York County 50plus LIFE October 2019 by On-Line Publishers, Inc.

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Complimentary | York County Edition | October 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 20 No. 10

nsee dent Lice n e p e d is an In ciation lueCross BlueShield Asso B l a it p a C eCross of the Blu

Hooked on Fishing Lures page 4

special section: funeral preplanning page 12

tips to keep you safe from medicare fraud page 15

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Alzheimer’s Risk, Progression, Resilience Differ by Sex Research reported in July at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2019 in Los Angeles identified a number of differences in the progression and risk of Alzheimer’s disease between women and men, including newly identified sex-specific risk genes and contrasting presentation of Alzheimer’s biology in the brain. Two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States are women, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report. There are a number of potential reasons why more women than men have Alzheimer’s or other dementias; a long-held view has been that it is due to women living longer than men, on average, but new evidence suggests that may not be the whole story. “The majority of people living with Alzheimer’s are women, and it’s imperative we understand why,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer. “The research reported today at AAIC gets us one step closer to answering that question by identifying specific biological and social reasons why

Alzheimer’s is different in men and women.” Findings from researchers at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center found sex-specific differences in the spread of abnormal tau protein, a toxic substance associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. Complementary to these findings, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found sex differences in levels of energy usage in the form of brain glucose metabolism. Research from the University of Miami found novel sex-specific genes that are associated with risk and resilience for Alzheimer’s disease, which could provide unique risk profiles for men and women. Finally, in a large study of women, researchers from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health found a faster rate of memory decline among women who never engaged in waged employment compared to women who participated in the paid labor force. “Understanding these sex-specific differences may help us identify and apply customized prevention strategies for different populations against cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias,” Carrillo added.

At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away. Animal Hospitals Community Animal Hospital Donald A. Sloat, D.V.M. 400 S. Pine St., York (717) 845-5669

Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020

Automobile Sales/Service Gordon’s Body Shop, Inc. 10 Mill St., Stewartstown (717) 993-2263

American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383

Energy Assistance Low-Income Energy Assistance (717) 787-8750

The National Kidney Foundation (800) 697-7007 or (717) 757-0604

Housing Assistance Housing Authority of York (717) 845-2601

Social Security Information (800) 772-1213

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937

Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 898-1900 financial services Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (302) 573-4027 funeral preplanning Mount Rose Cemetery (717) 845-6618 Susquehanna Memorial Gardens (717) 244-7674

www.50plusLifePA.com

Alzheimer’s Information Clearinghouse (800) 367-5115

CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400

Healthcare Information Pennsylvania 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 Homeland at Home Serving all of York County (717) 221-7892

Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services Hanover: (717) 630-0067 Lancaster: (717) 393-3450 York: (717) 751-2488 Hospice Services Homeland at Home Serving all of York County (717) 221-7890

PERSONAL CARE HOMES Family Care Personal Care Home (717) 373-5205 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com real estate Berkshire Hathaway Paula Musselman (717) 793-9678 (Office) (717) 309-6921 (Cell) Services York County Area Agency on Aging (717) 771-9610

Insurance Medicare (800) 633-4227

Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771

Vibra Health Plan (844) 660-2961 (TTY: 711) Insurance – Long-Term Care Apprise Insurance Counseling (717) 771-9610 or (800) 632-9073

Volunteer opportunities RSVP of the Capital Region (443) 619-3842

Orthopedics OSS Health 1855 Powder Mill Road, York (717) 848-4800

Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

50plus LIFE t

October 2019

Cover Story

Hooked on Fishing Lures 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 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 Renee McWilliams Production Artists Connie Molitor Lauren Phillips

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Senior Marketing Consultants Joshua Binkley Jennifer Schmalhofer Angie Willis Marketing Consultant Cassidy Galeone 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.

October 2019

50plus LIFE t

By Bart Stump The expression good spot,” only to “gone fishing” has sit back and heartily taken on a whole laugh as nesting, new meaning territorial Canada for Dale and geese loudly hiss and Gail Stump of boisterously attack Dallastown. their kayaks. Since 1999 the Perils during the retired couple has winter have included taken their love of becoming stuck kayaking and fishing atop sheets of ice, in a whole new requiring sharp blows direction: finding from their kayak The main display contains some of Dale and Gail’s and recovering lost paddles to break favorite finds and larger-than-life gag gifts. fishing lures from through. lakes throughout Dale has developed south-central an ingenious method Pennsylvania. of retrieving items All told, they have caught high up in amassed a collection tree branches. Using containing over a three-pronged 4,200 lures and gardening scratcher 6,500 bobbers. attached to three Visitors’ reactions to threaded sections of seeing the collection tube and a piece of for the first time PVC pipe, he can vary from an audible reach up to 20 feet gasp to a stunned, in the air, pulling slack-jawed silence. snagged items from Gail adds a new addition to a display containing over Hitting the the branches. 200 sinkers of every size and style. water with their “Many a lure green two-person would fall down right kayak, the pair on top of Gail or in slowly paddles the water if I didn’t along the shore, hook it just right,” sharp eyes scanning states Dale with a the water’s edge, chuckle. underlying roots, During the and overhanging drought of 1999, branches for lost Dale and Gail would lures and bobbers. walk along the newly “It’s good exercise exposed shoreline and very relaxing,” looking for lost says Dale. fishing items. That Dale Stump attempts to free a tangled lure from a tree. year they found 507 Sometimes recovery is as simple items, including as plucking the the contents of an object from the water or using a paddle to coax unfortunate fisherman’s boat that had tipped over. it out from under some vegetation or among tree Other unusual finds include an ornate .22 rifle roots. that was turned over to the proper authorities, golf More adventurous approaches include leaning clubs, complete tackle boxes, and a radio-controlled precariously over the edge of the boat or plowing toy racing boat. headlong into brambles as large spiders and snakes Finding the lures and bobbers is only the first fall from overlying branches. step. When the pair gets the items home, Gail During the spring, Dale, being quite the dutifully records the number and type of each item prankster, has been known to trick unsuspecting found in her journal and then carefully cleans them. family members into approaching areas of tall grass Dale is in charge of making any needed repairs along the shore with promises of “that looks like a and replacing missing hooks. www.50plusLifePA.com

The next step is putting the lures and bobbers on display in a section of their basement affectionately called the “shrine.” “I decided we had too many lures sitting around, and I wanted to display them,” explains Gail. Various hanging wire baskets and clear jars house hundreds of brightly colored round bobbers. Stick bobbers are artistically hung on a wall display while still other bobbers are carefully sorted into smiley face and light-up styles. A dazzling array of lures in every color of the rainbow hangs on chains strung from the rafters or arranged by style in displays backed by underwater scenes. Rapala minnows swim next to imitation crayfish. Lead-headed jigs hang beside rubber worms. Various spinners and spoons dangle from the ceiling, light gleaming off their shiny gold and silver blades. Multicolored poppers, surface plugs, and artificial frogs are suspended nearby. Dale points out his favorite lure, a white mouse. “I had to get out of the kayak to get it. It was up in a tree near the dam breast. It was really neat.” An assortment of fishing lure catalogs add to the overall atmosphere, and a brightly colored yellow-and-green tin sign has been slightly altered to advertise Stumpy’s Bait and Tackle. An adjacent wall display contains dozens of lead sinkers meticulously arranged by size and style. Certain items have a place of honor in the display, including the small grasshopper lure that landed Gail in the emergency room after it became embedded in her thumb. “He [Dale] wanted to cut it out, but I wouldn’t let him,” states Gail. “The doctor at the ER told me I was the first patient that year to have a hook taken out.” The collection has become a family affair, as Dale and Gail’s children and grandchildren have gotten into the act. Not only do they retrieve lost lures and bobbers, they also provide fishing-related gag gifts, such as a larger-than-life bobber cooler and a gigantic Rapala fishing lure. More importantly, the collection provides Dale, Gail, and their family with a compelling reason to get outside on the water and enjoy the www.50plusLifePA.com

Lures of every type and color hang from the rafters.

Gail Stump with the lure that landed her in the emergency room.

the morning when no one else was on the lake. The sound of the breaking ice echoed across the lake,” she says. Dale fondly recalls seeing large numbers of carp noisily splashing in the shallows during the spring spawning season and making a game out of trying to catch leaves in the boats as they fell from the trees in the fall. “It was something — you never knew which way the leaves were going to go. It was a real workout, but a lot of fun.” Overall, being hooked on fishing lures has provided a plethora of delightfully memorable experiences for Dale and Gail and has started a wonderful tradition that is being carried on by the entire family. Bart Stump, a history teacher, writes from York, Pa., and has been published in numerous magazines. On the cover – Gail and Dale Stump have amassed a collection of 4,200 fishing lures and 6,500 bobbers, all housed in a section of their basement affectionately called “the shrine.”

Baskets of bobbers hang near vintage and modern fishing tackle.

fresh air and sunshine. Gail keeps a detailed journal describing each outing. She includes the location, weather, wildlife seen, and other noteworthy observations. Highlights include deer grazing and bedding down along the shore, a snapping turtle laying eggs on the bank, bald eagles and ospreys soaring overhead, beaver-cut trees, snakes and turtles sunning on rocks, flocks of geese and cormorants swimming nearby, and even a chipmunk eating raspberries under a tree. Dale and Gail often encounter other friendly kayakers or fishermen and have been on the water when members of the White Rose Yacht Club sail their miniature sailboats. They have also been present when the Scale Ship Modelers Association’s Task Force 50 has their annual regatta featuring a variety of model warships. When asked about their favorite memories, Gail fondly reminisces about a winter jaunt in which a thin layer of ice covered the lake and how melodious it sounded as the ice cracked and broke apart as they paddled through it. “It was neat to go down early in

All photos courtesy Bart Stump.

Senior Real Estate Specialist With 30 Years of Real Estate Experience • 2016 Realtor of the Year •2 014 President of Realtor’s Association of York and Adams County

Paula Musselman Selling or buying a house? Please call me – I’ll guide you every step of the way! Office: (717) 793-9678 Cell: (717) 309-6921 2525 Eastern Blvd. York, PA 17402 Paula1159@aol.com

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50plus LIFE t

October 2019

Home Care Services & Hospice Providers Listings with a screened background have additional information about their services in a display advertisement in this edition.

Homeland at Home

Pleasant View Care at Home

www.homelandathome.org Homeland Hospice: (717) 221-7890 Year Est.: 2008 Homeland HomeCare: (717) 221-7892 Year Est.: 2016 Homeland HomeHealth: (717) 412-0166 Year Est.: 2017 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland*, Dauphin*, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon*, Northumberland, Perry*, Schuylkill, Snyder, York* *Homeland HomeHealth currently serves five of 13 counties. RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs/Home Aides: Yes

(717) 664-6646 www.pleasantviewrc.org/care-at-home Homeland at Home is a community outreach of Homeland Center, a nonprofit CCRC that has served our region with excellent and benevolent care since 1867. Our expert team is dedicated to providing a continuum of At Home services—from nonmedical personal assistance to skilled nursing and compassionate hospice and palliative care. We are privileged to care for you and your loved ones … any place you call “home.” We offer community and staff educational programs, including a “My Reflections” end-of-life planning workshop, as well as 15 unique bereavement support groups.

Year Est.: 2007 Counties Served: Lancaster, Lebanon RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Surrey Home Care Services (610) 647-9840 www.surreyhomecare.org

Medicare Certified: Yes

Year Est.: 1981 Counties Served: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery RNs: Yes LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Hospice & Community Care

Visiting Angels

Direct Care Workers: Yes PT/OT/Speech Therapists: Yes Social Workers: Yes Spiritual Counselors: Yes Complementary Therapies: Yes

(844) 422-4031 www.hospicecommunity.org

Year Est.: 1980 Counties Served: Adams, Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: Yes

Hospice & Community Care provides personalized hospice and palliative care in homes, senior living facilities, and hospitals and at the Bob Fryer & Family Inpatient Center for 24-hour hospice care. Clinical staff on-call 24/7 with 24-hour admissions. Physicians and nurse practitioners boardcertified in hospice and palliative medicine. Grief support available free at Pathways Center for Grief & Loss.

Caring and professional staff provide supportive services to help maintain independence within the comfortable setting of home. Personal services, companion care, dementia care services, and transitional care offered — call for a free consultation.

Surrey, a nonprofit, provides in-home services including personal care, social companions, medical procedure transportation, geriatric care management, RN care management, and live-in caregivers. We also offer housecleaning and weekend respite care.

(800) 365-4189 www.visitingangels.com Year Est.: 2001 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Visiting Angels provides seniors and adults with the needed assistance to continue living at home. Flexible hours up to 24 hours per day. Companionship, personal hygiene, meal prep, and more. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured. Call today for a complimentary and informational meeting.

Landis at Home

(717) 509-5800 www.LandisAtHome.org Year Est.: 2007 Counties Served: Lancaster RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

A licensed home-care agency, offering a variety of services to persons in their homes within 15 miles of the Landis Homes campus. Services, provided by carefully screened and qualified caregivers with oversight from RNs, may be used for a short visit or up to 24 hours a day. Call for a free, in-home consultation. Landis at Home is an affiliate of Landis Communities.

If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your account representative or call (717) 285-1350.

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

Booming Voice

Cursed by Cursive Bill Levine

In sixth grade I was forced to miss at least a week’s worth of recess periods. I stayed in the classroom, while outside, my classmates were frolicking. What’s worse, I hadn’t even committed a detention-deserving act. Not even a worthwhile classroom misdemeanor, like passing a note to a cute girl. But actually, I would be embarrassed to pass a note to anyone because it would probably be unreadable. Alas, that’s why I was missing the great outdoors. I was in remedial cursive-writing class. There were a half dozen of us “illegibles” assembled by Mrs. F, based on classroom writing samples that had the clarity of filled prescription pads. The class was terribly unstimulating as we had to attempt to copy Mrs. F’s perfect, chalk-gliding script on the blackboard onto our own cursive workbooks. My pencil, instead of gliding, hesitated between loops and curves, producing poorly shaped cousins of Mrs. F’s letters. My preference would have been to doodle in my workbook, but Mrs. F came around to inspect our efforts. Heading into college, I felt I had been able to limit the academic damage of my bad cursive handwriting, ignoring the oncoming 20-page collegiate term paper. Thus, I left my Olivetti portable typewriter behind when leaving for school. Plus, my typing speed, if you include words off for mistakes, was about 0 per minute. Of course, I found early on that there were students who would type papers for you, but I foreswore this chance to give my gnarled submissions a facelift until one day in my junior year. The incentive for this positive step was my well-thought-out term paper for a bio class on evolution. I didn’t want to jeopardize 50% of my grade because my prof confused my written “survival of the fittest” for “survival of the fattest,” etc. — so I needed a typist. Luckily, I hired a friend to type it who had the patience to work with my cursive draft. A couple of weeks later, I picked up a B+ on my evolution paper, my highest term-paper grade. I certainly thanked my typist with the enthusiasm of an Oscar acceptance speech. It was an academic crutch to be sure, but as a grade booster, my legibility gain rivaled my frat’s copies of old exams. But I couldn’t escape my problematical penmanship during final exam week. The two challenges in filling up perhaps two blue books were formatting my answers in my head and then formatting the writing of the answers legibly under an intimidating time constraint. I had to write as fast as I could, exacerbating the unreadability of my test answers. But I would hand in my final exam, invoking my ongoing rationalization that professors would not mark me down for filling two books with scrawl. They would decipher the keys words of my solid arguments, and I would be OK. Once I graduated college, my cursive ceased to be my most worrisome www.50plusLifePA.com

elementary school subject, as it was no longer involved in high-leverage situations. It has, though, slowed down my creative writing process, as I like to write first-draft-like notes for an essay in a mixture of cursive and print lettering, which later makes rereading these notes difficult. This was also a minor problem in college, as I would write notes in class, only to struggle to read them at exam time. One day on the internet, I found out that in 2018 academia, I would qualify for a personal scribe to take notes for me in class. This pinch-writer accommodation was based on my having a learning disability. I wasn’t diagnosed with this LD until 2000, 37 years after Mrs. F’s class. On learning this, I cut myself some slack, as my poor penmanship was much more congenital than careless, but the modern accommodations for poor handwriting bothered me. That I would be scribe-eligible today meant that experts believed compromised handwriting could compromise grades. I have wondered since if maybe I was too optimistic back in college about my handwriting obscuring my obviously brilliant exam answers. I surmised that in my small college, without teaching assistants, my history and government profs had, say, 200 or so blue books to read at finals times. Thus, perhaps out of waning stamina, they gave up trying to figure out my answers, leading to a lower grade. I was very concerned when I entered college that my lack of high school math mastery would be my Achilles heel, but now I’m wondering if my biggest weakness was in fact my poor cursive, an elementary school skill. Mrs. F would have probably agreed. Bill Levine is a retired IT professional and active freelance writer. Bill aspires to be a humorist because it is easier to be pithy than funny. He may be reached at wlevine0607@comcast.net.

   



    

 

        

      50plus LIFE t

October 2019

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Lori Verderame

Leonardo’s Murals and Nature-Based Art Marvels

2019 marks 500 years after the death of Italian Renaissance thinker, inventor, and artist Leonardo da Vinci. Even today, we are still all interested in his work and innovative ideas. While a new movie starring that other Leonardo — yes, that’s DiCaprio — will highlight the artist’s biography and triumphs in the arts and sciences, travel destinations around the world will remember the Renaissance man and the wonders of his great mind. The art marvels of Leonardo will be featured in events in and around the Italian city of Milan as other cities focus on highlighting the installation art for which Leonardo is widely known. Leonardo’s influence does not stop at the famous Last Supper mural located in the refectory of the convent at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church and Dominican convent in Milan and a UNESCO World Heritage site that opened in 1497. While more visitors flock to Milan than any other Italian city, it is the art and fashion scenes that intrigue travelers. Events surrounding Leonardo’s 500th will make the fine city best known for art and fashion busier than ever. The circa 1498 ceiling murals by Leonardo at the Sala delle Asse — of tempera on plaster and featuring intertwined plants, fruits, roots, rocks, and white mulberry trees raised by

Lodovica Sforza, the Duke of Milan — have been newly restored and are now on view in their amazing splendor. This amazing work of art found at the Castello Sforzesco (www. milanocastello.it/en) is only one of Milan’s many attractions. Like the fascinating artwork in Milan, artistic and architectural installations are attracting art lovers and travelers alike to other parts of the world. In New York City, there is a honeycomb spiral staircase and installation structure at Hudson Yards The Last Supper mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci. with a hefty price tag and a great public relations presence. The Vessel (www. hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/ vessel) is giving American audiences and visitors a new way to experience art. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, up to 1,000 visitors at a time can climb the nearly 2,500 steps of Vessel while experiencing the 150-foot-tall bronzed steel and concrete structure that cost $150 million. A far cry from New York’s staircase installation is a round mass that focuses on the world outdoors. In Seattle … yes, you had to know that Seattle would be a featured urban art site amidst an article dedicated to unique art installations. In Seattle, Amazon’s Seattle Spheres Amazon’s Spheres, Seattle, Washington. are turning heads and making people rethink workplaces and their direct link to nature. The Spheres (www.seattlespheres.com) host 40,000 or more plants from the cloud forest regions of more than 30 countries. The first plant introduced into this art environment, located at Sixth Avenue and Lenora Street, was the Australian tree fern. While Amazon employees can choose to work tirelessly on their laptops, city visitors can explore the Spheres too. Just like in Leonardo’s time, man meeting nature remains the focus for some of the world’s most interesting artwork. Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV personality on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year nationwide, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events and travels the world lecturing about art, museums, and history. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.

October 2019

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October 2019

Volunteer Spotlight YCAAA Recognizes Volunteers of the Month Kay Bufflap, Rich regulations, and red Hartman, and Cheri tape, unaware there Muir have been were organizations named Volunteers like the Area Agency of the Month by the on Aging to help,” York County Area Hartman said. Agency on Aging for “After going through their ongoing service this on my own, I and dedication to decided to become the agency and York an ombudsman, so I County’s older adults. could help other local Kay Bufflap York Township families who have loved resident Bufflap has ones in a facility. I served in a variety of believe residents need volunteer positions someone on their side with the agency, to advocate for their including friendly rights, and to be there visitor and financial as a friend and an counselor. She credits adviser.” this to her mother, Spring Garden “who set the example Township resident on volunteering and Muir helps out was an inspiration. with special events Rich Hartman “Many people are and general office lonely and need a assistance, activities friend and some type that encompass a of assistance. Since the variety of diverse loss of my husband, volunteer duties. many people have Muir attributes her helped me when I desire to help to what needed something. I she experienced when vowed that I would taking care of her father always help others in until he passed away. whatever ways I can,” “We needed outside Bufflap said. help, and I saw the Cheri Muir Hartman, from needs that the elderly York Township, is have,” she said. “I a volunteer ombudsman with believe that the services YCAAA the agency, advocating for area provides are vital, and volunteers residents of long-term care are crucial to the effort. facilities. “The appreciation shown by staff “My mother was in a nursing is heartwarming. It’s very rewarding home in Florida for two years. and will make you feel needed and I struggled with all the rules, appreciated.” 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, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

October 2019

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The Beauty in Nature

October Farmland Clyde McMillan-Gamber

Autumn reminds us that winter is coming, with its short daylight each day and cooling temperatures. And in spite of fall’s many beauties — including lovely flowers, colored leaves and berries, exciting bird migrations, and crop harvests — autumn sometimes conjures sad feelings in me because it represents summer’s end and winter’s coming. The first subtle signs of fall occur in southeastern Pennsylvania during the middle of August, with shorter amounts of sunlight per day, migrating swallows, and some leaves on black gum and red maple trees turning red. But autumn climaxes in the unique and attractive month called October. There is no other month like it. October is the month between summer’s warmth, green plants, and beautiful flowers and winter’s cold, which brings those grays and browns when deciduous trees are bare. October is the time of dying vegetation and wildlife preparations for winter. But there is beauty in the dying and excitement in the preparations. Several kinds of pretty flowers still bloom along sunny country roadsides, stream sides, and cornfields and in abandoned fields in October. Some of those attractive blooms are yellow ones on goldenrods, evening primroses, and butter and eggs; pink blossoms on smartweeds, bouncing bets, red clovers, and knapweeds; and white flowers on white asters. The small, white blossoms of white asters dominate some meadows and fields in October to the point that those open habitats look like snow fell only on them. These aster blooms are the last great source of nectar for

bees and a variety of other insects, particularly pearl crescent butterflies that ate the tissues of asters when they were larvae. Because pumpkin and soybean fields are not plowed until later, there is an abundance of decorative colored leaves in those sunny, human-made habitats in October. Tall red root, lamb’s quarters, and pokeweeds sport red leaves in those fields. And foxtail grasses turn yellow on those same lands. Seeds form on weeds and grasses that are edible to mice and a variety of seedeating birds, including sparrows and horned larks. Red foxes, American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and screech owls catch and eat some of those mice and small birds through fall and winter. And along rural roadsides in October, staghorn sumac tree leaves are red while the foliage on sassafras trees are red, orange, and yellow. Meanwhile, Virginia creeper leaves are red, and poison ivy foliage is red, orange, and yellow on roadside fences and poles, adding more beauty to farmland. Staghorn sumac also produces red berries, and poke and sassafras grow purple ones that are pretty to us and edible to mice, American robins, cedar waxwings, and starlings. Grasshoppers, field crickets, woolly bear caterpillars, yellow sulphur butterflies, and other kinds of invertebrates are noticed among the roadside grasses in October. They help make farmland more interesting and are food for kestrels and skunks. When riding or walking along local farmland roads in October, watch for these lovely plants and animals. They will lift spirits and brighten days. www.50plusLifePA.com

Physical, Motor Ability Improve Cognition in Older Adults, Even with Dementia Encouraging evidence indicates that being more physically active is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a slower rate of cognitive decline in older adults. But it remains unclear exactly how physical activity lowers this risk for Alzheimer’s disease. One theory is that physical activity is somehow preventing the formation of the damaging plaques and tangles that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Alternatively, being more physically active may simply improve or maintain the ability to function in the face of accumulating brain damage from Alzheimer’s disease, a concept sometimes referred to as cognitive resilience. A recent study by NIA-funded researchers at Rush University aimed to test these two theories, finding an association between motor abilities and cognitive test performance, as well as a separate independent association between physical activity and cognitive performance. In both cases, better motor abilities or higher levels of physical activity were associated with better cognitive performance. The study was published Feb. 19 in Neurology. More than 450 older adults from the Rush Memory and Aging Project were recruited from retirement communities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Participants underwent a series of cognitive, behavioral, and biomedical tests during their lives and agreed to donate their brain and other tissues following their deaths. Researchers were particularly interested in measures of daily activity, motor function, and cognition taken about two years before death. Signs of dementia were observed in 191 participants, while the remaining 263 participants did not show signs of dementia. Daily activity was measured over 10 days using an accelerometer device worn on the wrist, averaged into a daily activity score. Cognitive function was measured as a composite of 21 cognitive tests assessing memory, spatial reasoning, and the ability to rapidly perceive or compare objects. Motor abilities were separately measured from daily activity as a function of several measures of fine motor skills, walking ability, and grip and pinch strength. The team then looked at brain tissue from these participants after their death and examined it for signs of Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles. They also looked at nine other measures of brain damage and disease, including those caused by cardiovascular disease. Almost all cases, including those with no signs of dementia, showed evidence of at least one form of brain disease or damage, with most cases showing an average of three different forms of brain pathology. Critically, the authors found that even after accounting for the presence of signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other brain damage, more physical activity and better motor abilities were still associated with better cognitive function. This finding supports the explanation that physical activity may promote cognitive resilience, helping offset or mask the negative consequences of neurodegeneration. There are some limitations to this study. Because the study was crosssectional, researchers could not identify a clear cause-and-effect relationship between physical activity and cognitive function (e.g., it could be equally likely www.50plusLifePA.com

individuals with better cognitive function happen to also be more physically active). Participants with signs of dementia did have lower levels of physical activity and poorer motor abilities than those without signs of dementia. The current study also did not examine lifetime physical activity. It is unclear whether the association seen between physical activity and cognitive function reflects the benefits of a lifetime of being physically active, or if initiating physical activity later in life may also be protective. Additional studies that examine individuals longitudinally across the lifespan and randomized controlled trials of physical activity interventions should help to answer these questions. Finally, the current study does not speak to the cellular and neural processes that might underlie these cognitive resilience processes. However, this study does provide additional promising evidence that physical activity and motor skills are beneficial to cognitive functioning in older age, and greater physical activity may even help to protect against the harmful effects of brain degeneration in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Credit: NIH/National Institute on Aging

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October 2019

October 30th is Create a Great Funeral Day Baby Boomers are Catalyst in Shift Beyond Traditional Burial The cost of living keeps going up.

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By the year 2035, adults age 65 and older are projected to outnumber children for the first time in American history, according to the 2019 Cremation and Burial Report, released by the National Funeral Directors Association. With this large of an aging population comes a natural increase in the death rate. This rise is concurrent with the ever-growing popularity of cremation, which, for the fourth consecutive year, has outpaced the rate of burial. By 2040, according to the report, the cremation rate in the U.S. is projected to be 78.7% while the burial rate is predicted to be just 15.7%, signifying that cremation is no fading trend — it is the new norm, set in motion by baby boomers’ evolving end-of-life preferences. “The main reasons for the continued rise in cremation rates are cost, the perceived environmental impact, an increasingly transient population, weakening of traditional religious prohibitions, and changing consumer preferences,” said Mike Nicodemus, licensed funeral director and NFDA vice president of cremation services. “Baby boomers have been a significant factor in this shift, and their preferences will inform decisions made by the funeral profession for years to come.” This shift has given funeral-home owners a unique opportunity to adjust business practices to address the impact of cremation and meet changing consumer preferences. The number of licensed crematories in the United States increased 8.9% over the last two years, and approximately one-third of funeral homes operate their own crematories, with another 11% planning to open their own in the next five years. The increase in the cremation rate also raises the question of what happens to cremated remains after the fact. Families have many options and, according to the report, as of 2019, approximately 42% of cremated remains are returned to families, 35.2% are buried at a cemetery, 16% are scattered at non-cemetery locations, and 8.1% are placed in a columbarium. As the cremation rate rises in the coming years, non-burial options for cremated remains are expected to gain popularity as well. www.50plusLifePA.com

October 30th is Create a Great Funeral Day The FAQs of Funeral Preplanning 50plus LIFE spoke with Michael C. Baublitz, funeral director/preplanning counselor at Etzweiler Family Funeral Service in York, to get some quick answers to common questions asked by those considering a preplanned funeral.

Does an individual have the option of planning ahead without paying ahead? Anyone has the ability to plan their own or loved one’s funeral; however, without prepaying, the cost is not guaranteed — but it does provide guidance to a family.

What are the general advantages of preplanning your funeral? The services are specific to the individual’s thoughts, needs, and wants, while eliminating the burden to loved ones during a very stressful time. I always enjoy creating a unique and one-of-a-kind service for individuals and their families.

What advice do you have for someone wishing to broach the subject of preplanning with a loved one, such as a parent or spouse? Broaching the subject of preplanning a funeral is half of the battle. It begins with educating oneself of the options available via a funeral preneed counselor. This can make the conversation less stressful and more productive for the individuals.

How does preplanning help the person’s survivors? Preplanning avoids confusion, anxiety, and conflicts during a very emotional time for families. Having a plan to follow allows the family certainty of a loved one’s wishes.

“Leave them with

MEMORIES –

How lengthy is the usual preplanning process? The preplanning consultation typically takes about an hour per person. The meeting can take place at either the funeral home or the individual’s residence, wherever they are comfortable.

not questions.”

What are some of the chief considerations for someone wishing to preplan? There are many options available to choose from, such as traditional services, which typically include casket, viewing, religious service, and burial, or memorial service and cremation. Another consideration is the amount of funds available to prepay for their final wishes. Prepaying options include lump-sum or a monthly payment plan.

Michael Baublitz, Pre-Arrangement Counselor and Licensed Funeral Director

When you preplan your own arrangements with us, you spare your family from unnecessary stress and worrying about what you would have wanted. Pre-paying is optional, but when you do, you save your loved ones from unexpected expenses. With us, your preplanning dollars are safe and secure. Imagine how your family will feel when they realize you’ve left them this gift of love - along with the memories.

Can changes be made to the plan after it’s been “finalized”? Yes, the plan is a blueprint, as such, until the time comes to implement the services.

Call today for free, no-obligation information on preplanning.

How are funeral prepayments protected? For example, what if the funeral home goes out of business? The prepayment or money is protected by being placed into a funeral escrow account. It can be transferred at any time or for any reason.

Does preplanning protect against cost inflation? The simple answer is yes, if prepaid through a funeral home. Services and merchandise are guaranteed against any cost increases/inflation. ETZWEILER FUNERAL HOME - YORK

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October 2019

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen

4 Powerful Medicinal Herbs for Breast Cancer

forms that are less likely to cause cancer. There’s no time like the present to begin the If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, changes necessary for better breast health. The take-home message today is that you please ask your doctor if these are right for you. can change the way you break down estrogen Rosemary – I recommend this as a fresh herb in your own body. You have direct control from your grocery store. Cook with it, and make over it, and that’s important because estrogen breakdown is different for everyone. tea with it. Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects similar to a Let’s start with the basics. When you say the word estrogen, that’s actually three compounds: COX-2 inhibitor drug. Rosemary has antimicrobial and direct estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Of the three, benefits for breast and prostate health. It also has estradiol is more strongly associated with anti-tumor benefits. Rosemary works by helping causing cancer than the other two. you break down estrogen into the safer antiMen and women both make estrogen. It’s the breakdown product from testosterone, actually. cancer metabolites. If you have low testosterone, you’ll have low October is Breast Cancer estrogen too. Broccoli – It’s impossible to eat 4 pounds Awareness Month of broccoli every day, so take the supplement Your body breaks down estrogen into called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) or DIM, I3C’s metabolites, and some of those are more likely metabolite. It helps to balance estrogen levels in to cause cancer than others. Like I said, you can the body and appears to have anti-cancer effects, particularly for the breast and change the way your body breaks down the circulating estrogen. Here is some valuable information about how to manufacture your own prostate. Too much of it, however, can crash your thyroid levels, due to its goitrogenic healthy estrogen metabolites and make it such that you break it down into effect. Flax seed – This is kind of like plant-based estrogen (termed phytoestrogen), which kicks off dangerous estrogens from your cells. Men with prostate problems could benefit. Women with estrogen dominance — hallmarked by heavy periods, breast pain, cramping, and anxiety — might benefit from flax seed. I recommend buying fresh flax seed, grinding it in a coffee grinder, and sprinkling it on yogurt or oatmeal.

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Sage – Salvia officinalis is the botanical name. Just like rosemary, sage contains a lot of “carnosic acid.” This compound was shown in numerous clinical trials to exert apoptosis, which means cancer cells die off. When combined, the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen and carnosic acid work more effectively together at slowing down cancer growth. You can buy fresh sage herb to cook with or herbal extract at any health food store. www.gordonsinc.com Providing trusted service for over 40 years! Complete and Skilled Automotive Maintenance and Repair

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There are many other alternatives that I haven’t elaborated on, such as vitamin D, curcumin, and iodine, so if you’re interested in those, come to my website and sign up for my newsletter. Please ask your physician or oncologist if these are right for you. Cooking with the fresh herbs should be just fine. This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com. www.50plusLifePA.com

Tips to Keep You Safe from Medicare Fraud By Brian O’Connell

With Medicare open enrollment season about to begin, it’s a good idea for enrollees to recognize and take action to stop Medicare fraud against them in its tracks. Just how bad is the Medicare consumer fraud problem? According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Medicare fraud — against consumers, government, and private health insurers — is the “largest type of insurance fraud by far,” with tens of billions of dollars lost each year by consumers. Forms of Medicare Fraud There are several ways that Medicare enrollees can be victimized by fraud. These scams are at the top of that list: Via phone — Identity fraudsters often target older Medicare enrollees via a phone call, telling seniors they’re with the government or a doctor’s office, and try to steal Medicare account data that they later use to commit fraud. Via email — Medicare fraud artists also frequently use email “phishing” techniques to reach out to Medicare enrollees, again claiming to be from the government or from a local hospital or doctor’s office. The scammers often try to elicit a Medicare enrollee’s personal data through email directly, claiming they need the user’s personal data to complete some important paperwork, and ask the Medicare beneficiary’s Social Security number and/or bank account and credit card account information. Or, they’ll attempt to get a senior to click on a malware-loaded email link, which then steals the consumer’s data. Actions to Protect against Medicare Fraud The good news? Medicare enrollees can take direct action to mitigate or even eliminate Medicare fraud, experts say. Get started with these tips: Lock down your medical information. “Be suspicious if anyone other than your doctor or medical provider asks for your information, especially because this includes your www.50plusLifePA.com

Social Security filing false claims and don’t let anyone persuade you to number,” says have been on the see a doctor for care or services you Diana Golub, a don’t need,” the agency states. rise in the last licensed medical If you believe that you’ve been decade.” professional victimized by Medicare fraud, take Be careful and director these action steps: with all of options at • Call CMS at (800) MEDICARE physician AIA Direct or (800) 633-4227. interactions. in Bradenton, • Report it online to the On its fraudFlorida. Department of Health and prevention “Make sure Human Services Office of the webpage, you protect your Inspector General. Medicare.gov Medicare card, advises Medicare • Call the Office of the Inspector Medicare Open Enrollment Period and don’t share General at (800) HHS‑TIPS or enrollees to not Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 your Medicare TTY: (800) 377‑4950. allow anyone, number. Think • Call your state insurance except your of it like a credit or debit card department or local law doctor or other Medicare providers, number. Be aware of online or enforcement. to review your medical records or phone scammers. You don’t have to recommend services. Brian O’Connell is an analyst at pay a processing fee or purchase a InsuranceQuotes (www.insurancequotes. “Also, don’t contact your doctor to temporary card should you misplace com). request a service that you don’t need, your Medicare card.” BlueJourney Seminar Dates and Locations: Review your Medicare claims. Review your Medicare claims to make sure there aren’t any errors or suspicious activity, advises Justin Lavelle, chief communications officer at BeenVerified, an online background-check platform. “Each time you receive healthcare services, write the service date on your calendar and save all the statements or receipts you may get back from your providers,” Lavelle says. “Check them for errors by comparing your healthcare service dates — as listed on your calendar — with what is listed on your statements.” In addition, check to ensure the prescriptions you’ve filled match the ones listed on your statements. If you find any errors, call (800) MEDICARE, Lavelle says.

Don’t accept any services you don’t need. If your provider is putting pressure on you to get healthcare services you feel you don’t need, you can refuse the care and request another physician give you a second opinion. “Don’t feel that because it is your physician, someone you’ve trusted in the past, that you must move forward with all of their healthcare recommendations,” says Lavelle. “Medical professionals falsely billing Medicare, advising procedures with higher rates of payment, and

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October 2019

Melinda’s Garden

Plan Ahead for Amaryllis Blooms All Winter Long

Melinda Myers

Let amaryllis fill your home with flowers for the holidays and keep the blossoms coming all winter long. When you plant several different types of amaryllis bulbs, from both the southern and northern hemispheres, you can be sure to get a long-lasting, colorful show that will brighten your mood and surroundings throughout the winter months. Kick off the holiday season with amaryllis bulbs that are imported from growers in Peru. As we enter autumn, it’s springtime in South America, and these bulbs are eager to start blooming. Pot them up before early November for flowers in December. Amaryllis varieties grown in the southern hemisphere include deep-red Mandela, frosty-white Denver, coral-pink Bolero, and two-tone Charisma. Combine these impressive blossoms with greens, poinsettias, candles, and other holiday

Photo credit: Longfield Gardens

Amaryllis Double King

décor, or give them as living gifts to friends, family, and neighbors. Most amaryllis bulbs that are grown in the U.S. are imported from Holland, and their natural bloom time is January through March. Exactly when the flowers will open is impossible to predict. The best strategy is to choose a number of different varieties and plant them three to four weeks apart during November, December, and January. This way you will always have flowers coming into bloom. Start your indoor flower display with an early bloomer such as Evergreen, which is always quick to break out of dormancy. Its flowers have narrow, lime/chartreuse petals on 20-inch plants. Enjoy the impressive display as each bulb produces two stems with four to six blooms. Minerva’s extra-large, cherry-red flowers have a white star in the middle and an apple-green throat. They are eye-catching from afar and spectacular up close.

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Apple Blossom is a longtime favorite with snow-white petals brushed with pink and a lime-green throat. Or grow a double amaryllis, such as Double King, with layers of burgundy-red petals and up to a dozen flowers. Enjoy some of the more unusual amaryllis colors and flower styles by planting varieties such as Naranja, with its tropical red-orange blossoms, or Sweet Nymph, a romantic double amaryllis with stunning, coral-pink petals.

Add elegance to your indoor garden with Picotee. Its 8-inch flowers are white with a thin, red line around each petal. As winter turns to early spring, celebrate with an explosion of indoor blooms from Red Pearl, Spartacus, and other proven performers. The velvety, burgundy-red flowers of Red Pearl have a deep maroon throat that sets off the glittering gold stamens. Spartacus turns heads with its crimson petals and bold, white stripes.

Display your amaryllis on a mantle, kitchen counter, or entryway table where you can watch the amazing show as the first sprout appears, followed by buds and the spectacular trumpet-shaped blooms. Amaryllis are also beautiful, longlasting cut flowers. For best selection, order your bulbs early and store them in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to plant. Once you pot up the bulbs and place them in a warm, bright location, flower buds should appear

in about six to 10 weeks. Protect yourself from the winter blahs by investing in amaryllis. You can count on their big flowers and bright colors to lift your spirits and ease your way to spring. 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 nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. www.melindamyers.com, www.longfieldgardens.com

Get Help Navigating Medicare The York County Area Agency on Aging’s APPRISE Program will offer free personalized counseling during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, which begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. The annual open enrollment period is when Medicare beneficiaries can review their coverage and determine if health and prescription plans continue to meet their needs. By comparing plans and making changes by Dec. 7, Medicare will have enough time to process those changes to ensure that the new coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2020. Medicare beneficiaries throughout the annual open enrollment period will be able to receive one-on-one counseling assistance offered by trained APPRISE counselors at different locations throughout York County. Prescheduled appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the APPRISE scheduling line at (717) 771-9042 or (800) 632-9073. Dates and locations for the sessions are as follows: Oct. 16, 4–7 p.m. South Western High School 200 Bowman Road, Hanover Oct. 17, 4–7 p.m. West York High School 1800 Bannister St., York Oct. 21, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. South Central Senior Center 150 E. Main St., New Freedom Call (717) 235-6060 www.50plusLifePA.com

Oct. 22, 4–7 p.m. York Suburban High School 1800 Hollywood Drive, York Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Spring Grove Area High School 1490 Roth’s Church Road Spring Grove Oct. 28, 4–7 p.m. Dallastown Area Senior High School 700 New School Lane, Dallastown Oct. 29, 1–3 p.m. Red Land High School 560 Fishing Creek Road, Lewisberry

Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Spring Grove High School 1490 Roth’s Church Road Spring Grove

Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–noon Kennard-Dale High School 393 Main St., Fawn Grove

Nov. 25, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Red Lion High School 200 Horace Mann Ave., Red Lion

Dec. 2, 3, and 4, 9 a.m.–noon York County Area Agency on Aging 100 W. Market St., York

Tom & Randi LaNasa “MEMORY MUSIC”

Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m.–noon SpiriTrust Lutheran Village at Zimmerman Place 800 Bollinger Drive, Shrewsbury Nov. 7, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Northeastern High School 300 High St., Manchester Nov. 12, 9 a.m.–noon SpiriTrust Lutheran Village at Sprenkle Drive 1802 Folkemer Circle, York Nov. 13, 4–7 p.m. South Western High School 200 Bowman Road, Hanover Nov. 18, 4–7 p.m. West York Area High School 1800 Bannister St., York Nov. 19, 4–7 p.m. York Suburban High School 1800 Hollywood Drive, York

Attention: RETIREMENT HOMES, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. Looking for entertainment?

Now booking our Christmas, variety, and specialty shows for 2019. We have many variety shows featuring the music from the 1930s to the 60s. Songs by legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Kay Starr, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, and the Mills Brothers. Specialty shows include …

Songs from the WWII Years • The Post WWII Years: 1945 – 1955 AMERICA: From Sea to Shining Sea Salute to the Rat Pack (or if you prefer, just Sinatra) Elvis & Patsy • Classic Country Please contact Memory Music to book your next event!

Phone: (717) 846-6126

E-mail: memrymusic@aol.com

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October 2019

Social Security News

Communities Fighting Fraud By John Johnston

Older people are at a greater risk of fraud and other forms of financial exploitation. The United States Postal Service has seen an increase in mail fraud and is promoting community strength and fraud awareness as a way to prevent abuse. Social Security agrees. You can help your more vulnerable loved ones fight fraud. You or a loved one might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a scammer. United States law prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or are endorsed or approved by Social Security. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete advertisement, including the envelope it came in, to: Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline Social Security Administration P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD 21235

The ultimate resource for boomer and senior living and care options.

Online & In Print. onlinepub.com

24th annual edition

Last chance Closing date: Nov. 1, 2019. to be Street date: Jan. 2020 included? To be included in the 2020 edition of 50plus LIVING, call your marketing consultant, call (717) 285-1350, or email info@onlinepub.com 18

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Community can simply mean your family unit. The more you know about what your loved ones are exposed to, the better you can protect them. We also receive reports where someone pretending to be a Social Security employee has contacted members of the public. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and/or money from your bank accounts. They may state that your Social Security number will be suspended or they may demand immediate payment. The caller generally asks you for personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, or your bank or financial account information. You should not provide any of this information to these individuals. It’s possible that a Social Security employee may contact you to follow up on a previous application for Social Security benefits or to follow up on other business you initiated with Social Security. Remember, Social Security employees will never threaten you or demand any kind of payment in exchange for services. It’s important that you report any and all fraud. This can only strengthen our communities and your family. You can report Social Security fraud at https://oig.ssa.gov/report or (800) 269-0271. John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.

Will You Need Help with Raking and Shoveling? York County adults 60 and older who are interested in getting help with fall cleanup, raking, snow shoveling, programming electronic devices, or with other household chores are encouraged to arrange for help from a Rent-AKid. The Rent-A-Kid program, sponsored by the York County Area Agency on Aging, is an intergenerational program that connects York County older adults who need help and nearby middle and high school students in grades seven to 12 who want to help. For over 30 years, “Rent-a-Kids” have been helping and learning from older adults through the program, which has a goal of not only getting an important job done, but also fostering friendships between older adults and youth. Older adults in need of assistance can call the Rent-A-Kid coordinator, Hope Eberly, at (717) 771-9103; she will provide names and phone numbers for youth nearby who may be interested. It is the responsibility of the older adult to contact the youth and discuss the job to be done, when it is to be done, the rate of pay for the job, and any other arrangements that need to be made. The older adult needs to be agreeable to a reimbursement of a minimum of $5 per hour or a negotiated rate based on the job. www.50plusLifePA.com

Pennsylvania Ranks 34th in Recent Senior-Friendly Analysis By Dave Fidlin | The Center Square When it comes to retirement-friendly accommodations, Pennsylvania ranked toward the bottom of a recent study. The state overall scored above the median for safety and culture but was below the pack in affordability, wellness, and weather. According to the analysis from financial website Bankrate, Pennsylvania wound up at No. 34, behind neighboring state Ohio, which was No. 26 overall, but ahead of New York, which was second-to-last in the comparison. Pennsylvania’s overall below-the-median ranking is attributed to several factors, including affordability, where it ranked No. 28 across the country from a retirement-friendly lens. In its analysis, Bankrate gave weighted averages to each of the categories. Affordability constituted 40% of the total score. Data from the Council for Community and Economic Research was used for the affordability ranking, according to Bankrate analysts. When asked to comment on Pennsylvania’s rank for this story, Ray Landis, advocacy manager with the state AARP office, said he believes it is at least based on some misconceptions. “I’m actually surprised it ranks as low as it does,” Landis said. While the state’s tax rate is a common issue of concern from residents of all ages, Landis said there are multiple mechanisms in place through state law that

www.50plusLifePA.com

help Pennsylvania’s older adult population. Landis pointed out Pennsylvania does not tax retirees’ income from pensions and other sources. The Pennsylvania Lottery also has been used as a lever to fund programs benefiting older adults in the state. “The reality is a lot of seniors do OK with taxes here in Pennsylvania,” Landis said. However, real-estate taxes have been seen in recent years as disproportionately affecting Pennsylvania’s senior citizens. Because many seniors live on a fixed income, lawmakers have worried that increases in property taxes could lead them to lose their homes. Pennsylvania’s lowest categorical rank in Bankrate’s study was weather, where it notched a No. 31. Also ranking lower was wellness, at No. 28. Weather and wellness accounted for 15% and 2%, respectively, of Bankrate’s weighted average. The state performed better in other metrics, including crime, where it ranked the 13th safest state, and culture, which came in No. 15 in the analysis. Crime contributed 5% to the total rank, while culture was 15%. Florida, loosely considered the haven for many retirees, was among the top retiree-friendly states in Bankrate’s analysis, though the Sunshine State did not earn the top spot. That honor went to Nebraska, followed by Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, and, at No. 5, Florida. The five least senior-friendly states in Bankrate’s analysis were Washington, Illinois, Alaska, New York, and, at No. 50, Maryland.

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October 2019

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Elder Law Attorneys

Specific areas of elder law in which the firm concentrates:

Bellomo & Associates, LLC 3198 East Market Street, York, PA 17402 717-845-5390 fax 717-845-5408 info@bellomoassociates.com www.bellomoassociates.com

2009

Yes

Estate planning; wills and powers of attorney; Medicaid and long-term care planning; probate and estate administration; guardianship.

Yes

Estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, guardianships. York County Bar Association Estate Planning and Probate Law Section, chairman since 2001, friendly and efficient service and staff.

Yes

Asset protection; long-term care; medical assistance; veterans’ benefits (veteran certified); estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney; estate administration; guardianships. Attorney/CPA on staff.

Yes

Compassionate guidance with Alzheimer’s planning, Medicaid benefits, wills, powers of attorney, estate administration, and care coordination. Nurse on staff. Care crisis? Call for a free consultation with our care coordinator.

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Advanced estate planning and all aspects of administration and probate, including all tax returns (CPA on staff); asset protection: Medicaid planning; all trusts, including special needs and charitable giving; guardianships; veterans’ benefits. 16 convenient locations in PA and MD with evening and weekend appointments available, and we make house calls too!

Blakey, Yost, Bupp & Rausch, LLP David A. Mills, Esquire

17 East Market Street, York, PA 17401 717-845-3674 fax 717-854-7839 dmills@blakeyyost.com www.blakeyyost.com

1980

1990

Yes

Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLC 635 North 12th Street, #101, Lemoyne, PA 17043 330 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-724-9821 fax 717-724-9826 ppatton@daleyzucker.com www.daleyzucker.com

2004

Yes

Keystone Elder Law P.C. 555 Gettysburg Pike, Suite B-200, Mechanicsburg Satellite office in Carlisle 717-697-3223 toll-free 844-697-3223 karen@keystoneelderlaw.com www.keystoneelderlaw.com

2010

Yes

Mooney Law

HARRISBURG: 105 North Front St.; YORK: 40 East Philadelphia St. CARLISLE: 2 South Hanover St.; SHIPPENSBURG: 34 West King St. GETTYSBURG: 18 E. Middle St.; HANOVER: 230 York St. Additional offices in Duncannon, Frederick (MD), Greencastle, Halifax, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mercersburg, New Oxford, Stewartstown, and Westminster (MD) 717-200-HELP; toll-free 877-632-4656 — CALL 24/7 info@mooney4law.com www.PAElderIssues.com; www.Mooney4Law.com

1997

Yes

If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your marketing consultant or call (717) 285-1350. This is not an all-inclusive list. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services. * Indicates that at least one attorney in the firm is a member. Information contained herein was provided by the firm.

Two Hours a Week in Nature Boosts Well-being Staying healthy isn’t all about exercise and diet — as important as they are. An article on the Science News website suggests that spending just two hours a week in nature is crucial to your health and well-being. A study of data from 20,000 people in England, conducted by the University of Exeter, found that folks who spend 120 minutes a week out in nature tend to report significantly better health and psychological well-being than those who don’t commune with nature at all in a typical week or who

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spend less than two hours outside in parks, woodlands, and beaches. Your two hours don’t have to happen all at once, either. The findings showed that the benefits accrued in either a single visit or several short periods. The benefits also were evident across the board regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, financial status, and disability. The bottom line: Get outside now, and you’ll feel better soon. www.50plusLifePA.com

York County

Calendar of Events

Community Programs/Support Groups Free and open to the public Sundays, 6:15 p.m. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Luther Memorial Lutheran Church 1907 Hollywood Drive, York (781) 932-6300 www.foodaddicts.org Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Surviving Spouse Socials of York County Faith United Church of Christ 509 Pacific Ave., York (717) 266-2784 Oct. 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association Eight-Week Memory Support Program

Windy Hill Senior Center 1472 Roth’s Church Road Spring Grove (717) 225-0733 Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. Partners in Thyme Herb Club of Southern York County Glenview Alliance Church 10037 Susquehanna Trail, Glen Rock (717) 428-2210 Oct. 6, 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Speaker, Artist, Photographer Jeremy Cowart First Presbyterian Church of York

225 E. Market St., York (717) 843-8041 www.fpcyork.org Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m. Green Thumb Garden Club Meeting Emmanuel Lutheran Church 2650 Freysville Road, Red Lion (717) 235-2823 Oct. 15, 7-8 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group Providence Place 3377 Fox Run Road, Dover (717) 767-4500

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Hawk-watching Drop-ins, Rocky Ridge Park Oct. 6, 2:30-4 p.m. – Fall Colors Walk, Nixon Park

Library Programs

Collinsville Community Library, 2632 Delta Road, Brogue, (717) 927-9014 Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. – Purls of Brogue Knitting Club Oct. 3, 4-5:45 p.m. – Tech Time Dillsburg Area Public Library, 17 S. Baltimore St., Dillsburg, (717) 432-5613 Oct. 1-5, 10 a.m. (end times va r y) – Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Oct. 10, 1:30-3:15 p.m. – Tech Time Oct. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Spooky Stories: Haunted Pennsylvania (Family) Dover Area Community Library, 3700-3 Davidsburg Road, Dover, (717) 292-6814 Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6-7 p.m. – Knitting Group Oct. 10, 10-11:45 a.m. – Tech Time Oct. 16, 6-7 p.m. – Social Security Program with Sean Clark Glatfelter Memorial Library, 101 Glenview Road, Spring Grove, (717) 225-3220 Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m. – Antiques Roadshow-style Program with Cordier Auctions Oct. 24, 1:15-3 p.m. – Tech Time Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Place, Hanover, (717) 632-5183 Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Windy Hill Senior Center at Guthrie Oct. 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Adult Coloring Oct. 24, 10-11:45 a.m. – Tech Time Kaltreider-Benfer Library, 147 S. Charles St., Red Lion, (717) 244-2032

www.50plusLifePA.com

Delta Area Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 456-5753 Dillsburg Senior Activity Center – (717) 432-2216 Eastern Area Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 252-1641 Golden Connections Community Center (717) 244-7229, www.gcccenter.com Weekdays, 9 a.m. – Games Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – Pinochle Fridays, 9:15 a.m. – Computers 101 Golden Visions Senior Community Center (717) 633-5072, www.goldenvisionspa.com Heritage Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 292-7471 www.heritagesrcenter.org

parks and recreation

Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, 32 Main St., Glen Rock, (717) 235-1127 Oct. 17, 1:15-3 p.m. – Tech Time

Senior Center Activities

Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m. – Greeting Card Workshop Oct. 3, 10-11:45 a.m. – Tech Time Oct. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Green Thumb Garden Club Lecture Series Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center, 66 Walnut Springs Road, Hellam, (717) 252-4080 Oct. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. – Bridging the Gap: Medicare/ Social Security Oct. 17, 4-5:45 p.m. – Tech Time Martin Library, 159 E. Market St., York, (717) 846-5300 Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Get That Job Oct. 13, 2-3:30 p.m. – The Northern Central Railway in the Civil War Oct. 20, 2-3 p.m. – York Reads Mason-Dixon Public Library, 250 Bailey Drive, Stewartstown, (717) 993-2404 Oct. 3, 1:30-3:15 p.m. – Tech Time Paul Smith Library of Southern York County, 80 Constitution Ave., Shrewsbury, (717) 235-4313 Oct. 10, 3-5 p.m. – Silent Book Club Oct. 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Morning Meditation Oct. 17, 10-11:45 a.m. – Tech Time Red Land Community Library, 48 Robin Hood Drive, Etters, (717) 938-5599 Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 10 a.m. to noon – Mah Jong, Anyone? Oct. 3 and 17, 1-2 p.m. – Adult Yoga Oct. 25, 7-10 p.m. – Trivia Night Village Library, 35-C N. Main St., Jacobus, (717) 428-1034 Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, noon to 2 pm. – Village Knitters Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 5-8 p.m. – Village Knitters Oct. 24, 3:30-5:15 p.m. – Tech Time

Northeastern Senior Community Center (717) 266-1400, www.mtwolf.org/SeniorCenter Red Land Senior Center – (717) 938-4649 www.redlandseniorcenter.org September House – (717) 848-4417 South Central Senior Community Center (717) 235-6060 https://southcentralyorkcountysrctr.webs.com Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m. – HoopFit Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – Balance with Weights Class Oct. 6, 5-7 p.m. – Save the Senior Center Community Dance Stewartstown Senior Center – (717) 993-3488 www.stewsenior.org Susquehanna Senior Center – (717) 244-0340 www.susquehannaseniorcenter.org Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Chorus Practice Tuesdays, 6-10 p.m. – Bluegrass/Country Music Jam Session White Rose Senior Center – (717) 843-9704 www.whiteroseseniorcenter.org Windy Hill On the Campus – (717) 225-0733 https://windyhillonthecampus.org Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. – Ballroom Dancing Classes Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – Exercise Class for Parkinson’s Patients and Caregivers Oct. 15, 12:30 p.m. – Book Club Yorktown Senior Center – (717) 854-0693 www.yorktownseniorcenter.org Submit senior center events to mjoyce@onlinepub.com.

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October 2019

Soldier Stories

Robert Naeye

He Survived Firefights, Hepatitis, and a Landmine that Failed to Detonate

Central Pennsylvania resident Dan Dorsheimer had been in Vietnam for only three weeks when he went out on his first patrol as an Army infantryman. The events that followed would be seared into his memory. His platoon destroyed a South Vietnamese village and killed a young Vietnamese girl. He stepped on a landmine, which miraculously failed to explode. But despite experiencing Dorsheimer at a fire support base, 1968. intense combat and becoming severely ill twice, he would survive his tour and return to his hometown. Dorsheimer was born in February 1948 and raised in a family with a distinguished history of military service. His maternal grandfather served during World War I. His father fought in the brutal Battle of Okinawa in World War II, where he earned a Purple Heart. His brother also served in Vietnam. “When our country called, we answered the call, and I’m very proud of that,” says Dorsheimer. Dorsheimer graduated from high school in June 1966. Almost one year later to the day, he was drafted. He went into the Army so he would only have to serve two years. He spent eight weeks in basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by nine weeks of advanced infantry training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. “We didn’t hear a lot of positive things in those 17 weeks of training. They really beat us up physically and emotionally. That’s just how it was,” says Dorsheimer. At the end of his training, Dorsheimer’s worst fears became reality: He received a letter ordering him to report to Fort Lewis, Washington, in the first week of November 1967. He realized he was going to ’Nam at a time when the war was intensifying and American casualties were starting to mount. After a brief period of rest back home, Dorsheimer’s parents drove him to Baltimore for the flight to Washington. “My mother watched the news; she knew what was going on in Vietnam. She was a mess. She didn’t know if she was ever going to see me again alive,” recalls Dorsheimer. After stops in Hawaii, Wake Island, and Guam, Dorsheimer landed at Cam Ranh Bay in November 1967. He wondered why men were cheering as he got off the plane but then realized they were going home. They told him “to have fun.” Dorsheimer recalls being scared to death. The next day, Dorsheimer flew on a cargo plane to the village of Pleiku in South Vietnam’s Central Highlands. There, he was assigned as a replacement to a company in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. To some extent, Dorsheimer lucked out. During his 366-day tour of duty, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong concentrated their forces to the north and south of the Central Highlands, so, as Dorsheimer says, “We didn’t see a whole lot of combat for an infantry unit.” Still, he saw horrible things and watched some of his buddies die. He calls

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his first three weeks in Vietnam “a nightmare,” and that experience included watching a fellow 19-year-old kid blow himself up while mishandling a grenade. On his first patrol, his platoon went out in the morning on a search-anddestroy mission to a nearby village that was thought to be sympathetic to the Viet Cong. The 40 or so men crossed a river and entered the village. Dorsheimer with two ARVN (Army of the The inhabitants lived in Republic of Vietnam) soldiers. primitive conditions, with thatched dwellings and dirt floors. The Americans only saw old men, women, and young children. As a newcomer, Dorsheimer depended on the officers and hardened veterans for his survival. But right away, he worried that his comrades were having too much fun searching and destroying. Before departing the village, the commanding officer ordered the men to burn it down. The men set fire to the grass with their lighters, which then lit the hatched dwellings. Dorsheimer admits that he helped. “These people had nothing — they were primitive peasants,” he recalls. “And that wasn’t the worst of it. We killed their chickens, their pigs, and we shot their water buffalo. These people had nothing. We destroyed absolutely everything in that village. Everything.” Dorsheimer was only 19, but he understood that ruining the livelihood of the locals was not exactly the best way to establish their faith in democracy. Walking back to the base camp, the line of men suddenly stopped. The point man looked at Dorsheimer, who heard a “poof.” He realized he was in trouble. He looked down to see smoke coming out from his right boot. He was told not to move. He had stepped on a small landmine consisting of plastic explosives. Fortunately for the rookie soldier, the mine failed to detonate. Even if it did, Dorsheimer probably would have survived. “It wasn’t meant to kill you. It was meant to put a hole in your foot and put you in the hospital.” As the men neared base camp, they saw a Vietnamese person cross their path in a rice paddy. Someone behind Dorsheimer yelled, “Go ahead and fire.” After turning over the body, they realized they had killed a young girl. Making matters worse, some of the men laughed. “I’m thinking, ‘What the hell is going on here?’” recalls Dorsheimer. “I wasn’t brought up that way.” Dorsheimer’s company went on numerous jungle patrols but rarely made contact with the enemy. Still, these were arduous missions, with the soldiers carrying heavy loads, going many days without showers, and eating the same dreary rations day after day. About five months into his tour, Dorsheimer contracted hepatitis and had to be medevacked to an aid station. By the time he got there, he was lapsing in and out of consciousness. He was freezing, but his head felt like it was on fire. He was running a high fever, so the medical personnel packed him in ice www.50plusLifePA.com

“like Charlie the Dorsheimer. Tuna.” But the attacks While ceased. recuperating This young at Cam Ranh soldier would Bay, he had survive several an incredibly more firefights unlikely chance and a bout encounter with of malaria. a fellow high Dorsheimer school graduate, received several Rick Criswell, ribbons and who was serving a letter of in the Army’s commendation Taking a meal, August 1968. st 101 Airborne for his service, Division. but he is quick The two to dismiss any spent several notion that he days together was a hero. at the hospital “I didn’t do and had a more than any photo taken. of the guys They sent a beside me. copy to the People back local weekly at base camp newspaper, wrote this stuff which up to try to published it on build morale,” Rich Burton, left, and Dan Dorsheimer. the front page he insists. of the April 19, Despite 1968, issue. everything he endured and all his Tragically, Criswell died in unpleasant memories, Dorsheimer action four months later. Shortly has built a successful postwar life. after returning home from the war, He retired in 2011 after working 22 Dorsheimer landed a job with a small years for Coca-Cola, and he has been bottling company. By an extraordinary married to his wife, Fran, for 28 years. coincidence, he discovered that Their son, Sage, currently lives in Criswell’s mother worked there too. He Williamsburg, Virginia. went to see her and saw that she was Like many Vietnam veterans, reading the paper. Dorsheimer has found it difficult for “I turned around and said, ‘Mrs. other people to relate to his wartime Criswell, hi, I’m Dan Dorsheimer.’ The experiences. tears rolled down her cheeks. It was “For 46, 47 years, I didn’t talk about Rick’s mother, probably two years after it because no one cared. Even the she buried her son. That picture in the veterans [here in town] really didn’t [newspaper] was quite possibly the last acknowledge us at the Legion and the picture she saw of her son before she VFW. Yeah, they signed us up, but saw him dead in that casket. they told us, ‘That’s not a real war.’ “She never came back to work, and Yeah, tell that to the 58,000 people I have never seen her to this day. Why who died.” did that happen?” But like most Vietnam veterans, his Dorsheimer vividly recalls a war experiences remain a defining part pitched firefight after recovering of his life. from his illness. He watched one of “I was 19 when I landed, 20 when his fellow soldiers die from a bullet I left. I’m proud of my service, as is fired from a nearby village. Suddenly, my father, my grandfather, and my two American jets zoomed by at low brother. I’m not proud of some of the altitude and dropped canisters of things that we did. We did some really napalm on the village, incinerating nasty things.” everything. Derry Township resident Robert Naeye “No fireworks display can do writes regularly for The Hummelstown Sun. what these two canisters did,” says www.50plusLifePA.com

Nov. 7, 2019 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Farm and Home Center

1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster

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

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

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

At the Expo

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

At the Job Fair

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

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

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

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October 2019

Stingy Jack Carves Out His Legacy By Randal C. Hill Every Oct. 31, we see suburban homes displaying fat orange pumpkins aglow with light pouring through triangular eyes and jagged teeth. They stand guard over the house, ready to ward off whatever evil spirits might be lurking about. It’s a good thing that those silent sentinels are on duty. After all, one of those spirits just might be Stingy Jack. — His story starts out in ancient Irish mythology. In the tale, the local blacksmith in one particular village was a notorious drunk who lied, cheated, played pranks, manipulated people, and did what he could to avoid spending his money. Locals called him Jack the Smith to his face but Stingy Jack behind his back. Lucifer had heard of Jack’s vile reputation and decided to seek out the rascal for himself. When the devil met Jack, the town con artist invited him to the town tavern for a drink.

True to his name, Jack claimed to be broke when the drinking was done. The wily scoundrel then convinced Satan to turn himself into a coin so Jack could settle the evening’s tab. The bemused devil took on the requested shape, and Jack slipped the coin into his coat pocket — and right next to a silver crucifix. The cross kept Satan from shifting back to his original form. Jack then slipped out of the tavern without paying the bill. Jack eventually let Lucifer loose, but only after making him promise to not bother him for one year. And,

oh yes, not to claim the blacksmith’s soul when he died. Jack was still up to his usual machinations one year later. When the devil came to collect the reprobate’s soul, Jack begged for a single last request: a juicy red apple. While Lucifer was climbing a nearby tree, Jack hurriedly carved the sign of the cross into the tree’s trunk. As a result, the devil couldn’t return to solid ground until he promised once more to leave Jack alone, this time for a full decade. Predictably, Jack wasted the next 10 years drinking, causing problems, and annoying people.

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When he finally died and met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, the good saint turned him away, convinced that God wouldn’t want such a miserable hunk of humanity in heaven. And when Jack turned up at the gates of hell, Satan, who was still smarting from the tricks Jack had pulled on him earlier, refused to admit him. After all, the devil smugly maintained, that had been part of their original bargain. The devil sent Jack off into the night to “find his own hell” in the dark and mysterious netherworld. The hapless penny-pincher stumbled into the darkness, his path dimly lit by a single chunk of burning coal that the devil had snatched from the fires of hell and given to him to create a makeshift lantern. Jack plucked a turnip from the ground, carved an opening in it, and placed the ember inside. Ever since that night, Stingy Jack has been roaming the earth, finding neither peace nor a resting place. The Irish began referring to his ghostly figure as “Jack of the lantern,” which was eventually shortened to “Jack o’ lantern.” In Ireland, then later in Scotland and England, people began replicating Jack’s lantern by carving scary faces into turnips, potatoes, gourds, and beets. Eventually, migrants brought the Irish tradition of Stingy Jack to America. It was here that newly arrived folks found that pumpkins, which were native to America, made perfect jack-o’-lanterns. — Today, the Stingy Jack legend has taken a back seat to costumes, candy, and Charlie Brown cartoons at Halloween. However, that doesn’t mean that the creepy codger isn’t still wandering about in the darkness somewhere. Maybe even in your own neighborhood.

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Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the rest of him resides in Bandon, Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

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CROSSWORD

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On Life and Love after 50

MarriageTovs. aSudoku Committed Relationship solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Tom Blake

As a senior-relationship columnist, relationship and living together. We are surprised I receive many interesting questions from older at the number of friends who ask, ‘When is he singles. going to make me legal?’ Recently, Nancy emailed, “Are you married “We don’t feel the need to be married. Our legally to Greta?” kids don’t care one way or the other. I wear a ring (The “Greta” to whom Nancy was referring has on my wedding-ring finger. We are turning 65 been my life partner for 21 years.) this year and have earned the right to do as we Nancy added, “I’m 65 and have a man I’d wish.” like to spend the rest of my life with. We’ve been Nina stated, “I’m in my mid-50s, six years together — on and off — for eight years. We divorced, alone, have great friends, a pretty don’t want to marry legally, but we would like a good life, and am fine with this for now. I don’t commitment ceremony. want to remarry, even if I find someone with “I stayed home raising my ex-husband’s and whom love is real and mutual. I would like to be my children for 25 years. We were divorced in in a committed, loving relationship.” 1996; he remarried. After he passed away, I started Jennifer shared, “Older people have already receiving his Social Security benefits because of completed the child-raising task. They don’t need the length of time married to him. If I were to to nail down a reproductive agreement. marry legally, I’d lose the benefits. “They have often spent a lifetime working and “Is there a way to be together with my guy accumulating assets, and they frequently like without legally marrying so I don’t lose my exto keep their finances separate. Sometimes, it’s husband’s Social Security benefits?” simpler just to remain single, even while living together. Before addressing Nancy’s questions, I strongly suggest she contact an “Those who, for religious or other reasons, are uncomfortable with this Copyright PuzzleJunction.com attorney to ensure she doesn’t do anything to jeopardize receiving her deceased©2019 arrangement can still get married.” husband’s benefits. Marcia wrote, “Russ and I did not marry for myriad reasons. We know of My answer to Nancy’s initial question: No, Greta and I are not “married couples who’ve had religious ceremonies under God, and they are happy.” legally.” We aren’t even married illegally. We’ve been together 21 years and Final thoughts to Nancy: have lived together 18 of those years, 13 of them in her home and the last five Getting married would likely cause you to lose the Social Security benefits in my home. you are receiving. Don’t marry. We have been blessed with the relationship the way it is. We travel often Another reason not to marry: You said your eight-year relationship has been and share many expenses. Our life is as good as it gets. We see no reason to “on and off.” That’s not a good omen for marriage. marry. 50 PlusASenior Newsceremony? 10/19 Crossword commitment If you wish. Just be sure it’s not legally binding. Nancy also wanted to know if Greta and I have had a commitment Exchange rings, invite family and friends, have a ball — whatever you choose. ceremony. No, again. Every day is a commitment to each other; we don’t feel The most important thing for seniors is to appreciate life, whether single, the need to have a ceremony. Word Search Solution PuzzleJunction.com married, or in a committed relationship. Other readers have shared thoughts on the marriage-vs.-committedSolution For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s relationship topic. complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to www.findingloveafter50.com. Annie said, “I met my partner five years ago. We are in a committed

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It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Suspicious Minds’ Randal Hill

The King of Rock ’n’ Roll was pretty much washed up as a recording star by the late 1960s, especially in comparison to the days when he seemed to own the radio airwaves. Many offered their own opinions for the decline of Elvis Aron Presley: The explosive arrival of the Beatles. His choice of weak “Suspicious Minds” recording material. Each Elvis Presley, October 1969 film a bigger disappointment than the last. But in late 1968, things changed. Suddenly Presley found himself on a roll. His December television special, Singer Presents … Elvis (better known as “the ’68 Comeback Special”) was viewed — and enjoyed — by 42% of America’s total television audience. People seemed ready to re-embrace the Grand Old Man of Rock who, in pop-music years, was in his dotage at age 33. In January 1969, Presley left Hollywood and RCA Victor’s recording studio and came to his hometown of Memphis to cut a series of tracks at the American Sound Studio. Maybe — just maybe — he could get his groove back there. A dozen of the tunes that Presley recorded over a 10-day period that January ended up on his June 1969 LP, From Elvis in Memphis. The album’s highlight had been the single “In the Ghetto,” his only recorded nod to social consciousness. One of the songs left off the album had been “Suspicious Minds,” which had been written a year earlier by Texas-born songwriter Mark James. In a 2017 interview, James recalled how the tune came about. “Late one night, fooling around on my Fender guitar and using my Hammond organ pedals for a bass line, I came up with a catchy melody. I was married to my first wife then but still had feelings for my childhood sweetheart, who was married back in Houston. “My wife suspected I had those feelings, so it was a confusing time for me,” James said. “I felt as though all three of us were caught in this trap that we couldn’t walk out of.” James was so pleased with his creation that he decided to record “Suspicious Minds” himself. But the song quickly died a quiet death after it was issued on New York’s little Scepter Records label. When someone at American Sound Studio showed Presley the failed James 45 during a recording break, Presley immediately felt that this was the song — if done right — that could return him to the “big time.” He made eight attempts to get things right with “Suspicious Minds,” with everything coming together perfectly sometime between 4 and 7 a.m. on the day that he recorded the future classic that would quickly change the arc of his latter-day career. After a 13-year absence, Presley returned to the concert stage that July and premiered “Suspicious Minds” at the Las Vegas International Hotel. The audience loved it. In August, RCA Victor released what would become the King’s 18th and www.50plusLifePA.com

final No. 1 Billboard single. “Suspicious Minds” became a centerpiece of Presley’s live performances, and he offered it with high-octane enthusiasm right up to his final concert in 1977. Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

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