you make

Did you know?

is available online for anytime/anywhere reading!

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50plus LIFE

mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.” Practice living in the present moment. It’s all too easy to get dragged back into the past and wish things were different or to be pulled into the future, worrying about your life. Practice living in the present moment because it’s an effective way to remain positive. Any time you find yourself drifting into the past or the future, bring yourself back to the immediate moment by reflecting on good things happening right now and by identifying the progress you are making. Recall this wisdom from Ekhart Tolle: “Always say ‘yes’ to the present moment … Surrender to what is. Say ‘yes’ to life — and see how life starts suddenly to start working for you rather than against you.” Limit social media. Education writer Alyssa Abel makes this observation: “When you check your social media feeds, does your heart race in anticipation for the next terrible breaking news story? “Though this habit didn’t exclusively start in 2020, it morphed into doom scrolling during the pandemic as everyone got in the habit of checking for daily updates and alerts on how dire circumstances were becoming — especially with the pandemic happening during an election year. “It’s impossible to feel positive if you become lost in negative social media posts, and it’s impossible to avoid them if you’re on there. Limit how often you open your go-to news and social apps so you can devote that time to better habits instead.” Drop a bad habit. That advice is offered by Kristin Meekhof, author of A Widow’s Guide to Healing: Gentle Support and Advice for the First 5 Years. “Pick one bad behavior that you find yourself doing and eliminate it. This can be very small,” she writes, and cites the example of a widow who ate fast food every time she dropped her daughter off at gymnastics classes. Her daughter was doing gymnastics twice weekly, so that meant this widow was eating fast food twice a week. “This meal choice was devastating her blood sugar levels, which was impacting her mood, and, in turn, she found herself being short with her daughter.” She quit eating fast food during her daughter’s gymnastics sessions and discovered that in making this one change, there was improvement in other areas of her life. “Ending one behavior will allow space for something new. It will also show you that you do have control over something,” Meekhof adds. Victor M. Parachin, M.Div., is a grief counselor, bereavement educator, and author of several books, including Healing Grief.

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Social Security News

By John Johnston

Get Your Social Security Benefit Statement

We’ve made getting your annual benefit statement even easier. The benefit statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA1042S, is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from us in the previous year. You can use this information when you file your tax return, as it shows how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service. If you live in the United States and you need a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, go online to get your instant, printable replacement form using your personal “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Look for your replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for the previous tax year in your personal account after Feb. 1. If you don’t have access to a printer, you can save the document to your computer or email it to yourself. If you don’t have a “my Social Security” account, creating one is very easy to do and usually takes less than 10 minutes. And that’s not all you can do with a personal account. If you receive benefits or have Medicare, your personal “my Social Security” account is also the best way to:

Defrost the

winter blues. Get 50plus LIFE sent straight to your mailbox!

• Request a replacement Social Security number card (in most states and the District of Columbia) • Get your benefit-verification letter • Check your benefit and payment information • Change your address and phone number • Change your direct-deposit information • Request a replacement Medicare card • Report your wages if you work and receive Social Security disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits If you’re a non-citizen who lives outside of the United States and you received or repaid Social Security benefits last year, we will send you form SSA-1042S in the mail. The forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. If you don’t have a personal “my Social Security” account, you can create one today at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Simply mail this form and $15 for an annual subscription to: 50plus LIFE • P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604 Call (717) 285-8131, or subscribe online at www.50plusLIFEPA.com! Name_ _______________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State_ _____ Zip_ _________________ Credit Card #____________________________________ Exp. Date_ _______ CVV_ _____

John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.

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50plus LIFE

January 2022

Bob’s Tech Talk

Bob DeLaurentis

Emoji Dictionary, Device Chargers, and Teaching Online

Q. Is there a dictionary for Emoji? A. What a delightful question. There is not just a dictionary, but an entire encyclopedia! Point any web browser to Emojipedia (emojipedia.org), your one-stop shop for all things emoji. While many people know about emojis, fewer people know there is a constantly changing universe surrounding emojis. New emojis are added regularly, and illustrations for existing emoji characters change over time. For example, a recent change to the syringe character removed the red drops suggesting blood, expanding the usefulness of the syringe to communicate about vaccines. These kinds of changes are documented on Emojipedia. Emojipedia is a labor of love founded by one person, Jeremy Burge, who refers to himself as the chief emoji officer of Emojipedia. Burge’s site contains a wealth of information, both current and historic.

