York County Edition
December 2011
Vol. 12 No. 12
Dickens-Inspired Village Ushers in the Holidays By Katie Weeber At Christmastime, George McMurty is always confronted with a challenge: finding the perfect gift for his wife. The challenge is further complicated by the couple’s wedding anniversary, which falls on Dec. 26, turning every holiday season into the search for two special gifts. One year, McMurty’s gift selection inadvertently sparked a tradition that is now a favorite element of the Christmas scenery at their retirement community. That Christmas, McMurty asked his daughter to help him with his gift search. While shopping, both were attracted to a collection of lighted Dickens’ Village houses, and McMurty purchased two of the buildings for his wife. The Dickens’ Village Series was developed and produced in 1984 by Department 56 as part of the company’s Heritage Village Collection. Inspired by Victorian England, the series contained seven shops and a church. Since that time, the Heritage Village Collection has been expanded tremendously to include many new village series, including The New England Village Series and The Alpine Village Series. The result is a line of countless Christmastime houses, figures, and accessories, many inspired by Victorian England or the works of Charles Dickens. After his first purchase, McMurty quickly came to realize just how extensive the village collections were. please see DICKENS page 12 It takes about two weeks for George McMurty to set up and add his own special touches to his 135-piece Dickens’ Village.
Inside:
Guard Against Identity Theft page 8
Traveltizers: Christmas Travel page 10
Landisville, PA Permit No. 3
PAID PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
Health Matters
Handling Family Tension During the Holidays Lisa M. Petsche he holiday season is a hectic time for many people, due to the preparations and festivities that typically take place. Staying sane, not to mention enjoying this time of the year, is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family. Every family has dysfunction, of course, because no member is perfect. But some families are prone to more interpersonal tension than others, due to diverse personalities, circumstances, values, and lifestyles among members. Read on for some tips on how to cope with the almost inevitable stress inherent when relatives get together for the holidays.
If you are particularly anxious about a gathering, invite a good friend along for support. Aim to cut your visit short as a last resort. Plan something to look forward to afterward—for example, visiting your favorite café or watching a holiday movie.
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Preparation Make it a point to practice self-care at this time of the year. Eat healthy foods,
During a Gathering: Dos and Don’ts
make time for exercise, and get adequate sleep. Allow plenty of time to get ready for a family event, so you’re relaxed and feel your best. Give yourself a pep talk. Reassure yourself that you are up to the challenge of gracefully handling a few hours with anyone. Conjure up compassion for family
members who emanate negativity, bearing in mind that they are unhappy individuals. Try to feel pity rather than anger toward them. Set realistic expectations about family members’ behavior. The narcissistic, nonstop talker or chronic complainer is not going to change. Plan to steer clear of them if possible; otherwise, try to limit the amount of time you spend with them.
Avoid consuming alcohol; otherwise, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Disinhibition can cause you to say things you may regret. Practice good listening skills: pay attention, don’t interrupt, and ask openended questions. Be conscious of your non-verbal language, keeping your posture open (avoid crossing your arms), making eye contact, and nodding periodically in acknowledgement. This will help you project a positive vibe.
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Show common courtesy toward everyone. When you can’t manage any more politeness toward a particular individual, find a reason to excuse yourself and move on. Give people the benefit of the doubt when you wonder if they are being sarcastic or condescending. Use humor to defuse tension. Count to 10 before responding when someone says or does something that irritates you. The holidays are not the time for confrontation. Refuse to take the bait when someone tries to one-up you or goad you into an argument. Instead, adopt a “stupid and cheerful” demeanor—signature advice from syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne. Stay away from contentious topics and change the subject if others raise them. Do be sensitive to relatives’ circumstances. For example, don’t gush
about expensive gifts you’ve received around someone who is experiencing financial difficulties. Don’t participate in gossip or putdowns of others or bring up unpleasant past events. Engage relatives positively by reminiscing about pleasant times or inquiring about something meaningful to them, such as their children or grandchildren, work, a hobby, or a recent vacation. Breathe deeply if you find yourself getting stressed. If that doesn’t help, head to the bathroom or step outside to compose yourself.
certain degree, you will make it through family events, perhaps even better than you anticipated. If things don’t go well in spite of your best efforts to be congenial, plan a vacation over the holidays next year so you can have a guilt-free break from
family functions—and other sources of seasonal stress—and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.
“Jump on the bandwagon” Old-time political campaigns would attempt to gain supporters with what amounted to a small parade, which included a band when a candidate had sufficient support. Jumping on the bandwagon was akin to providing support for this already-popular candidate.
Parting Thoughts If you keep in mind that you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own, and that it’s always within your power to be civil and, yes, even kind to a
Resource Directory This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being. Animal Hospitals Community Animal Hospital Donald A. Sloat, D.V.M. (717) 845-5669 Appraisals Steinmetz Coins & Currency (717) 757-6980 (866) 967-2646 Automobile Sales/Service Gordon’s Body Shop, Inc. (717) 993-2263 Stetler Dodge (717) 764-8888 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Dri-Masters Carpet Dry Cleaning (717) 757-7065/(717) 524-4424 Dry Cleaners Hanna Cleaners (717) 741-3817 Energy Assistance Low-Income Energy Assistance (717) 787-8750 Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (717) 898-1900
Eye Care Services Leader Heights Eye Center (717) 747-5430
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Fitness
Housing/Apartments
YMCA of Hanover (717) 632-8211 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 Alzheimer’s Information Clearinghouse (800) 367-5115 American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400
Elm Spring Residence (717) 840-7676 Westminster Place at Stewartstown (717) 825-3310 Housing Assistance Housing Authority of York (717) 845-2601 Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937
The National Kidney Foundation (800) 697-7007 or (717) 757-0604 Social Security Information (800) 772-1213
Orthotics & Prosthetics Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc (717) 851-0156 The Center for Advanced Orthotics & Prosthetics (717) 764-8737 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com West York Pharmacy (717) 792-9312 Restaurants Old Country Buffet (717) 846-6330
York Area Housing Group (717) 846-5139
Elmwood Endoscopy Center PC (717) 718-7220
Nursing Homes/Rehab Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (717) 755-1964
Insurance – Long-Term Care Apprise Insurance Counseling (717) 771-9610 or (800) 632-9073 Monuments Baughman Memorial Works, Inc. (717) 292-2621
Retirement Communities Country Meadows of Leader Heights (717) 741-5118 Country Meadows of York (717) 764-1190 Services York County Area Agency on Aging (800) 632-9073
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
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Christmas by the Book
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December 2011
Theodore Rickard ometimes I think we have all was first viewed as the depth of become unwitting victims of embarrassment to the would-be both Charles Dickens and femme fatale. But the next day we Norman Rockwell or, at least, our noticed that her cast had been signed vision of their creations. by more than a dozen new names, We became hopelessly selfand all of them were male. At Christmas there may be bomb convinced that the roaring fireplace threats in Bethlehem and terror in and jolly Mr. Fezziwig might be real Wall Street—each with the familiar and that there will surely still be a ring of years-ago disasters. However, job there when we go back to work for a single day at least, we can leave on Dec. 26. And, certainly, the hysteria outside. And we will do so smiling turkey carver at the head of again this year. the table will still have room on the Now the once-children have Visa card for his spouse to hit the children of their own. The electric post-holiday sales. train has been divided up between However, we who have survived two of the boys and, to no one’s to retirement know how wishful surprise, one daughter. And it has these little dreams really were in our been hugely expanded since. The own times of job holding and child grandchildren aren’t terribly raising. Nevertheless, we treasured interested in the tin crossing gate the cozy fiction then and I, for one, that actually goes down when the still do now. train approaches, not nearly as much The whole family knows that the as their fathers and their uncles are. son-in-law’s employer is downsizing its middle management—again. And These folks join Grandfather on hands and knees to watch the train the oldest son’s business, once so go through the tunnel and insist on promising, is stuck in the doldrums, turning off all the lights so the even though the bank was willing to sweep of the train’s locomotive lights extend the loans one more time. I think I’ve heard this before: that can be seen more clearly—and fully appreciated. was in the ’70s when, besides a A few years ago, Barbie’s original frozen economy, we had the wardrobe and personal property additional specter of nuclear were heartlessly sold on eBay by a incineration threatened by a college senior facing eviction. Her madman tyrant sworn to destroy us. sisters say they have forgiven her. I We wondered then if Norman think her mother has, too. But I’m Rockwell’s beaming holiday family not so sure the once-impecunious would live long enough for Easter. student has forgiven herself. Not if And we suspected Mr. Fezziwig’s we judge by what she gave her nieces business would be in bankruptcy by New Year’s. But Santa came anyway in those years. He brought more wardrobe pieces for Barbie and extra straight track for the electric train. International crises, vicious political confrontations, and domestic financial problems raged unabated. But somehow there were In honor of tennis rackets and first baseman’s mitts—and skis World War II vets ... followed by several weeks in a and in memory of the cast, being chauffeured to attack on Pearl Harbor school, and going on crutches to the junior prom. This last
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for Christmas: Paris Hilton doesn’t have this kind of wardrobe. The dinner table this year will once more make room for a highchair and a chubby, tow-headed occupant. Highchairs now, I find, have seatbelts. But I’m proud to say that this grandchild has found a way to squirm out of the chair, despite the belts, and end up in Grandmother’s lap, where the sippy cup is waved in juice-strewing triumph and it’s much easier to pull at the tablecloth and tip over the wine glasses. That’s why there are mothers and aunts: to do the mopping up. Grandmother has the baby in her lap and Grandpa is busy fixing the crossing gate. Dessert will be the traditional choice of pies. Then there is a second crisis—a decision involving whipped cream or ice cream on top. A half-whispered estimate of “at least 500 calories” will be made, with appropriate scorn, by the highschool freshman granddaughter who is getting a “B” in home ec. She is convinced that her parents have managed to make it this far in life only via miraculous divine intervention—or hers. Then, somewhere around her sophomore year in college after two years of dorm food, she will become a family dinner enthusiast and we won’t hear any more about calories. Mr. Fezziwig didn’t count calories. Not at Christmas. Why should we?
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LIHEAP Now Open Pennsylvanians who may have trouble paying Household sizes and maximum income their home-heating bill this limits for LIHEAP’s 2011-12 season winter can now apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1 person – $16,335 6 people – $44,985 (LIHEAP). 2 people – $22,065 7 people – $50,715 The federally funded 3 people – $27,795 8 people – $56,445 LIHEAP program offers 4 people – $33,525 9 people – $62,175 both cash and crisis grants 5 people – $39,255 10 people – $67,905 to those who meet income guidelines. Cash grants help to pay (For each additional person, add $5,730) for heating bills and are sent directly to the recipient’s utility company to offset their office. Residents can also apply in person at county assistance offices. bill. Crisis grants help households if This year, changes to income limits there is an emergency and they are in and grant amounts have been made in danger of being without heat. Crisis anticipation of federal funding grants may be used to purchase reductions. The minimum cash benefit additional fuel or fix broken heating recipients may receive is now $100 and equipment. the maximum crisis grant amount $300. Apply for a LIHEAP grant online at Pennsylvanians in need are also urged www.compass.state.pa.us or download to stretch their home-heating budget by an application form from the Department of Public Welfare website at properly insulating their home and keeping thermostats at a reasonable www.dpw.state.pa.us and return the temperature. application to their county assistance
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FREE APPRAISALS As On-Line Publishers, Inc. sees the conclusion of yet another year, we are grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportive advertisers who have all enabled us to continue to grow in our mission to serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Senior News a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainment for our readers in Central Pennsylvania. At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.
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Salute to a Veteran
The Me-109’s Cannon Blasted a 4-Foot Hole in His B-17’s Wing Robert D. Wilcox hen John (Jack) Herr was born in 1925, he was a direct descendant of Hans Herr, who was a Mennonite bishop who came to this country during the early 1700s and became, with his shipmates, the first settlers in Lancaster County. That gentle man had had the courage to cross an enormous ocean in the flimsiest of ships to live among natives who might have thought nothing of killing him at any time. But it would be interesting to speculate on what he would have thought about the grave dangers faced by his descendant of some 18 generations who, with millions of other young people, fought World War II. Jack Herr knew from the beginning that he wanted to be a pilot. So, upon graduating from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the Army and requested assignment to the Aviation Cadet
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program. Thanks was to become a pilot, navigator, or in part to a strong bombardier. letter of When Herr got recommendation there, however, he from his high school principal, got the bad news that the Air Corps D.L. Biemesderfer, had all the men in he was accepted those specialties into the program. that they could use. After basic training, he was So, he was given a number of sent to a College assignments from Training which he could Detachment at Drake University in choose. One of them was gunnery, Des Moines, Iowa. so that’s what he Then he was sent picked. to the John H. (Jack) Herr as an aviation cadet Classification Off he went to in 1944. Center at Santa Lowery Field in Denver, Colo., Ana, Calif. During the war years, that was one of the centers where he learned how to maintain and where it was determined whether a cadet clean .50-caliber machine guns, how to
tear down and reassemble them, and how to load drums and ammunition belts. Herr remembers well that he had to be able to strip his gun and reassemble it while blindfolded and wearing gloves … and with the gunnery instructor observing with a stopwatch. Blindfolded because it was tough to look straight down when you were zipped up to the neck in a bulky flight suit. In gloves because it was often 60 degrees below zero at altitude. If he were to touch his gun with bare skin, it would freeze to the metal. For a few weeks, they fired daily on the range. And then they flew in aircraft and fired at tow targets, learning how to lead the target so the fired bullets would hit it. From there it was to Kingman Army Air Field, in Kingman, Ariz., for three months where Herr flew in B-17s, honing his skills by firing at tow targets.
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50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well as entertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publishers would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News: Chaz Allen (Little-Known Facts) Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry) Wendell Fowler (Preventive Measures) Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield ) Andrea Gross (Traveltizers) Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques) Gloria May (NurseNews) Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature) Myles Mellor (crossword puzzles) Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior) Candace O’Donnell (Balancing Act) Victor Parachin (Fragments of History) Saralee Perel (Such is Life) Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener) W.E. Reinka (Silver Threads) Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior) Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser) Pat Sinclair (Recipes for Two) Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth) Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran) Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters) Sherra Zavitsanos (Social Security News)
It is through the varied interests and considerable talents of our contributors and freelance writers that such a range of informative and entertaining content is available to read each month. The pages of 50plus Senior News are enriched by your contributions.
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had yet to fly over the Alps to get home. Then, finally, it was to Lincoln, Neb., One of our guys on the right side in the where he was assigned to a B-17 crew. The crew went by ship from Newport waist yelled, ‘Hey, look at our wing’ as he saw the big hole and the fuel News to Marseilles, France. Then it was streaming out of it. to Algiers and back to Naples, Italy, and “We had lost one of our engines in then going from there by rail to their the attack, too. So we were sweating out base in Foggia, Italy, where they became getting past the Alps. Fortunately, part of the 416th Squadron of the 99th Bomb Group. however, our pilot was able to thread his Once there, Herr was to quickly learn way through the peaks and get us back. that combat At our base, we could kill had to you. He flew manually crank 11 missions down the before war’s wheels, and we end, and on made a each one he picture-perfect had not just landing on our flak, not just first (and enemy which would fighters, but probably have both. On all been our only) of them, he Four of Herr’s buddies (at right) standing in the hole pass at the saw other Bfield. I truly that had been blasted in the wing of his B-17. 17s going don’t know down in how much flames, but somehow his crew lucked out flying time we had left, but it was next and always got back to base. to nothing.” Was any mission especially hairy? The rest of Herr’s missions were “Oh, yeah,” he says, with his eyes closing tough, and when he had finished his at the memory. “Our second mission was combat, he had earned the European Berlin. That was an especially heavily African Middle Eastern Campaign medal protected target. And it was an with three Bronze Stars. Herr came back exceptionally long-range target for us. to the U.S. from Naples on an ocean We were on oxygen for most of the liner and was separated from the service mission, since we turned it on at 10,000 as a staff sergeant in January 1946. feet. You had to remember to squeeze He returned to the family business, the oxygen tube every few minutes, or it John Herr’s Village Market, where he would freeze up on you, and you had worked since age 16. wouldn’t get any oxygen at all. In 1974, he presided, as president, at “When we got to the target, the sky the opening of the new and much larger was just black with all the bursts of flak. store and finally retired in 2001. In Then, after we had dropped our bombs retirement, he says with a chuckle, “I still and turned to head home, there came go in once a week just to make sure the fighters. One Me-109 flew right everything is OK.” through our formation and blew a huge Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber in hole in our right wing with his cannon. With it went our aileron control, and we Europe in WWII.
“The Swiss have an interesting army. Five hundred years without a war. Pretty impressive. Also pretty lucky for them. Ever see that little Swiss Army knife they have to fight with? Not much of a weapon there. Corkscrews. Bottle openers. ‘Come on, buddy, let’s go. You get past me, the guy in back of me, he’s got a spoon. Back off. I’ve got the toe clippers right here.’”
Thank You, Volunteers! On-Line Publishers, Inc. and 50plus Senior News would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the individual and senior group volunteers who donated their time and efforts at our 2011 50plus EXPOs. Because of your assistance, we were able to bring the contents and the mission of 50plus Senior News to life for the residents of Central Pennsylvania!
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Braintwisters 1. What holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the United States? A. Sweetest Day B. Freedom Day C. Kwanzaa D. Juneteenth Day 2. Celebration of the Jewish New Year is known as what? A. Yom Kippur B. Rosh Hashanah C. Ramadan D. Purim 3. During what ancient festival did masters temporarily serve their slaves? A. Lupercalia B. Saturnalia C. Floralia D. Agonia 4. What holiday was established in California in 1966 by scholar/activist Dr. Maulana Karenga? A. Earth Day B. Flag Day C. Kwanzaa D. National S’mores Day 5. In the Netherlands, what is the name of Santa Claus’s helper who judges which children were bad during the year? A. Green Eric B. Eli the Elf C. Black Peter D. Mrs. Claus Source: UsefulTrivia.com
This month’s answers on page 8
– Jerry Seinfeld
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Savvy Senior
How Seniors Can Guard Against Identity Theft Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What tips and resources can you recommend to help seniors guard against identity theft? My next-door neighbor, who’s 79, recently had her identity stolen and I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to me. – Cautious Connie Dear Connie, Identity theft continues to be a big problem in the U.S., affecting around 9 million people every year—many of whom are seniors. Identity theft occurs when someone gets access to your Social Security number (SSN), bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information and uses it to steal from you. While there’s no ironclad protection against ID theft, here are some things you can do to minimize your risks.
Guard your SSN: Treat your SSN like your most prized possession. Never carry your Social Security card around in your wallet or purse, don’t write your SSN on checks (except those you send to the IRS), and never give your SSN, credit card number, checking or savings account numbers to strangers who call, visit, text, or send email messages to you, even if they seem legitimate. And, don’t carry around your Medicare card either, unless you’re going to the doctor. Your Medicare card contains your SSN.
Be wary of emails: If you use the Internet, don’t trust emails that claim to be from the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or other government agencies. Also be leery of emails that look like they’re from your bank, telephone company, or credit card company. Remember that only phony emails will ask for your credit card number or SSN. For more Internet fraud tips, including a list of common online scams, see onguardonline.gov. Secure your mail: Empty your mailbox
quickly, or consider getting a P.O. box or buy a locked mailbox to deter thieves. Also, don’t leave outgoing mail in your mailbox. To put a stop to prescreened creditcard offers that thieves look to intercept, use the consumer credit reporting industry opt-out service at optoutprescreen.com or call (888) 5678688—they will ask for your SSN and date of birth. Destroy your trash: Buy a cross-cut paper shredder and shred all records, receipts, statements, preapproved credit offers, mail solicitations, or other papers you throw out that have your financial or personal information. Monitor your accounts: Review your monthly bank and credit card statements carefully, and see if your bank or creditcard issuer offers free alerts that will warn
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Braintwisters Untwist Your Brain!
1. D. Juneteenth Day 2. B. Rosh Hashanah 3. B. Saturnalia 4. C. Kwanzaa 5. C. Black Peter Questions shown on page 7
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you of suspicious activity as soon as it’s detected. If they do, sign up for them. Watch your credit: Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228. You can receive one free report a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so consider staggering your request so you can get one free copy every four months. Set up security freezes: You can help protect yourself by setting up a security freeze on your credit reports at all three credit bureaus: Equifax (equifax.com, (800) 685-1111), Experian (experian.com, (888) 397-3742), and TransUnion (transunion.com, (877) 322-8228). With a freeze in place, no one, including you, can open new lines of credit in your name. This typically costs $5 to $10 per person per credit bureau
each time you freeze or thaw your credit report. Some states offer free freezes for ID-theft victims. Take action: If you ever think your identity’s been stolen, immediately contact your creditors and financial institutions to report unauthorized charges or debts, and close any compromised accounts. Then place fraud alerts and security freezes with the three credit reporting agencies, and file a report with your local police and with the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov or (877) 438-4338.
Time is running out to make your Medicare coverage decision for 2012 Don’t delay! Medicare Annual Enrollment ends on December 7!
Savvy tip: For more tips on preventing identity theft, visit IDTheftInfo.org and IDTheftCenter.org. Call today to receive Lighting Your Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org.
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Know Your Mistletoe Kissing under the mistletoe is a custom that has spawned any number of popular songs, love affairs, and slaps across the faces of unwanted suitors. The origins of the traditional are unknown. Here’s one story: In Viking mythology, the god Baldr was killed through the trickery of Loki, who caused Baldr’s blind brother to shoot him with a poisoned dart made of mistletoe. Baldr’s mother, Frigga, the goddess of love, was stricken with grief. When her
tears fell on a mistletoe plant, the berries turned from red to white (mistletoe has both red and white berries), and this brought her son back from the dead. Because Frigga was so grateful to have her son restored, she kissed everyone who walked beneath the mistletoe. The berries are important to the tradition: According to etiquette, a man who kisses a woman under the mistletoe is supposed to remove one berry for each kiss. When the berries are gone, no more kisses are allowed.
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December 2011
9
Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel
Traveltizers
Christmas Travel: Colonial Cakes and Spanish Stew By Andrea Gross artha Washington tops Martha Stewart on my list of hostesses extraordinaire. In order to prepare for her Christmas guests, the first Martha whipped 40 eggs, 4 pounds of butter, 4 pounds of sugar, and 5 pounds of flour into a massive cake. Meanwhile, almost 2,000 miles away, in a part of the country that was most likely beyond the imagination of the first family, Native Americans joined Spanish settlers in serving posole and enchiladas. Today, modern renditions of these holiday festivities take place at George and Martha’s Mount Vernon home in Virginia and around an adobe plaza in New Mexico.
M
A Mount Vernon Christmas I don’t expect to see a camel at Mount Vernon. Christmas trees, poinsettias, even a gingerbread house … sure. But a camel? Then I learn that when
MOUNT VERNON LADIES’ ASSOCIATION
Washington rented a camel to entertain guests during the Christmas holidays. Today, Mount Vernon does the same. MOUNT VERNON LADIES’ ASSOCIATION
A gingerbread version of Mount Vernon is on display throughout the holidays.
Washington wasn’t off winning wars or fathering a country, he enjoyed playing with exotic animals and often rented a camel to entertain his Christmas guests. In 1789, George Washington spent his first Christmas as president attending St. Paul’s Church in New York City. The
following week he returned to Mt. Vernon where he and Martha relaxed with family and friends. Camels aside, the president’s Christmas, as most 18th-century Christmases, was low keyed compared to today. There would have been few gifts
and certainly no Santas or reindeer, neither of which became popular Christmas symbols until the 19th century. Today, Christmas at Mount Vernon is still mostly about welcoming guests. In addition to the regular attractions, which include tours of the mansion as well as the slave quarters, stables, gardens, and farm, the holiday season brings a host of special delights. I go into the mansion, past 12 decorated trees, through the dining room where a table is set to accommodate guests, and up to the garret chamber, which is only open during the holidays. “This is where Martha lived the last years of her life,” says a cheery woman who’s dressed in Colonial garb. “After George died, she never returned to their shared quarters.” The thought of a lonely woman huddled in an attic room saddens me, so to lift my spirits, I follow the smell of chocolate and cinnamon. In the kitchen a woman is stirring chocolate by an open fire, just as it was done in Colonial days.
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Ledoux Street is filled with merrymakers and art lovers during the holidays.
Nearby there’s a large gingerbread house designed to look like Mount Vernon as well as Martha’s grand cake, which was modeled after those traditionally served on the 12th day of Christmas (Jan. 6). A guide offers me the recipe, but the mention of 40 eggs and 4 pounds of butter leads to thoughts of calories and cholesterol, and I politely decline. That night a costumed actor cajoles me into dancing the Virginia reel, and a costumed Martha leads a candlelight tour of the mansion. I sing carols by the fireplace, sip cider, and reluctantly bid goodbye to Mount Vernon and George’s Christmas camel. www.mountvernon.org
TINA LARKIN OF THE TAOS NEWS
GRAHAM’S GRILLE
Christmas trees and luminarias decorate the plaza during the holidays.
A New Mexican Holiday Santa has an easy time in Taos, N.M., where the town’s flat, adobe rooftops provide sure footing for his team of reindeer. But while the town welcomes St. Nick, its holiday charm is rooted in its blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions. The Hispanic culture is represented by the farolitos (small bonfires) and luminarias (paper bags lit with votive candles) that shine from streets to rooftops, bathing the town in a soft glow. Las Posadas, a candlelight procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, takes place from Dec. 16–24. As for Hispanic holiday food, I become
Posole is a traditional dish during the holidays.
addicted to biscochitos, the melt-in-yourmouth Christmas cookies that are flavored with anise and cinnamon. The original recipe dates back to the Spanish colonists. For heartier fare, I try posole, a spicy stew of meat and corn that’s served in most Taos restaurants throughout the holiday season. After the 16th century when missionaries converted many of the Natives to Catholicism, Spanish and Native American customs blended and eventually created traditions that are distinctly New Mexican. In this spirit, the 1,200-year-old Taos Pueblo has a Christmas Eve vespers service as well as Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations that feature the
Deer or Matachines (animal) dances. Anglo customs are highlighted (pun intended) with a gloriously tall Christmas tree that dominates the town plaza. In addition, the Taos Chamber Music Group presents “A Classical Holiday Encore.” But my favorite holiday activity is the annual Lighting of Ledoux, a tradition of mixed origins during which luminarias guide people up the winding road that’s home to Taos’ famed art galleries and studios. All the while, the piney aroma of piñón smoke wafts through the chilly desert air. For me as for many people, that signals that Christmas has come to Taos. www.taos.org Story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com)
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DICKENS
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“I realized how many buildings there which contains houses, like Tiny Tim’s, were and I just started buying them each and some other related buildings, like year,” he said. churches and the police department. From that year on, McMurty The second area, located next to the purchased four to eight buildings residential section, contains what annually, and his original gift set to his McMurty calls the “clean” businesses. wife soon grew into a sizeable collection. These buildings in this section are He now has around 135 pieces. business oriented and include the jewelry Beside buildings, McMurty’s collection store, clothing store, candy store, and includes figures of people, many leather shop. characters from Dickens’ novels. His The third area contains the “unclean” collection also features several large, businesses, like the blacksmith shop, special pieces. Some of these are fictional warehouses, and the brewery. palaces and churches mentioned in “I lay it out as much as I can as you Dickens’ works, while some, like the would expect a regular town to look,” replicas of Big Ben, the Tower of London, McMurty said. and Kensington The display, Palace, are wonderful which contains renditions of realaround 60 houses in world locations. total, also receives a Every Christmas, number of special McMurty would touches from take the time to set McMurty. He sets up his collection in a up the lighting for winter display for his each building and house. As the then cuts pieces of number of pieces in cotton, which he lays his collection grew out between and on each year, the task the houses as a Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim from became more and blanket of snow. The A Christmas Carol pose outside more monumental. result is a beautiful their home. McMurty recalls a winter scene, time when the collection became a complete with children sledding in the permanent fixture in the house. streets and workers coming and going “I was able to have a room in the from their places of employment. The basement that we dedicated to the entire process takes about two weeks. Dickens’ Village. For four or five years, I The Dickens’ Village has been a huge never took it down. I would change it a success and has become one of the bit each year, of course,” he said. retirement community’s most favored When the McMurtys moved to Willow holiday displays. It is not advertised and Valley Retirement Community, the sits in what might be considered an outDickens’ Village was put in storage, but of-the-way location, but its popularity not for long. One year, residents began continues to grow as residents spread its looking for extra Christmas decorations to story by word of mouth. use to decorate some of the building’s “Each year there have been more and common spaces. One such common space more people. I’ve had a lot of nice is not far from McMurty’s apartment. compliments about it,” McMurty said. “It’s usually used as a place where a McMurty has enjoyed the Dickens’ jigsaw puzzle is set up that the residents Village for years and takes pleasure in work on. At Christmastime they went to sharing it with others. decorate it a little differently. One woman “I just really enjoy putting it together asked my wife if there was anything she and looking at it afterwards. I never knew they could use to decorate it with,” started it as something to put on display McMurty said. or show. It’s been a personal pleasure for McMurty’s wife immediately suggested me to do. I get a big kick out of it,” he the use of the Dickens’ Village houses, said. and, with her help, McMurty went to McMurty’s wife has occasionally work on a display. mentioned that the Dickens’ Village grew McMurty spends a great deal of time out of hand over the years, taking over planning the community’s display. He has entire rooms and storage cages. As developed a system of organization, with McMurty explains, however, the village each house and character holding a never would have come into being specific place. The display contains three without his need to purchase a gift for her. tables, each representing three sections of “I think she secretly enjoys it,” he said. a Victorian town. The residents of Willow Valley and The first area is the residential section, their holiday visitors certainly do. www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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Additional Comments
Bethany Village – The Oaks 325 Wesley Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-766-0279 www.bethanyvillage.org
Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 1000 Claremont Road Carlisle, PA 17013 717-243-2031 www.ccpa.net
Cumberland Crossings 1 Longsdorf Way Carlisle, PA 17015 717-240-6013 • 800-722-0267 www.diakon.org/cumberlandcrossings
Mennonite Home Communities 1520 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-390-1301 www.mennonitehome.org
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community 625 Robert Fulton Highway Quarryville, PA 17566 717-786-7321 www.quarryville.com Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Health Care Center 1205 South 28th Street Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-565-7000 www.springcreekcares.com
StoneRidge Retirement Living 440 East Lincoln Avenue Myerstown, PA 17067 717-866-3200 www.stoneridgeretirement.com
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December 2011
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SERVICE • SAVINGS • TRUST
West York PHARMACY 2241 WEST MARKET STREET, YORK 717-792-9312 Monday - Friday 9am-7pm - Saturday 9am-3pm
Serving the Community for over 50 years • Specializing in Home Healthcare •
Raspberry Trifle
PHARMACIST: David Ropp Most Insurance Programs Accepted
By Pat Sinclair
WEST YORK PHARMACY SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY!
On Christmas Eve when my family gathers, we feast on hearty appetizers and rich desserts. Everyone chooses a favorite appetizer and I provide dessert. For many years, Raspberry Trifle has been my contribution for the center of the table. This festive English dessert adds to the celebration, carefully arranged in a large, glass trifle bowl and crowned with mounds of whipped cream. Fresh raspberries and mint leaves mimic the colors of the season. Here is a recipe for two to four servings. I have posted the recipe for 10 to 12 servings on my blog, Pat Cooks and Bakes (http://PatCooksandBakes.blog spot.com). It’s from Baking Basics and Beyond, which has just been reprinted and now includes new photos. Cake (Serves 2 to 4)
Pastry Cream (Makes 1 cup)
4 slices (3/8-inch thick) pound cake 1 tablespoon seedless raspberry jam 2 to 3 tablespoons cream sherry Pastry cream (see right) 1/3 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ pint fresh raspberries
¾ cup half-and-half ¼ cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla Additional flavoring
For trifle, spread the jam on each slice of cake. Arrange the cake in a small glass bowl, breaking to fit, and drizzle with the sherry. Spoon the warm pastry cream into the bowl. Refrigerate until cool. (You can also make individual trifles in wine glasses.) Whip the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beating until thick. Spoon onto the trifle and garnish with raspberries. Refrigerate until serving, at least four hours.
Heat the half-and-half in a small saucepan until it almost comes to a boil. Mix the sugar with the cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl; slowly add the sugar mixture and continue whisking until the mixture lightens. Slowly stir in the hot half-andhalf, beating constantly with a whisk. Pour the sauce back into the saucepan and cook over low heat until the custard thickens. Do not let the custard boil. (I use an instant-read thermometer and cook to 160 degrees F.) Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Stir until it cools slightly and cover with plastic wrap until needed.
Cook’s Note: The secret to a smooth pastry cream is cooking over low heat. It takes longer but prevents the egg yolks from curdling. Whisking a little of the hot pudding into the yolks is called tempering and warms them so that they don’t cook too fast and curdle. Use a thermometer to prevent overcooking, and if you have flecks of cooked egg, don’t hesitate to strain it out. Copyright by Pat Sinclair. Pat Sinclair announced the publication of her second cookbook, Scandinavian Classic Baking (Pelican Publishing), in February 2011. This book has a color photo of every recipe. Her first cookbook, Baking Basics and Beyond (Surrey Books), won the 2007 Cordon d’Or from the Culinary Arts Academy. Contact her at http://PatCooksandBakes.blogspot.com
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Locations in Dauphin, Lancaster & York counties
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December 2011
15
York County
Calendar of Events York County Department of Parks and Recreation
Senior Center Activities
Pre-registration is required for these programs. To register or find out more about these activities or any additional scheduled activities, call (717) 428-1961.
Delta Area Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 456-5753
Tuesdays and Wednesdays in December, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Project FeederWatch, Nixon Park
Eastern Area Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 252-1641
Dec. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. – “Hanging of the Greens,” Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Train Station
Golden Visions Senior Community Center (717) 633-5072 Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m. – Sing-Along with Marlene Shilling Dec. 12, 12:30 p.m. – Pet Therapy with Diane Smith and Friends Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. – Music and Dance with Jim Thomson
Dec. 4, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – “Animals in Winter” Hike, Nixon Park
York County Library Programs Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, 32 Main St., Glen Rock, (717) 235-1127 Collinsville Community Library, 2632 Delta Road, Brogue, (717) 927-9014 Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. – Purls of Brogue Knitting Club
Heritage Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 292-7471
Dillsburg Area Public Library, 17 S. Baltimore St., Dillsburg, (717) 432-5613
Northeastern Senior Community Center (717) 266-1400
Dover Area Community Library, 3700-3 Davidsburg Road, Dover, (717) 292-6814
Red Land Senior Citizen Center – (717) 938-4649
Glatfelter Memorial Library, 101 Glenview Road, Spring Grove, (717) 225-3220
South Central Senior Community Center (717) 235-6060 Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – Quilting Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. – Cooking Club Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – Ceramic Class
Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Place, Hanover, (717) 632-5183 Kaltreider-Benfer Library, 147 S. Charles St., Red Lion, (717) 244-2032 Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center, 66 Walnut Springs Road, Hellam, (717) 252-4080
Mason-Dixon Public Library, 250 Bailey Drive, Stewartstown, (717) 993-2404
Stewartstown Senior Center – (717) 993-3488 Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Program on Holiday Traditions Dec. 23, 9 a.m. – Christmas Party Dec. 30, 10 a.m. – New Year’s Party
Paul Smith Library of Southern York County, 80 Constitution Ave., Shrewsbury, (717) 235-4313
Susquehanna Senior Center – (717) 244-0340
Red Land Community Library, 48 Robin Hood Drive, Etters, (717) 938-5599
White Rose Senior Center – (717) 843-9704, www.whiteroseseniorcenter.org
Martin Library, 159 E. Market St., York, (717) 846-5300
Village Library, 35-C N. Main St., Jacobus, (717) 428-1034
Programs and Support Groups Dec. 2, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Second Annual York Gifts That Give Hope Fair Christ Lutheran Church 29 S. George St., York www.giftsthatgivehope.org/york Dec. 10, noon Celebration Choir Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market 3100 N. George St., Emigsville (717) 767-4142 www.brownsorchards.com
Windy Hill Senior Center – (717) 225-0733 Free and open to the public
Dec. 17, noon Twelfth Night Boar’s Head Festival Preview Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market 3100 N. George St., Emigsville (717) 767-4142 www.brownsorchards.com
Give Us the Scoop! Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in York County! Email preferred to: mjoyce@onlinepub.com
Dec. 20, 3 p.m. Caregiver Support Group Golden Visions Senior Community Center 250 Fame Ave., #125, Hanover (717) 633-5072
If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.
December 2011
Just a snippet of what you may be missing … please call or visit their website for more information.
Dec. 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Ryan’s Trumpeters Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market 8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville (717) 428-2036 www.brownsorchards.com
Dec. 13 and 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Women with Depression/Mood Disorders Support Group Emanuel Methodist Church 40 Main St., Loganville (717) 501-4294 mindhearthealing@comcast.net
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Yorktown Senior Center – (717) 854-0693
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New Program Offers Training for Caregiving Families A new program for families and caregivers called Passages™ is now available from Visiting Angels of York and Hanover. Passages™ focuses on providing extensive dementia care training for Visiting Angels caregivers and offers a six-week training for the families. The first step in Passages™ is to complete a
dementia-specific plan of care based on a comprehensive home assessment with the individual. Passages™ focuses on the individual and provides specialized assistance to those who have dementia and partners with families to allow their loved one the opportunity to stay at home safely for as long as possible.
By Myles Mellor and Sally York
This Month in History: December Events • Dec. 5, 1933 – The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Prohibition Amendment, was repealed. For nearly 14 years, since Jan. 29, 1920, it had outlawed the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. • Dec. 17, 1903 – After three years of experimentation, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered, controlled airplane flights. They made four flights near Kitty Hawk, N.C., the longest lasting about a minute. • Dec. 18, 1865 – The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. It stated, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, save as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
Birthdays • Dec. 6 – Photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995) was born in Dirschau, Prussia. He is best known for his Life magazine cover photos, including the sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, celebrating the end of World War II. • Dec. 19 – British explorer William Parry (1790-1855) was born in Bath, England. He conducted Arctic expeditions and made three attempts to find a Northwest Passage. • Dec. 25 – Film actor Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) was born in New York City. He is best known for The African Queen, The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, and To Have and Have Not.
Across 1. Graphical user interface feature 5. Latke ingredient 11. Attain 14. Game name 15. Trash container 16. Old Tokyo 17. