York County Edition
July 2014
Vol. 15 No. 7
Green-Thumb Therapy Horticultural Therapy Helps Seniors Grow Well-Being By Megan Joyce In horticulture therapy, a very tangible activity is used to create intangible healing. Much more than simply planting flowers, horticulture therapy is “the engagement of a participant in horticultural activities facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific and documented treatment goals,” according to the American Horticultural Therapy Association. Increasingly, this type of therapy is a highly effective practice for both seniors and adults with mobility challenges. Physically, the therapy strengthens muscles and boosts coordination, balance, and endurance. And when it comes to those improved intangibles, horticultural therapy has been shown to increase memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization. Paula Swearingen, M.Ed. and owner of Floral Touch Horticultural Therapy and Floral Design, is a registered horticultural therapist who has seen the evidence firsthand. “Like most horticultural therapists, I came into this vocation as a secondary career path,” she said. Swearingen spent 17 years as a mental health and special education professional, working with children, youth, and adults with various disabilities. please see GREEN-THUMB page 14 Registered horticultural therapist Paula Swearingen, seated, often treats seniors and people with mobility issues using a ground garden or raised garden table, such as these offered by certified square-foot gardening instructor Joe Manotti, standing.
Inside:
Here’s to You, Mrs. Robinson page 6
Centenarian Reflects on the Last Century page 9
Savvy Senior
How Reverse Mortgages Work in 2014 Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? I was considering one last year, but now I hear they are more difficult to get. – Ready to Reverse Dear Ready, That’s correct. Tighter rules on reverse mortgages that have recently gone into effect have made them harder to get, especially for seniors with heavy debt problems. The reason the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) made these changes was to strengthen the product, which has suffered from a struggling housing market and a growing number of defaults by borrowers. Here’s a rundown of how reverse mortgages now work in 2014. Overview: The basics are still the
same. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows senior homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their house. The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, sells the house, or moves out for at least 12 months. It’s also important to know that with a reverse mortgage, you, not the bank, own the house, so you’re still responsible for property taxes, insurance, and repairs. Eligibility: To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years old, own your own home (or owe only a small balance), and currently be living there.
You will also need to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you can afford to make all the necessary tax and insurance payments over the projected life of the loan. Lenders will look at your sources of income, your assets, and your credit history. Depending on your financial situation, you may be required to put part of your loan into an escrow account to pay future bills. If the financial assessment finds that you cannot pay your insurance and taxes and have enough cash left to live on, you will be denied.
Loans: Nearly all reverse mortgages offered today are home equity conversion mortgages (HECM), which are FHA insured and offered through private mortgage lenders and banks. HECMs also have home-value limits that vary by county but cannot exceed $625,500. See the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development online (hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm) for a list of HUD-approved lenders. Loan amounts: The amount you get through a reverse mortgage depends on your age, your home’s value, and the prevailing interest rates. Generally, the older you are, the more your house is worth, and the lower the interest rates are, the more you can borrow. A 70-year-old, for example, with a home worth $300,000 could borrow around $170,000 with a fixed-rate HECM.
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To calculate how much you can borrow, visit the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association’s website (www.reversemortgage.org). Loan costs: Reverse mortgages have a number of upfront fees, including a 2 percent lender origination fee for the first $200,000 of the home’s value and 1 percent of the remaining value, with a cap of $6,000. There is also a 0.5 percent initial
mortgage insurance premium fee, along with an appraisal fee, closing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Most fees can be deducted for the loan amount to reduce your out-of-pocket cost at closing. In addition, you’ll also have to pay an annual mortgage insurance premium of 1.25 percent of the loan amount. Payment options: You can receive the money in a lump sum, a line of credit,
regular monthly checks, or a combination of these. But in most cases, you cannot withdraw more than 60 percent of the loan during the first year. If you do, you’ll pay a 2.5 percent upfront insurance premium fee. Counseling: All borrowers are required to get face-to-face or telephone counseling through a HUD-approved independent counseling agency before
taking out a reverse mortgage. Some agencies are awarded grants that enable them to offer counseling for free, but most charge around $125 to $250. To locate a counseling agency near you, visit HUD’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors webpage (hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/ hecmhome.cfm) or call (800) 569-4287. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org
Volunteers Needed for Home-Delivered Meal Program If you have local news you’d like considered for Around Town, please email mjoyce@onlinepub.com
Windy Hill on the Campus in Spring Grove will assume the responsibility of delivering meals to homebound seniors in the Spring Grove and Hanover communities beginning in July. The organization is currently seeking individuals to
volunteer approximately one to two times per month for about two hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings to facilitate the program. To obtain more information about volunteering for the program, please contact the center at (717) 225-0733.
Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Active Adult Communities Roth’s Farm Village Roth’s Church Road, Spring Grove (717) 633-7300 Animal Hospitals Community Animal Hospital Donald A. Sloat, D.V.M. 400 S. Pine St.,York (717) 845-5669 Automobile Sales/Service Gordon’s Body Shop, Inc. 10 Mill St., Stewartstown (717) 993-2263 Coins & Currency Steinmetz Coins & Currency 2861 E. Prospect Road,York (717) 757-6980 Energy Assistance Low-Income Energy Assistance (717) 787-8750 Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 898-1900
Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020
Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services (717) 630-0067 – Hanover (717) 751-2488 – York
Alzheimer’s Information Clearinghouse (800) 367-5115
Housing/Apartments Elm Spring Residence 118 Pleasant Acres Road,York (717) 840-7676
American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383
Springetts Manor Apartments 50 Eisenhower Drive,York (717) 757-1565
CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 The National Kidney Foundation (800) 697-7007 or (717) 757-0604 Social Security Information (800) 772-1213 Healthcare Information PA HealthCare Cost Containment (717) 232-6787 Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Home Care Services Senior Helpers Serving Adams and York counties (717) 920-0707
Housing Assistance Housing Authority of York (717) 845-2601
Minnich’s Pharmacy 976 S. George St.,York (717) 848-2312 Senior Move Management A Life Transition Service (717) 799-0648 Services York County Area Agency on Aging (800) 632-9073 Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771
Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937
Volunteer Opportunities
Insurance – Long-Term Care Apprise Insurance Counseling (717) 771-9610 or (800) 632-9073 Asset Protectors (717) 699-2336 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com
RSVP of Capital Region, Inc. (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lancaster County (717) 847-1539 RSVP Lebanon County (717) 454-8956 RSVP York County (443) 619-3842
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
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Salute to a Veteran Corporate Office: 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240 Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 E-mail address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com
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July 2014
Marine General ‘Chesty’ Puller Made Him an Offer He Couldn’t Refuse Robert D. Wilcox
L
uke Wise grew up in a family of six boys and six girls. All the boys but Wise went in the
Army. His oldest brother served in the artillery in World War II, and at Fort Sill he trained under Marine artillery officers. So he gave his kid brother some sage advice that Luke never forgot: “If you ever go into the military, choose the Marines.” So when Wise was 21, that’s exactly what he did. The Korean War was on, so after his basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he shipped out to Korea. There, he was to have an experience that every Marine might have dreamed about. He was to hear, “Wise, the general wants to talk to you.” The general was the legendary Marine “Chesty” Puller, who had earned an unheard-of five Navy Crosses for valor in combat— although he was best known for his comment, “We’ve been looking for the enemy for some time now. We’ve finally found him. We’re surrounded. That simplifies things.” Now, “Chesty” wanted to see Sgt. Luke Wise. “The only thing that came to mind,” Wise says, “is, ‘What could he possibly want to talk to me about?’” He was about to find out. “Sergeant,” the general said, “they tell me your IQ is off the charts … and that you have a photographic memory. I have a hazardous assignment that I won’t order you take, but I’m sure hoping you’ll volunteer for it.” He then explained that they needed someone to make repeated forays behind enemy lines and report details of ammunition dumps the enemy had spread out over several miles (and one even across the Yalu River in Manchuria). What did Wise say? “What do you think I said? You think I could stand in front of a man like ‘Chesty’ Puller, who had specifically asked for me, and tell him, ‘No, General, I think I would
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really rather not’?” So then, how many missions did he run, and what were they like? “Well, there were 15 of them in all, and they were all pretty hairy. They always meant moving only at night, because the North Korean troops were everywhere. I was forbidden to make notes … everything had to be memorized. I
Sgt. Luke Wise upon his return to the U.S. in 1953.
was to zero-in on the ammunition dumps that our air observers could see but could not come close enough to target on. “When I got back from missions, the general had me use my code name, ‘Sgt. Dutch,’ and send the exact coordinates for best bombing to the carrier, USS Oriskany (“The Mighty O”). Her aircraft would then fly the missions to flatten those ammo dumps. We could often see the dumps erupt in terrific blasts.” Wise had to extend his tour to finish the job, and he says, “When it was over, Gen. Puller asked me what kind of assignment I’d like next, saying, ‘You name it, and you’ve got it.’ I figured I ought to go for it, so I said, ‘Sir, I’d like to chauffeur for an admiral.’ “And the next thing I knew, I was assigned to the USS Pocono, the flagship for the Commander, Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet. Sure enough, I was the admiral’s chauffeur and in charge of the ship’s orderlies.”
One more thing about Gen. Puller: Wise later got a personal letter from the general, thanking and commending him for the work he did in his clandestine missions. Aboard the Pocono, Wise toured the Caribbean, with stops at many exotic ports, from Jamaica to Trinidad. And yes, he was the admiral’s chauffeur whenever the admiral was ashore. Wise left active duty in July 1954 but stayed in the Reserve until 1959 as a staff sergeant. He then returned to Central Pennsylvania and worked in construction and cabinetry before retiring in 1999. In retirement, he had one almost unbelievable “small world” experience. He was shopping one day at a local farmers market, wearing his Marine Corps cap. A man stopped him and said, “We sure needed you Marines in Korea.” When Wise asked him how he knew about that, the guy said, “I was flying off the Oriskany, bombing the ammo dumps that you guys pinpointed for us.” When Wise asked him if he could remember the code name of the spotter who gave him the info, the guy said, “I’ll never forget it. His code name was ‘Sgt. Dutch.’” To which Wise said, “Well … I’m Sgt. Dutch.” Wise laughs and says, “You should have seen that guy’s jaw drop. He couldn’t believe he would ever actually run into Sgt. Dutch. And at the [farmers market], of all places. Turned out he was from Florida, just passing through. What were the chances of that? Maybe one in a billion.” Wise now lives in retirement with his wife, Collette, in a comfortable retirement community in Central Pennsylvania. But he keeps a collection of Marine Corps caps that he wears … always glad for the chance to meet other vets with whom he swaps stories of those terrible— but wonderful—days in the Marines. Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in Europe in World War II.
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Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Dr. Lori Discovers Venus Lori Verderame enus is more than a celestial body. and collectibles that I appraised recently Venus is one of the most popular during my Antiques Appraisal Comedy Classical figures in the history of Tour included: art. The goddess of love and gardens, Venus gets a lot of press this time of year. Pittsburgh, Pa. – A $50,000 baseball In Renaissance art, Venus’ image signed by Honus Wagner from the early adorned the headboards of the beds 1900s when the Pittsburgh Pirates were belonging to the famous Medici family of the baseball team to beat Florence. By the Victorian period, sculptures of the classical beauty were all Evansville, Ind. – An Art Deco diamond the rage. brooch that belonged to 12-year-old At more than 150 antiques appraisal Madison (she had just received it from events all over her grandmother) the world every worth $1,500 year, I tell people what they’ve got Deal, N.J. – A and what it is model ship that really worth. had been exhibited Venus was at the Exposition ushered into a Universalle in Paris recent appraisal in 1900, complete event by two with documents other lovely from the famous ladies—the World’s Fair, worth sculpture’s $3,000 Photo courtesy of staff of www.DrLoriV.com owners. Dr. Lori with Holly, left, and Jess, right, At the Charlotte, N.C. – holding her Belleek Venus sculpture at Evansville Home A European Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal Comedy Tour. Show, I appraised miniature painting a Belleek worth $8,000 sculpture of a Crouching Venus for 13year-old Jess and her mom, Holly. Jess Rochester, N.Y. – A Dutch still life keeps the sculpture in her closet so her painting worth $100,000 pets don’t get at it, and her mom says that it is a good place to keep the Akron, Ohio – A World War II Nazi sculpture safe. They were right since the dagger worth $800 piece, dating from the late 1800s, didn’t have a scratch on it. It was in fine Indianapolis, Ind. – A souvenir coin condition. from the World’s Columbian Exposition The black mark on the underside of of 1893 (a.k.a., Chicago World’s Fair) the sculpture was used by Belleek starting worth $250 in 1891, and it indicated the age and origin of the piece. In 1891, the Suffice it to say, my shows are a McKinley Act became law in America, historical circus of sorts starring me, the stating that any goods imported into the audience members, and the stories United States had to specify their country gleaned from their antiques. At my of origin. So, Belleek complied with a events, held worldwide, we laugh, we new black mark that included a ribbon learn, and we make some new friends— banner and the words “Co Fermanagh both human and manmade. Ireland.” Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, As Dad looked on, Jess and her mom and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori were shocked to learn that her sculpture hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. was worth $10,000 to $15,000 on the Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery retail market. Some similar pieces in fair channel’s hit TV show Auction Kings. Visit condition have sold at wholesale auctions www.DrLoriV.com/Events, www.Facebook.com/ for $5,000. DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010. Some of the other notable antiques
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Tinseltown Talks
Here’s to You, Mrs. Robinson Nick Thomas hen NASA honored June Lockhart last October, it would have been quite fitting to borrow the above lyrics from a popular Simon and Garfunkel song to salute the 89-year-old actress. Best remembered by sci-fi fans for her role of TV space mom Maureen Robinson in the ’60s series Lost in Space, Lockhart told me recently that the NASA recognition was a highlight of her long career, which includes a Tony Award, an Emmy nomination, and a couple of stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I was presented with the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for my work with the space agency,” she explained. “I’ve been to two space shuttle launches and worked with NASA since the 1970s, addressing their employees and traveling on NASA’s behalf to promote the agency. “So I’m absolutely thrilled by this recognition,” she said. “No other actress
W
The1960 cast of Lassie. Pictured are June Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Jon Provost, and Lassie. Publicity photo of Guy Williams and June Lockhart promoting their roles on the television series Lost in Space.
Edgar Buchanan as Uncle Joe, June Lockhart as Janet Craig, and Higgins from Petticoat Junction.
has received this honor.” One of her memorable experiences occurred during a space shuttle mission in 1992. “I called NASA one day and spoke with astronaut Ken Reightler and told him I had a good wake-up song for them to use,” recalled Lockhart. She was referring to “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise,” a catchy ’50s hit by Les Paul and Mary Ford. The song held special significance because the lyrics were written by her father, beloved character actor Gene Lockhart. “So I went to mission control in Houston, and at around 2 a.m. they played the song for the crew of the Columbia mission,” she explained. “Then a voice from space came over the speaker: ‘Some of us up here want to know what Lassie’s mother is doing in mission control at 2 o’clock in the morning!’” please see ROBINSON page 11
Calendar of Events
York County
York County Department of Parks and Recreation
Senior Center Activities
Pre-registration is required for these programs. To register or find out more about these activities or any additional scheduled activities, call (717) 428-1961.
South Central Senior Community Center – (717) 235-6060, http://southcentralyorkcountysrctr.webs.com July 1, 10 a.m. – Blood Pressure and Weight Checkup July 3 – Podiatrist Available; Preregistration Required July 30, 8:15 to 9 a.m. – All-You-Can-Eat Public Breakfast
July 13, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Forest Canopy Walk, Nixon County Park July 20, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Red-Bellied Turtle Program, Nixon County Park July 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Panning for Gold Program, Spring Valley County Park
York County Library Programs
Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.
Collinsville Community Library, 2632 Delta Road, Brogue, (717) 927-9014 Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. – Purls of Brogue Knitting Club Glatfelter Memorial Library, 101 Glenview Road, Spring Grove, (717) 225-3220 Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. – Knitting and Spinning Group
Programs and Support Groups July 1, 7 p.m. Surviving Spouse Socials of York County Faith United Church of Christ 509 Pacific Ave., York (717) 266-2784
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July 2014
Free or minimal charge July 17, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group Senior Commons at Powder Mill 1775 Powder Mill Road, York (717) 741-0961
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help you get the word out! (717) 285-1350
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Senior LIFE delivers complete healthcare – and great satisfaction Members and families give Senior LIFE high ratings Quality Results In a recent national survey conducted with LIFE Program participants and caregivers, Senior LIFE’s care and services were found to be among the best in the country. Across all of its centers, Senior LIFE’s overall satisfaction rating was 93%. This places Senior LIFE in the enviable 88th percentile nationally.
Members Satisfied with Senior LIFE
97%
satisfied with Social Work
95%
satisfied with satisfied with the Rehab/Therapy Medical Care received
Caregivers Satisfied with Senior LIFE
97% satisfied with Help and Assistance
92%
98%
satisfied in satisfied with Communication provided with the Caregiver Transportation
Source: 2014, I-SAT Satisfaction Survey, conducted by Vital Research
99%
Senior LIFE gets high marks from Caregivers and Members Senior LIFE can achieve such results because of its commitment to quality — in personnel and in process. “Providing excellent care to our members is our first priority,” says Mark Irwin, Chief Operating Officer of Senior LIFE. “Our goal is to exceed expectations. We always want to know how we are doing, and I am very pleased by the high marks our members give us. Senior LIFE members can trust that we will always strive to deliver the highest quality of care.” This member-centered approach does not go unnoticed. Member Anna M. notes, “Before Senior LIFE I was in and out of the hospital and nursing home, but I’m so much better and stronger now. Senior LIFE helped me to walk again.”
“My mother hasn’t looked or felt this good in a long time. Senior LIFE saved her life and mine.” Among Senior LIFE members, 99% said that they would recommend Senior LIFE to a close friend or relative, and most caregivers agree. “My mother hasn’t looked or felt this good in a long time,” says the daughter of a member. “Senior LIFE saved her life and mine. She was declining and needing more and more care. I have children in school and I work full time. The entire family did everything we could for Mom, but we needed help … a nursing home was out of the question. I was beside myself. Senior LIFE was our savior.”
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A better quality of life. A caring, qualified healthcare team. The Senior LIFE program is a great alternative to nursing homes. Senior LIFE provides members with a care plan that allows them to live at home longer and more comfortably. Senior LIFE is perfect for seniors who want their independence, but require help with medication, therapy, transportation, meals and more. High-quality care for lower-income seniors. CALL TODAY TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY.
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Seniors and their families who are interested in more information or would like to schedule a tour and complimentary lunch may call Senior LIFE at (717) 757-5433.
www.SeniorLifeYork.com (717) 757-5433 www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
YORK
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July 2014
7
The Squint-Eyed Senior
Baseball Today Theodore Rickard few weeks ago the news marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of Wrigley Field in Chicago. Wrigley was and still is the home of the so-often last-place Chicago Cubs. Despite this, Wrigley still retains a sacred, cathedral-like status to anybody raised, as I was, on Chicago’s Northside during the ’30s and ’40s. Summer days with the Cubs in town were special. On game days, the front car on the Rapid Transit “El” trains bore detachable metal signs that read, in capital black on white, “BASEBALL TODAY.” For kids, the best baseball day was a weekday since there’d be lots of empty seats, even in the bleachers. This was the ’30s. The baseball fans who had jobs were at work and the ones that didn’t have jobs didn’t have any money either. My baseball buddy, 10 years old as I was, was David Schwarzen, who went by
A
the name of “Yankee.” His parents had come from someplace in central Europe and his repeated insistence on his citizenship as a nickname seemed somehow related to that. In the ’30s, 10year-olds were not exactly flush with pocket money. Most were thankful their fathers were wielding shovels on WPA projects while their mothers waited for the precinct captain to bring the next “Kelly basket” full of canned goods, oatmeal, and flour so she could cook something for dinner. My baseball buddy and I were lucky.
Our fathers had jobs. And so did we. Yankee had a break-of-dawn paper route and I had developed a group of regular customers to whom I sold the Saturday Evening Post every Thursday. When the Post went from 5 cents a copy to 10, the commission on each copy bounded from 1.5 cents to 3 cents. I was simply rolling in the stuff. The alternative to walking 20 blocks was to ride the El to the Addison Street station, a block east of the Wrigley Field bleachers. Half fare on the El was only 3 cents, but you had to be accompanied by an adult.
The trick, of course, was to wait in the El Station until an adult came along and then to follow immediately behind and plunk down the three pennies at the cashier cage and just keep going. Somehow we convinced ourselves that the cashier didn’t guess what we were doing. Once past the cashier, we’d dash to the platform and pretend to be breathless with having escaped pursuit, even though we knew there really was none. On game days, the old wooden cars built for the 1892 Columbia Exposition would be put into service and we would ride on the open platform of the last car. From here, to the passing world, we’d whoop cheers for the Cubs on our way to Wrigley Field. The game would have started before we got there. There was no point in getting there earlier since the bleacher ushers didn’t abandon their posts until
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sometime in the sixth inning. Then they would wander into the stands to watch the game or simply sit on the steps and smoke cigarettes. But before dashing in, Yankee and I would pool our financial resources to patronize Louis’s hot dog wagon. Louis’s hot dogs were 15 cents. This was a premium price for a hot dog, but Louis’s were extra long as well as extra fat, or at least that’s how they looked to us. Louis
would cut the hot dog in half for us. We always ordered “ever’thing on it.” Usually by the time we’d polished off the hot dog and licked the last of the “ever’thing” off our fingers, the ushers had given up and we slipped into the stadium and up the stairs that led to bleacher seats along the right-field foul line. We were convinced that left-handed batters hit most homeruns and by being past right field, we would have a better
chance of retrieving a homerun ball. But we never did. The Cubs right fielder was Bill Nicholson. You could yell “Hi, Bill” to him from the bleachers. “Big Bill” was considered a homerun threat, although we never saw him hit a homer. He was said to be fond of chewing tobacco. Avid adult fans would throw packages of chew to him in dull moments, and at the end of a slow inning, he’d trot back into the
dugout with a bulging shirtfront full of Plow Boy or Red Man Plug. These treats cost at least 15 cents each. The display of such adult extravagance was a wonderment to both of us. In fact, there are moments when it still seems so — at least to me. A collection of Ted Rickard’s family-fun essays is titled Anything Worth Knowing I Learned from the Grandkids. It is now available in paperback on Amazon.com.
Centenarian Reflects on the Last Century Caroline Grachen, a Senior Commons at Powder Mill resident, turned 100 years old last month and happily reflected on the life she has lived the last century. “My dad spoiled me,” she said. “He would take me shopping and allow me to pick out any clothing I wanted, even if it wasn’t on sale.” Grachen was born June 15, 1914, in Zeigler, Ill. She was the only child of Angel and Teresa Mincheff. She spent the rest of her childhood in Benton, Ill. Her father worked as a mining inspector and machine repairman. He was fortunate to keep his job during the Depression—he even got a promotion. Although times were tough in the those
days, he made sure his enjoyed trips. She and her only girl was treated to a parents traveled to all of fur coat for Christmas. the states by train. She Her mother was a also looked forward to homemaker and was drives with her dad. Roads excellent at what she did. were not paved then, and Grachen said housework the car would often get was harder in the early stuck in the mud. She 1900s because there was remembers her dad having no running water— to walk to the nearest farm families had to use an to have a farmer and his outdoor water pump. horses pull the car out. “My mom did it all,” She met her late she said. “She even husband at age 23 at a Caroline Grachen recently celebrated made her own fall festival in Chicago. her 100th birthday with a party at fastnachts.” During their married Senior Commons at Powder Mill, where she is a resident. Grachen always life, he worked as a
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journalist for the Chicago Daily News. Grachen originally went to college for nursing but quit once she got married. She decided to be a stay-at-home mom. They had two children together, Carol and Joseph. Grachen doesn’t have a special secret to her longevity, but she said, “I didn’t abuse myself. I took care of myself and listened to the doctor’s recommendations.” She always strives to live by the golden rule as her father taught her, and she never lied or cheated. Her words of wisdom are to “have patience.” Grachen always makes sure to live day by day and counts her blessings for everything she has.
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Celebrating L i f e Help Through Hospice By Lori M. Myers Hospice has become a way to die with dignity and receive appropriate care in the last phase of life. It has become part of the care continuum for patients, and medical interns and residents are being made aware of this option and the necessary empathy needed toward not only the patient, but also the family. Hospice is not a place. It is a special kind of healthcare focused on keeping the patient comfortable once the patient and physician have decided that the underlying disease, despite all efforts, can no longer be treated or cured. It helps the patient, their families, and other caregivers during a most stressful time; it is care that could take place in a variety of settings and is focused on the belief that quality of life is as important as length of life. But it’s more than reassuring family members or providing emotional and spiritual support. Hospice staff members
also help manage pain and symptoms and can make those last months, weeks, or days more comfortable. The patient is relieved of discomfort, yet still alert enough to enjoy the people around them. According to the American Cancer Society, all hospices must provide certain services, but they have different approaches and types of support offered. Along with pain and symptom control, the hospice can arrange for inpatient care and will stay involved in your care and your family. Spiritual care can be arranged to meet the patient’s specific needs and/or requests. It might include helping you look at what death means to you, helping you say goodbye, or helping with a certain religious ceremony or ritual. A hospice nurse or social worker also sets up regularly scheduled family conferences to keep family members informed about your condition and what to expect. These conferences give
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insurance plans cover hospice services. Medicare regulations require that your hospice care be provided at home, with only short stays in an inpatient facility. In order to qualify for the Medicare hospice benefit, your physician must recertify you at the beginning of each benefit period, and you must sign an elective statement indicating that you understand the nature of your illness or condition and of hospice care. By signing the statement, you surrender your right to other Medicare benefits related to your illness. If you are unable to sign the document, a family member may sign the election statement for you. While patients usually pay out of pocket for any services not covered by insurance, hospice services are generally provided without charge if you have limited or nonexistent financial resources. Don’t think of hospice as simply dying. Think of it as dying with dignity, grace, and support.
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everyone the opportunity to share feelings, find support, and realize stress relief. Hospice is a seven-days-a-week, 24hours-a-day service that may also include other community professionals such as the pharmacist, clergy, and doctors. This “team” can be contacted at any time — someone is always on call to help or answer any questions, assuring you and your family that you are not alone during this time. If a doctor has certified the prognosis as not longer than six months, an individual is eligible for hospice. This applies to anyone of any age, with any type of illness, including Alzheimer’s disease. It generally costs less than inpatient care in a hospital, nursing home, or other facility because with home hospice, you pay only for the specific care that you need. In addition, volunteers may be able to provide many services at little or no cost. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private
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Labor Dept. Awards $3.2M in Grants The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a one-time demonstration grant award of $3,224,509 to 14 community service organizations to improve services to lowincome older workers through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. “Older workers are essential to the fabric of our nation, but it can be difficult for many of these Americans to
ROBINSON
access good jobs,” said Portia Wu, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. “The federal grants we’re announcing … will help these individuals overcome challenges in re-entering the workforce and attaining economic stability.” The grantees awarded will develop programs focused on the following three priorities: improving unsubsidized job placements through increased employer
engagement, enhancing services to SCSEP participants through development or improvement of partnerships, and expanding training options for SCSEP participants. Grant recipients included AARP Inc., Experience Works, Goodwill Industries, National Able Network, and the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, among others. The SCSEP (http://www.doleta.gov/
seniors) provides part-time, community service-based job training for low-income, unemployed individuals 55 and older. SCSEP participants gain work experience in a variety of community service activities at nonprofit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, daycare centers, and senior centers. Participants also have access to employment assistance through American Job Centers (http://jobcenter.usa.gov).
Kathleen Lockhart, who played the Cratchits. While she went on to costar with greats such as Gary Cooper in Sergeant York and Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis, A Christmas Carol is special since it was the only time she appeared with her parents in a motion picture. But it was memorable for other reasons, too. “My daughter, Junie, and granddaughter, Christianna, have never let me forget that the first words I ever spoke in movies were: ‘I know, I know– sausages!’” said Lockhart, referring to her on-screen guess for the contents of a food
package Mr. Cratchit brings home. “We all shriek with laugher when we watch it now.” In addition to being an advocate for NASA and many other causes, Lockhart continues to work and co-starred in the comedy spoof Zombie Hamlet, which had its world premiere at the 2012 Palm Beach International Film Festival and was released on DVD in December 2013. In 2013, she appeared in the interactive movie series Tex Murphy, a gaming platform that combines animation with full-motion video of real actors. “That was a new experience, and I
really enjoyed it. And in December, I also celebrated my 80th year as a paid performer in the business! I made my debut at the age of 8 in Peter Ibbetson at the Metropolitan Opera House.” While actors are used to receiving accolades for career milestones, Lockhart admits to still being quite overwhelmed by the NASA recognition and is, she says, “over the moon about it!” Congratulations, Mrs. Robinson!
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Lassie, one of TV’s longest-running shows (1954-1973), was Lockhart’s other big hit in which she dispensed maternal wisdom, this time for six seasons as a farm mom. Later, she morphed from matriarch to medic as Dr. Janet Craig for three seasons on Petticoat Junction. “Petticoat Junction was a delight to do with wonderful scripts,” said Lockhart. “It was great playing comedy after Lost in Space, which was more dramatic, and Lassie, which didn’t have many laughs.” On the big screen, 12-year-old Lockhart made her debut in the 1938 holiday classic A Christmas Carol, alongside both her parents, Gene and
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50plus Senior News readers have spoken! Here are the York County dining favorites for 2014! Efficiency apartments for seniors who want to enjoy independent living with the freedom to come and go without worry.
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Outdoor Dining: Bogey Macaws American Grille
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Deal Me In By Mark Pilarski
Did This Player Deserve to Be Tossed from the Casino? Dear Mark: I was asked to leave a casino by security for, if you can believe this, playing someone else’s leftover $12 worth of credits that they had left on a slot machine and didn’t cash out. Although not banned for life, I was rudely told it was against the law, made to return the $12, and told not to come back for 30 days. You have got to be kidding me! Whatever happened to “finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers?” – Matt N. For starters, Matt, the casino made you give back the money simply because it didn’t belong to you. “Finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers” is not a defense for taking credits discovered on a slot machine. You are basing your newly found booty on the premise that when something is abandoned, whoever finds it can claim it. Unfortunately, within the casino walls, this raises ethical and legal challenges. On the casino floor, credits left on machines do not belong to the person who finds them, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they belong to the casino either. Casinos, as well as some gaming jurisdictions, have specific policies on how to handle abandoned credits. The children’s rhyme, “finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers” may apply in children’s games but doesn’t pass muster in gambling establishments. Like a pair of sunglasses left at a blackjack game, in the joints where I worked, we regarded credits left on a slot machine specifically as “lost property” and did our best to find their rightful owner. Today, especially if one uses his or her Player’s card, it is relatively easy to track the previous player. Nevertheless, a tip to you and other slot-playing patrons: before you walk away from any slot machine, don’t forget to press the cash-out button. As for you being 86’d from the casino, well, that might have been a bit over the top. I have never heard of any leftover-
credits-playing player being given the heave-ho. That said, that doesn’t mean there are not swindlers who make a living scavenging the millions lost each year by gamblers who forget their stored credits (winnings). The pretender who purposively circles the casino floor looking for orphan credits on a slot machine, or even change on the floor for that matter, can warrant the dreaded permanent 86 for making a full-time occupation of cruising the casino eyeing easy pickings. I will buy, however, that you weren’t a credit conniver looking for an easy score. So, playing slot manager for just a moment, my casinomanagement style would not have even warranted a wrist slap. I was one to operate more in the spirit of the law, not the letter of, although, I must acknowledge that every gaming supervisor will handle your scenario their own way. All I would have told you was that the next time you find credits remaining on the machine, you should inform some slot-floor personnel, and then I would have gone on my merry way. Had we found the previous player, I just would have credited him or her $12. Now let’s look at the positive here, Matt, of which there is one. For the next 30 days, you won’t be playing on a machine that has a house edge of up to 20 percent. Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “I have seen a pregnant woman stand at a 21 game, oblivious to labor pains, until we thought we were going to become midwives, and leave only when we summoned an ambulance.” – Harold S. Smith Sr., I Want to Quit Winners (1961) Mark Pilarski is a recognized authority on casino gambling, having survived 18 years in the casino trenches. Pilarski is the creator of the bestselling, award-winning audio book series on casino gambling, Hooked on Winning. www.markpilarski.com
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CROSSWORD
Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 14
WORD SEARCH
Across
SUDOKU
1. 5. 9. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 24. 25.
Harp (it.) Zealous Skin injury Wizard of Oz lion, ___ Lahr Path Gem State Blue-pencil Halt Small drum Sandwich ingredient Presidential mountain Winged fruit tree Jog
Nurses (abbr.) Missile payload Gr. letter Fr. affirmative Not any Lay to rest Mountain nymph Condiment Capture Riata News item Brim Broker (abbr.) Coaxes
54. 57. 60. 61. 63. 66. 67. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75.
Daytimes (abbr.) Grains Negatives Affability Mortgage payer Spoken Poker term Scintilla Twilled woolen fabric Building part Stumble Visionary Crafts’ buddies Plan of action (abbr.)
Golf item Soak Fleece Mystique Extinct bird Lodge Bill Heroic verse Lie Canal name Congressmen, for short 41. King of Judah 42. Benefactor
47. 50. 52. 53. 54.
Bicycles built for two Scot. cap G.I. follower Paths Goat and camel hair fabrics Insectivores Saw logs, noisily Headdress Sp. title Immense Inventor Elisha Absorbed Child
26. 27. 30. 32. 33. 36. 40. 43. 44. 45. 46. 48. 49. 51.
Down
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Assist Make over Some elections Connect Loser Tub Unreactive Object Wedding words, ___ ring ... Dutch cheese Toil Sticker Minerals
21. 23. 27. 28. 29. 31. 34. 35. 37. 38. 39.
55. 56. 58. 59. 62. 64. 65. 68.
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GREEN-THUMB
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began participating in flower-arranging Manotti was inspired to offer raised programs. garden beds after his aging father, a “Eventually, she proudly found her lifelong gardener, had not gardened in 15 designs on display in the main lobby. She years due health issues and limited became mobility. recognized by “Two years the entire ago, we built community for him a garden her beautiful table, and this creations,” has enabled Swearingen him to do recalled. “She what he had improved done almost emotionally all of his life, and physically and that was to the point to grow his that she was own able to leave vegetables,” the skilled care Manotti said. community “We thought, and move in if he needed with her this, so did a Seniors gardening in raised garden beds. family.” lot of other Swearingen people.” also recounted Your her experience with three men who Garden Solution’s garden tables are regularly grew and harvested vegetables created by local Amish craftsmen out of for the local food bank, raising many Douglas fir, sassafras, and cedar woods. pounds of food for their community Manotti recommends a technique called “despite having ailments such as square-foot gardening, where the 4-foot congestive heart failure, dementia, and by 4-foot garden bed is filled with 6 limited mobility,” she said. inches of soil and subdivided into 16 “They grew all of their vegetables in square-foot sections. raised garden beds, harvesting from the Each square foot grows different comfort and stability of their chairs.” vegetables or flowers, enabling a gardener Raised garden beds are the specialty to grow a lot of plants in a small space. A and passion of Joe Manotti, certified square-foot garden bed typically yields square-foot gardening instructor for Your many more vegetables than traditional Garden Solution. These gardens consist row gardening and with fewer weeds. of soil enclosed by a square frame, “The average person quits gardening usually made of wood, which is raised after 2.5 years. Why? Because of the above the surrounding soil. maintenance involved, such as weeding,” Raised garden beds are available in Manotti said. “Raised beds eliminate two types: a ground garden is raised much of the maintenance since the soil about 8 inches off the ground, and a [we offer] is formulated to provide plants garden table stands on legs 3 feet high, a with the optimal growing environment.” perfect height for those unable to bend Manotti said that garden tables can over to garden. grow most vegetables, with the exception
of some deep-rooted plants like potatoes or garlic, which need more than 6 inches of soil. Raised garden beds—both ground gardens and garden tables—have become important elements of horticultural therapy, enabling horticultural therapists to bring the practice to patients with physical limitations. “Seniors and those with limited mobility love the garden tables! It enables them to enjoy gardening again,” Manotti said. Manotti shared the story of a Central Pennsylvania woman with severe arthritis in one knee that prohibited her from kneeling to tend to a vegetable garden. As a result, she had not had a garden for many years and missed it greatly— until her son told her about square-foot gardening and purchased her a garden table, which quickly yielded so many vegetables she was able to share them with others. Swearingen noted that horticulture therapy is often used as a complement to traditional therapeutic treatments. Therapists, she said, are trained to support participants who have physical limitations through the use of adaptive tools and proper body mechanics. “Horticultural therapy is unique in that it involves tangible outcomes that are valued by the participant and the community. The activities provide opportunities for decision making, creative expression, and contribution to others,” she said. Avid gardeners as well as those who have never tended a garden in their lives can benefit from horticulture both in and out of a therapeutic setting. “Plants are not influenced by poverty or wealth, by age or ability,” said Swearingen. “Nurture them, and they will grow. The same is true for us—if we nurture ourselves, we will grow. It is never too late.”
Puzzles shown on page 13
Puzzle Solutions
“As the new millennium approached, it became more important to me to create a more balanced life—one where I could experience joy and pleasure while still serving others.” More than a decade ago, Swearingen resigned her job as an assistant director of special education in a public school district, sold her house, and started from scratch working as a landscape gardener at a local retirement community. After completing coursework and interning under the direction of a horticultural therapist, Swearingen earned a certificate in horticultural therapy from Temple University, effectively combining her background in human services with her love of plants and flowers. The therapeutic benefits of gardens and gardening have been documented for centuries, but it was Dr. Benjamin Rush, the “father of American psychiatry” and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who first recorded the positive effects the therapy had on patients with mental illness in the 1800s. In the mid-20th century, horticultural therapy was used to aid the rehabilitation of hospitalized war veterans, expanding the practice beyond the confines of mental-illness treatment. “Seniors often find themselves facing loss of all types,” Swearingen said. “They may often find that they are offered fewer opportunities to contribute to the happenings within their family, their churches, or their communities.” Swearingen cited the example of a pastor’s wife named Jane who had created the flower arrangements for her church for 40 years. After her husband died, she moved to a skilled nursing care community and her health deteriorated. She also became withdrawn and clinically depressed, refusing to leave her room for months until she gradually
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Volunteer Spotlight From left, York County Commissioner Christopher Reilly; Sandra Forbes; Ruth Hartnett; Dianna Benaknin, director of YCAAA; and York County Commissioner Doug Hoke.
From left, York County Commissioner Christopher Reilly; Dick Bear; Dianna Benaknin, director of YCAAA; and York County Commissioner Doug Hoke.
York County Area Agency on Aging Director Dianna Benaknin was joined by York County Commissioners Doug Hoke and Christopher Reilly at a recent luncheon recognizing the work of the agency’s volunteers. In the past 12 months, YCAAA volunteers have volunteered a total of 12,890.3 hours. Receiving awards for 25 years of volunteerism with the agency were Sandra Forbes and Ruth Hartnett. Fellow volunteer Dick Bear received an award for 30 years of service to the agency. Forbes has volunteered in a variety of different areas: the ombudsman program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, flu immunization program, and as a financial counselor. She started helping 25 years ago as a bookkeeper and clerk for the former Heart ‘N Hands Gift Shop. Forbes is always willing to lend a hand in her desire to support the independence of others.
Hartnett is a member of the agency’s advisory council and has served as a volunteer ombudsman since 1999. She provides the listening and patience necessary to help residents have a reasonable quality of life at a very critical time. Before serving as an ombudsman, she assisted with the Senior Games and the Disaster Recovery Center. Dick Bear began as an agency volunteer in 1983 in the friendly visitor program and has been a member of the advisory council since 2000. Bear also assists with the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program voucher distribution, helps to organize and deliver gifts during the holidays for the Senior Santa program, makes phone calls for the agency, and helps with registration during Senior Games and coordinating the Senior Games Wii bowling event. Bear is an outstanding volunteer, not only with YCAAA, but also in the community as a whole.
Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’ Volunteer Spotlight! Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.
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