There is a searchable index of character descriptions, character lists grouped by occasion, news, release schedules, and much more. The visual style of an illustration for each emoji character varies. A smiley face looks one way on an iPhone and a different way on a Google phone. Some software companies also develop their own interpretation of the emoji character set. Personal computing has come a long way from ASCII marks like :) to denote a sideways smile. Today, the right emoji can add depth and meaning to any text. Q. Are smartphone chargers interchangeable? Can I reuse my existing charger with a new device? A. The easy answer is sort of, but not always. Read on to get the whole story. The power-charger tale mirrors many other stories in tech. Some things get better. Some things get worse. And there is plenty of confusion to maximize

! r a e r u o y s u d n e L

50plus LIFE and Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania have partnered to bring you weekly audio readings of 50plus LIFE’s editorial content! Listen to the livestream Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at www.vrocp.org! The program will repeat 3 times that day and Saturdays from 11-11:30 a.m. This audio broadcast is one of the many ways Vision Resources facilitates independence, enriches quality of life, and empowers individuals in our community who are visually impaired. And it’s one more way 50plus LIFE and On-Line Publishers are continuing 25 years of serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community.

For more information, call Vision Resources at (717) 238-2531 and listen at visit www.vrocp.org. 10

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the suspense. It does appear that the days of finding a power charger in the smartphone box are numbered. What was once considered a necessity is now an accessory. Besides quality, the difference between chargers comes down to two things: the USB connector and the power capacity. You will need a cable that matches the connectors on the adapter and your phone. When it comes to power, a little larger is better than a little too small. Your device will only draw the amount it requires. Reusing an older charger is fine if it is powerful enough. The latest technology in power adapters is gallium nitride, usually abbreviated GaN. These adapters tend to be smaller and more powerful than previous chargers. Some of them are powerful enough to handle a Chromebook or a couple of phones at the same time. Unfortunately they require USB-C. If you need a suggestion for your new smartphone charger, the Anker Nano II 45-watt charger is a great choice. One word of caution: Avoid the temptation to go for a bargain-priced power adapter. Safety margins matter. Even a well-designed, high-quality adapter can develop problems. Bargain-priced adapters are no bargain in the long run. Q. I have enjoyed playing the piano all my life. Now that I am retired, I would love to teach music. Is there a way to find students online? A. There are services that allow people to create online courses and make them available for sale, including Teachable, Udemy, and Skillshare, just to name a few. Typically these services take a hefty percentage of sales in exchange for hosting the course. In addition to knowledge about the topic itself, you will need some basic skills in creating video and navigating a website to set up a course. These sites have the potential to build a following, but with dozens of courses in every subject area competing for attention, building a course that can stand out among the crowd is difficult. There is also a site dedicated to music instruction called Lessonface. Unlike the services above, Lessonface connects teachers and students for live lessons over the internet. This model is much closer to traditional fee-per-hour tutoring, utilizing the internet for video calls. Lessonface fees are far lower when a teacher finds a student directly, which is great for instructors who already have active students and want the option to provide services online. While they are still a bit on the techie side of things to use, I think these services can be a wonderful way for retirees to share their knowledge with others. Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.

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Join the 2022 One Book, One Community campaign by reading The Life We Bury by Allen Esken.

40 libraries in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, York, and surrounding counties and their community partners present the regional reading campaign. Read the book in January and attend free library programs and discussions throughout February and early spring!

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January 2022

The Beauty in Nature

Wintering Harriers and Short-Ears Clyde McMillan-Gamber

In winter, over several years, I’ve seen wintering northern harriers, which are a kind of hawk, and short-eared owls hunting mice and small birds in marshes and tallgrass fields in southeastern Pennsylvania, including at Middle Creek Wildlife Area and Gettysburg National Park. Harriers hunt by day, and short-ears do so from late in the afternoon into the night. And both kinds of these handsome, feathered predators are entertaining to watch hunting. Occasionally they are seen in the same place at the same time. These beautiful, camouflaged predators have the same job in the same habitats but at different times of day, which reduces competition between them for food. It’s interesting how a species from each family of birds diverges from its relatives to exploit a habitat their cousins don’t. But that same kind of bird converges with a non-relative in the same environment. Each habitat molds its occupants into being similar in body form and habits to be able to thrive in it. Most birds, all bats, and certain insect species have wings, which enable them to fly as part of their survival. Harriers and short-ears have characteristics in common because of the habitats they share. Both cruise slowly, gracefully, and into the wind for lift and flight control when hunting. The delightful flights of both raptors, which are low to the ground, are inspiring to see. Both the hawks and owls watch and listen closely for any indication of prey. And when a victim is perceived, both

Northern harrier.

Short-eared owl.

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feathered predators drop abruptly into the tall vegetation to grab it in their sharp talons. Harriers hunt with several wing beats alternating with short glides. They also hover on beating wings, into the wind, over one spot if they sense prey. These hawks are identified in flight by their large, white rump feathering. The attractive owls begin hunting late in winter afternoons. They fly silently and moth-like, on quick, irregular wingbeats and short glides. Their tawny plumage identifies them when they are in flight. Wintering harriers and short-ears are not common in southeastern Pennsylvania. And they don’t nest here. There are few tall-grass fields here and no marshes large enough to attract them. But these adaptable birds do nest in some deserted landfills and strip mines that were planted with tall grass to help hold down — and enrich — the remaining soil. Northern harriers and short-eared owls are beautiful, graceful birds of prey that share marshes and tall-grass fields to hunt prey and rear offspring. But we only see them in southeastern Pennsylvania during winter when they hunt mice and small birds in tall-grass and overgrown, weedy fields. Both these attractive species are an inspiring pleasure to watch hunting low over marshes and fields. Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired Lancaster County Parks naturalist.

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

January 2022

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Pet of the Month

Noel

This beautiful lady is a 7-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair. With a face like this, it is hard to believe Noel has been with us at the shelter for over 130 days. Noel is ready to spend the new year and beyond with her new family. Since she has been with us for so long, we have really gotten to know Noel inside and out. Noel knows that you can have too much of a good thing, so she enjoys being pet and brushed, all in moderation. If you are looking for a nice new kitty companion to start the year, then check out Miss Noel! Noel’s ID number is 228881. Please send your application to adoptlancaster@humanepa.org, or give the shelter a call at (717) 393-6551 to learn more.

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50plus LIFE

January 2022

Willing to Wander

Victor Block

Be a Stateside Tourist – Get Out on the Scenic Drives

Granted, it would be challenging now to take a truly cross-country drive, or even follow a scenic road that meanders through several states, stopping at tourist attractions along the way. But that doesn’t mean you have to park the family buggy at home and forego automobile outings that provide a Fields of sunflowers greet visitors to Kansas. reintroduction to the outside world. Inviting scenic drives that until recently attracted people from every state to every state still exist, and no doubt some are within an easy commute from where you live. From Maine to California, Florida to Washington state, opportunities abound to get outside, enjoy a bit of fresh air, and admire some of Mother Nature’s handiworks. If none of these routes is close to your home, others no doubt are. Maine has nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, and U.S. Route 1 provides introductions to most of it. As the road meanders along, it offers views of the

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rocky shoreline, quaint fishing villages, historic homes, and ships lying at anchor in protected harbors. The aptly named National Road, the first federally funded highway in the country, was authorized by Congress in 1806 to link the agricultural Midwest with the cities and seaports of Idaho’s landscape makes it a scenic gem. the East. Much of it follows a route used first by Native Americans, then by early European explorers, and later by settlers. It cuts through the Cumberland Narrows, an opening in the mountain range that runs the length of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Sections of the road stretch through six states, with some of its most historic sections in Maryland’s Allegany County, the self-styled “Mountain Side of Maryland,” which alone is home to a treasure trove of attractions. They include the restored one-room log cabin that George Washington

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occupied early in his military career and the Paw The fourth corner of the country also has roads to Paw Tunnel, which was cut through solid rock as rave about. The Stevens Pass Scenic Byway stretches part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. When it 69 miles from colorfully named Gold Bar to was built during the 1830s and 1840s, construction Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian village known of the shaft represented a major engineering for its colorful traditional European architecture. achievement. The road scales the rugged Cascade Mountains; Less impressive, but no less interesting, is the offers views of jagged peaks, rivers, and glacial lakes; LaValle Toll Gate House. That oddly shaped, sevenand leads to the ski resort, and former railroad sided structure was the only toll-collecting station town, of Seven Pass, perched in the mountains at an along the National Road when it was built in 1836. elevation of over 4,000 feet. A plaque lists the fees charged for a horse and rider Mountains also compose part of Oak Creek (4 cents), one-horse coach (6 cents), and two-horse Canyon Drive (U.S. 89A), which passes through carriage (12 cents). Sedona Canyon and on toward Phoenix, Arizona. While the list of scenic drives in Florida is long, The main attractions are barren desert terrain and Visitors to Louisiana may spot brown pelicans. many locals tout the 60-mile stretch of Route 17 the famous red rocks that paint the canyon. Sunsetbetween Sebring and Loughman as among the best. colored buttes, haunting desert vistas, and tiny As it traverses the central portion of the state, the road passes historic towns add to the something-for-everyone variety of this road trip. communities, sprawling citrus fields and other touches of agriculture, and Another inviting jaunt is provided by the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. crystal-clear lakes. The rural setting provides a reminder of what Florida was like Route 550) as it passes through the southwestern part of Colorado. in the early 1900s. That 82-mile-long roller-coaster ride is one of the highest routes in the Leap-frogging to the West Coast, California lives up to its nickname as “the country. It soars into the San Juan Mountains and then dives down into deep, Golden State” with its wealth of inviting routes. Some are well-known highways sun-drenched valleys. Fields of wildflowers and sightings of elk add to the and byways that offer dramatic ocean views, while others head inland past excitement and enjoyment. rolling vineyards and other attractions. From flowers to fishing villages, soaring bridges to Technicolor buttes, scenic California State Route 154 is a back road between Los Olivos and Santa drives everywhere offer diversions galore to those who hop in their car and head Barbara. Along the way it traverses the Los Padres National Forest and San out and about. Marcos Pass in the mountains, reaches Lake Cachuma, and crosses the Cold After gallivanting around the world, Victor Block still retains the travel bug. He Spring Canyon Arch Bridge. believes that travel is the best possible education. A member of the Society of American Soaring 400 feet above the canyon floor, it’s one of the highest spans in the Travel Writers, Victor loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories United States. This road is designated as a Scenic Highway for the “memorable about them have won a number of writing awards. landscape” through which it passes.

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50plus LIFE

January 2022

Savvy Senior

Your Old Cellphone May Not Work in 2022 Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, My 80-year-old father has an old flip phone he carries around with him for emergency purposes, but I’ve heard these devices will soon be phased out. Is this true? If so, how can we know if his phone will be affected, and where can I find him a simple new one that he can operate? – Searching Daughter Dear Searching, Yes, it’s true! If your dad’s mobile phone is more than a few years old, he will probably need to upgrade it in the very near future. Why? Because all of the major cellphone carriers — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — are shutting down their older 3G networks in 2022 to free up airwaves for 5G and other advanced services. So, if your dad is using an old 3G phone, like millions of other older Americans, he’ll need to get a new device if he wants to make calls, text, or reach 911.

But you should also know it’s not just older cellphones that will be obsolete. Older home security systems, medical devices, and personal emergency-response systems that still harness 3G will also be affected. Adding to the confusion, older 4G phones that don’t support modern cellular voice technologies, such as voiceover LTE or HD voice, are impacted, too. Those customers may need a software upgrade or a new phone. Here are the timelines for the 3G shutdowns in 2022: AT&T, February; T-Mobile, July 1; Verizon, Dec. 31; Sprint (which is owned by T-Mobile), March 31; and Sprint LTE, June 30. Other smaller carriers like Tracfone, Cricket, Boost, and Straight Talk will also be affected because they rely on airwaves from the big three. Is Your Phone Affected? Cellphone carriers say they have been alerting customers who use older phones that services are ending, sending a combination of texts, letters, phone

You know a good story when you hear it. Think you or someone you know would make an interesting profile story for 50plus LIFE? We are looking for central Pennsylvanians over age 50 who have a unique hobby, passion, or history of volunteer work, or who are a part of an interesting local club. Ideal story candidates are willing to talk about themselves and to be photographed. Your name: _______________________________________________________________ Your address: ____________________________________________________________________ Your phone: ________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________ Nominee’s name (if not self): ____________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s town of residence: ___________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s phone: __________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Why they would make a great story: _____________________________________________________________________ Note: Please get your nominee’s permission before submitting them!

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Please email story submissions to Megan Joyce, editor, at mjoyce@onlinepub.com or send via mail to 50plus LIFE, P.O. Box 8049, Lancaster, PA 17604. 16

January 2022

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calls, and emails. If you’re not sure about your dad’s phone, contact his carrier or check their website for a list of affected devices. Another way to see if your dad’s phone is 3G is to look up his international mobile equipment identity number, which can be found by pressing *#06# on his keypad. Once you have it, go to imei.info and type it in the search bar to get the phone’s details. If his phone has a frequency of 900 megahertz (MHz) or 2100 MHz, it’s 3G. You can also look for a “3G” icon at the top corner of his phone, but not all 3G phones have that icon. How to Upgrade If you find you do need to upgrade your dad’s cellphone, carriers are offering discounts and special promotions on replacement devices. If you’re worried about your dad having to learn his way around a new device, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of modern flip phones available that work on the next-generation networks.

Or, if your dad decides he would rather forge ahead without a phone than upgrade, then he will need to cancel the service. Most carriers will let you cancel your plan without any penalty. However, if he forgets to cancel his phone plan and doesn’t upgrade to a working device, the company won’t automatically stop charging him just because he isn’t able to access their network. How to Recycle If your dad does have to replace his old cellphone, the best way to dispose of it is to recycle it. Large retailers, such as Best Buy, offer recycling programs for old electronics. Or you can search for local recycling programs on websites like Call2Recycle (call2recycle.org) and Earth911 (earth911.com). 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.

Sixties Flashback

And the Winning Bid is … Randal C. Hill

On Jan. 13, 2013, Lot 5037 rolled smoothly onto center stage at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The sleek, lowslung vehicle, owned by California auto customizer George Barris, glistened like a black diamond under the lights. Moments later, furious bidding erupted among the well-heeled. After 13 minutes, it was all over, the buyer elated, the audience stunned. TV’s original Batmobile had found a new home.

George Barris. Never titled and therefore uninsurable, the auto sat idle for years, slowly deteriorating behind Barris’s Kustom City shop in North Hollywood. In August 1965, two producers from the forthcoming TV show Batman approached another California car customizer, Dean Jeffries, about building a Batmobile for the program. Jeffries soon began working on the body of a 1959 Cadillac before realizing he wouldn’t have time to finish the project before Photo credit: William Tung, from USA, Flickr.com ••• the three-week deadline. He was The Batmobile from the Adam West-era Batman TV series, During the ’50s, American car paid off, and the producers turned to San Diego Comic Con 2012. companies held annual auto shows, Barris. where attendees were often enthralled “They said, ‘You’ve got 15 days and by what the factory folks called “concept cars.” Such boldly designed vehicles $15,000,’” Barris recalled later. “But the challenge was worth it. I said, ‘Let’s go were constructed to showcase new styling and technology but were never for it!’ What I had to create was a fantasy.” offered for sale. He rounded up five people to revamp the Futura. Barris himself painted it A decade before the Batmobile appeared on TV’s Batman show, the Lincoln- a gloss black and added bright red-and-orange trim to help make it “pop” on Mercury division of Ford Motor Company had proudly displayed its Lincoln color television. Futura concept car at the 1955 Chicago Auto Show. Miraculously, the project was completed on time, and the Batmobile Bill Schmidt, the company’s chief stylist, had been inspired to come up with debuted on national TV on Jan. 12, 1966. That’s when the Caped Crusader the design for the Futura one day after he had scrutinized a shark while scuba and Robin first roared out of the Batcave in a gadget-loaded vehicle meant to diving. instill fear in the hearts of Gotham’s lawbreaking louts. Schmidt later designed what would amount to a “laboratory on wheels,” an ••• experimental machine loaded with advanced — really advanced — engineering In Scottsdale, the new Batmobile owner set an auction record by paying and design features. $4.2 million (plus another $420,000 for the 10% buyer’s premium) to acquire Measuring nearly 19 feet in length, the Futura was 7 feet wide but stood less the iconic collectible. That was quite a markup for George Barris as, decades than 4.5 feet high. It sported rakish tail fins, Plexiglas bubble canopies, a push- earlier, Ford had sold him their $250,000 Futura for the princely sum of $1. button gearshift, and space for a telephone behind the center console. Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the rest of him resides in Bandon, Most concept cars, expensive as they were to design and build, were Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com. eventually scrapped. In this case, though, the Futura was later bought by www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE

January 2022

The History of Ordinary Things

Remembering One-Room School Days Doris Montag

AC Y •

R RMENT • P

An embroidered sign with codes of conduct for schoolteachers in Tennessee, circa 1916.

created the opportunity for more women to become teachers. By 1880, teaching was the second-most popular employment for women. Some teachers earned certificates at their high school by taking “normal” classes (teacher preparation) or correspondence courses. Life for the country schoolteacher was prescribed by the board of education. A young girl typically lived with a local family who lived close to the school. In 1915, female teachers were expected

About Us – The Lancaster County Office of Aging (LCOA) was established 45 years ago as a

NG • DIGN AGI ITY

VO C AD

VE TI

One-room schoolhouse items often included the chalk holder, penny pencils, a pitch pipe, an inkwell with closeable lid, and a lunch pail.

•

ASS OMP ION • A •C C

Many seniors of today attended a oneroom school, and many of our mothers and grandmothers were teachers for at least a short time. In the 1800s, anyone who knew a little about math, history, reading, and writing could teach school. Many teachers with only an eighthgrade education were instructing students a few years younger than themselves. At first, most teachers were male; however, the call to Civil War (18611865) military service

Lancaster County Office of Aging Maintaining the independence and quality of life for Lancaster County’s aging population through information, protection, services, and community support.

result of the passage of the Older Americans Act. This act directed states to develop a network of services and supports to help keep older adults healthy and independent. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging was created to fulfill this mandate. In turn, a network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) was established throughout the commonwealth to carry out this mission at the local level. Funding for aging-related services is a combination of state and federal monies, with the Pennsylvania Lottery providing the major source of funding. In Lancaster County, the AAA is part of county government. We are dedicated to providing Lancaster County residents, 60 years of age and older, with a wide range of informational resources and services as well as advocacy efforts and elder abuse protection. The LCOA offers the following services:

Our Philosophy:

• Information and referral services

u Support

the older person’s right to decide his/her own destiny. Encourage consumer self-determination and choice.

• H ome and community-based support services

u Support

the older person’s right to risk.

• Protection from abuse and neglect

u Promote

independence and dignity.

• A PPRISE, Medicare, and related health insurance counseling

u Avoid

unnecessary/inappropriate institutionalization.

• Long-term living assessments

January 2022

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• Senior center services

• • • • • • • •

Adult daily living services Caregiver support Employment Ombudsman services Transportation Legal services Health and wellness programming Volunteer opportunities

For more information, please call us Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 717-299-7979/1-800-801-3070, visit our website at www.lancoaging.org, or email aging@co.lancaster.pa.us. www.50plusLifePA.com

to obey rules like these (from the Curlew, Palo Alto County, Iowa, Centennial Book 1884-1984): 1. You will not marry during the term of your contract. 2. You are not to keep company with men. 3. You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless attending a school function. 4. You may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores. 5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have permission from the chairman of the board. 6. You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any man, unless he is your father or brother. 7. You may not smoke cigarettes.

Sheaffer’s Skrip Writing Fluid, washable, Sheaffer Pen Co., Fort Madison, Iowa, est. 1912.

8. You may not dress in bright colors. 9. You may, under no circumstances, dye your hair. 10. You must wear at least two petticoats. 11. Your dresses must not be any shorter than 2 inches above the ankles. 12. To keep the schoolroom neat and clean, you must: sweep the floor once daily; scrub the floor at least once a week with hot, soapy water; clean the blackboards at least once a day; and start the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be warm by 8 a.m. The teacher prepared lesson plans for multiple ages, often using the older students to teach or help younger ones. In addition to the three “R’s”, the students had art and music lessons. The teacher was responsible for maintaining the fire and getting water, often from a neighboring farm, for drinking and cleaning. Student lunches were heated on the wood stove. Class discipline was reinforced by the parents, who lived close by and quickly learned of problems at school. In 1818 Pennsylvania adopted an act establishing schools in Philadelphia for educating the poor. A similar law was adopted in 1821 for the schools in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and Allegheny counties. The act of 1831 provided for the establishment of a general system of education through the creation of a school fund (unsuccessful). In 1833,

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Samuel Breck, “The Father of the PublicSchool Law” of Pennsylvania, wrote the legislation that guaranteed everyone at least the rudiments of an education. In 1857, Gov. James Pollock signed a law creating Normal Schools, which would eventually become state teachers’ colleges and, today, institutions in the State System of Higher Education. A compulsory schoolattendance law was passed in 1895 that required children between the ages of 8 and 13 years to attend school for 16 consecutive weeks. During and after the Great Depression, many teachers had their salaries cut or worked for room and board. Some rural teachers lived in their one-room schoolhouse and would cook on the school’s wood stoves. By 1930, legislation approved state funds Sanford’s Ink Eraser Set, for the transportation/busing of pupils, c. 1910s, “Removes ink and which ultimately led to the decline of the other stains from paper or country schools. cloth.” Sanford Ink Co., The delivery of education has been uneven Chicago, est. 1857. in public-school policies, practices, and funding, but it remains a long-held value seen as essential to a democratic citizenry. 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.

Time is a Priceless Gift

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.

50plus LIFE

January 2022

Melinda’s Garden

Melinda Myers

Grow Herbs Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment

Add garden-fresh flavor to your meals year-round. Grow a few of your favorite herbs indoors, harvest, and enjoy. Select a variety of herbs you and your family enjoy and use for cooking, decoration, or fragrance. Basil, chives, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, mint, parsley, sage, and thyme are some of the easier herbs to grow indoors. Purchase plants or seeds from your local garden center, favorite garden catalog, or produce section of the grocery store. Most herbs need six to eight hours of bright light each day. A southfacing window in winter is best, but an east- or west-facing window may be sufficient. Increase success with artificial lights. Set the timer for 1416 hours a day and keep lights 6-12

inches above the plants. You will find lots of energy-efficient and stylish options for just about any space. Sleeker designs, like Gardener’s Supply Micro Grow Light Garden, can be placed on the kitchen counter or a small table. Furniture-grade options, like Bamboo LED Grow Light Garden, make it easy to grow herbs in just about any room in the house. Use a variety of plants to create an attractive display in a large windowsill planter. Combine plants that have the same growing requirements to ensure success. Or place each herb plant in its own container. A 4- to 7-inch pot is a good size when starting with smaller Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company/gardeners.com plants. Growing individual plants in Artificial lights ensure herbs receive enough bright light to successfully their own containers allows you to grow indoors. provide the specific watering, care, and transplanting they need. Select containers with drainage holes or reduce maintenance and increase Are you getting your share of the success with self-watering containers. Just fill the water reservoir, which gradually releases water into the soil for the plants to use. You will need to water less often. Which buyers make up the Silver Economy? Fill the container with a well-drained quality potting mix. Many contain a • 962 million men and women over the age of 60 slow-release fertilizer, providing weeks or even several months of nutrients for • A group with 11 times more wealth than millennials your plants. Just check the label for details and adjust fertilization as needed. • Persons with a life expectancy in the U.S. is about 78.87 years Water the containers thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is dry. • Persons who prefer in-person contact when possible • A group that wants to age at home as long as reasonable Pour off excess water so the plant does not sit in the excess and succumb to root rot. Or place pebbles in the tray to elevate the pot above any water Why do you want to reach these buyers? • They are free of many economic burdens that collects in the saucer or tray. This means less work for you and better • They like to take care of themselves, be active, eat well, be fashionable, and have fun growing conditions for the plant. • They have more free time Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer or use a dilute solution of any indoor • They are looking for products and services to help them age well houseplant fertilizer once the nutrients in the potting mix are spent. Follow What sectors are on the rise? label directions and do not overdo it, as too much fertilizer can harm your The not-so-obvious: The obvious: plants. • Home improvements/renovations • Security technology – mobile apps, sensors, wearable Begin harvesting most herbs when they reach 6-8 inches in height and devices, smart clothing, etc. • Tourism and leisure activities tailored as needed. Use a sharp pair of garden scissors, snips, or hand pruners. for them • Pet care – pet sitting, walking, grooming, food, accessories, etc. • Caregiver solutions Make cuts above a set of healthy leaves so the remaining plant is neater and • Financial products geared for seniors • Gardening/lawn services combined with snow removal tidier in appearance. As the plant grows, you will be able to harvest larger • Mobile esthetic and concierge services – hairstylist, • Retirement living quantities and more often. manicurist, massage, facials • Personal services – running errands, shopping Start with a few of your favorite herbs and expand your collection as you gain experience. Soon you will be confident and eager to try more What are you waiting for? challenging favorites. 51% of people aged 52-70 spend fewer than 11 hours a week online.

SILVER ECONOMY?

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!

Call to learn how we can help you reach our 150,000+ readers of 50plus LIFE! 717.285.1350 or email info@onlinepub.com

January 2022

50plus LIFE

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. MelindaMyers.com

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The Bookworm Sez

Terri Schlichenmeyer

Grand: A Grandparent’s Wisdom for a Happy Life

That little face holds so much expectation. You meet the eyes of your grandchild, and you know you have a big job ahead of you. She expects you to love her as much as she loves you, and you do. He figures you’ll have fun together, and you will. They expect, quite frankly, to be spoiled a little, and that’ll happen, too. And with the new book Grand by Charles Johnson, a few lessons might be taught along the way … Some years ago, when Johnson helped design the elegant room that would be his home office, he had certain things in mind. Not one of them was that his grandson, Emery, would take the room as “his” office, but that’s what happened, and that’s OK. The boy is an obvious delight. Emery’s thoughts, his willingness to share his world, and his points of view make Johnson proud; their relationship is easy and solid. This gives Johnson an ease of comparison between Emery and his ancestors and lesson-filled stories to tell: Emery loves Grand: A Grandparent’s Wisdom for a Happy Life books, though reading was denied to his forebears. At age By Charles Johnson 8, he doesn’t have to work like his great-granduncle did. c. 2020, Hanover Square Press He has nearly unlimited opportunities, unlike his great160 pages grandfather. And yet, as a Black man, Johnson knows there are other lessons he needs to teach his grandson, lessons that go outside history and into the future. Be yourself, he’ll tell Emery, and know that the world has never seen anyone exactly like you. Don’t chase perfection because nothing is ever perfect. Give dimension to your life by finding your purpose, taking care of yourself, and caring for others. Know that you’ll suffer, and that others will suffer, too. Look for beauty in life every day, even if it lies inside pain. Remember the “three gatekeepers” before you speak. Never be complacent with your skills, never stop learning, never stop being creative or curious. And know there are three kinds of love. If you’re lucky, you’ll experience each one. When you found out you were going to be a grandparent, do you remember how your mind raced with all the things you wanted to do with your grandbaby?

Add 10 more to that list after you’ve read Grand, but take a deep breath first. Author Charles Johnson writes with a quiet reserve here that borders on gravity in the lessons he has — and that you can offer — to a grandchild. That seriousness is often further weighed heavily with Buddhist teachings and philosophy that can turn downright somber sometimes, and the text, though certainly filled with love and wisdom that ultimately leads to joy, can feel as though it begs for a lighter hand. Beware, too, that these sentiments aren’t meant for sudden talks: They’re lessons that start early and continue for decades. Even so, there are lessons here for elders as much as for their littles, and despite its occasional excess depth, you should easily be able to proceed as you need. With the right mindset and Grand, you can expect good things. 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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January 2022

Stocking Collection Brightens Holidays for Military Blue Ridge closed their 12th year of partnership with Keystone Military Families’ Stockings for Soldiers program, in which they raised over $28,000 in monetary donations. Those funds will be used to defray the costs of purchasing, shipping, and distributing giftfilled stockings to American soldiers serving around the world. The Stockings for Soldiers drive also:

• Distributed over 3,500 handmade ornaments (including sewn stockings)

• Collected 8,000 pounds of stocking-stuffer donations (including food, hygiene, and other requested items) • Generated more than 32,000 personalized messages (including close to 12,000 crocheted/knitted prayer squares, over 16,000 cards, and over 4,000 colored stockings)

From left, Tanya Bashore, KMF Stockings for Soldiers volunteer; Kyle Lord, founder, KMF; and Cindy Mellinger, Central PA KMF Stockings for Soldiers coordinator and Blue Ridge marketing/community relations coordinator.

“We cannot thank the many individuals, churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and volunteers enough for all they do to help this initiative succeed year after year,” Cindy Mellinger, Blue Ridge marketing/ community relations coordinator and Stockings for Soldiers Central PA project coordinator, said. “Such a simple gesture as a gift-filled stocking or a personalized Christmas card makes a world of difference — boosting the spirits and showing our appreciation for the men and women serving in our military.”

Shovel the Snow Safely This Winter Snow is lovely to look at, but it’s a pain to shovel. Worse, shoveling can cause injury if you’re not careful. Here’s how to safely keep your walk and driveway clear in the winter, from Better Homes & Gardens: Do some prep work. Before snowy weather hits, be sure to remove any obstacles from the path you’ll be clearing — sticks, stones, doormats, toys, cords, or anything else that might be hidden under the snow and cause you to trip while you’re working outside.

Don’t wait for the snow to stop. It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s not necessarily a bad idea. The more snow that piles up, the heavier your job. Shoveling or using the snow blower before the snow stops falling means you’re not exerting yourself as much. You’ll save strain in your back and arms. Also, more frequent shoveling prevents snow and ice from freezing on the sidewalk, which is harder to remove and makes the surface more slippery. Remember pets and other animals. Make sure your dog or cat is inside before you start up your snow blower. If you use something to melt the ice, look for a product that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can harm pets walking over it. Wipe off your pets’ paws when they come inside, and keep the packaging safely out of their reach.

Puzzles shown on page 7.

Puzzle Solutions

Perform seasonal maintenance. If you use a snow blower, don’t just leave it in the garage all year until you need it in the winter. Drain the gas before you store it away in the spring, or replace it with a stabilized fuel. Otherwise, the gas can separate and create problems for the engine when you operate it. If you forget to drain the tank,

empty it and replace the fuel before using it again.

January 2022

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A new action thriller with the intriguing title of The 355 opens this month. The inspiration for the film’s title goes back to the Revolutionary War era, when 355 was the code number assigned to the first female spy — a woman unnamed (and obviously unappreciated) by historians to this day. Today’s The 355 features a band of female spies, and each is a potential Dirty Harry in a dress. Together, these ladies embark on a mission to locate and dispatch evil mercenaries who have secured a lethal, top-secret weapon. In today’s high-tech world, the enemy is invisible and has the ability to destabilize entire countries from a distant keyboard. Because of Images © Universal Pictures or related entities. this, a team of elite spies — each Used for publicity and promotional purposes. coincidentally a gorgeous fashionista — has been assembled. They all work for different intelligence agencies — American, British, German, Colombian — and each faces a common foe; if that foe is not stopped, the result could be World War III. The script for The 355 offers plenty of rock ’em, sock ’em action. Also, the four women, though seemingly working in an atmosphere of solidarity, are all in reality playing both sides against the middle. Which means that none of them can be completely trusted. Jessica Chastain is American CIA agent Mason “Mace” Brown. Her fellow spies include German agent Marie (Diane Kruger), former M16 ally/computer whiz Khadijah (Lupita Nyong’o), and Colombian psychologist Graciela (Penelope Cruz). The foursome develop a tenuous loyalty that could save the world — or result in their deaths. To add to their stress levels, all must also work at staying one step ahead of a mysterious Chinese woman named Lin Mi Sheng (Fan Bingbing), a high-tech baddie who is monitoring their every move. The story — reminiscent of some of the best James Bond works — ricochets around the globe and includes stops in such trendy locales as Paris, Morocco, and Shanghai. Dodging machine-gun bullets, scaling buildings, and leaping from rooftop to rooftop provide the action that is the mainstay of many of today’s thriller offerings. For the female actors, rehearsals included hours of combat training and learning to fight in feminine attire, including high heels — something that male action performers never have to be concerned about. “My goals and dreams for The 355 are that we just accept the fact that women are awesome and tough,” Chastain remarks. “I’m excited for society to start acknowledging what’s happening in our world.” The 355 is written, produced, and directed by Simon Kinberg, who is best known for the X-Men movies. Rated PG-13, the action explodes nationwide soon. Enjoy!

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In order to protect the health of our workforce and facilities, we are respectfully following the safety guidelines recommended by the CDC. Social distancing will be observed and face coverings are required on the premises of our operations. If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided for you.

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January 2022

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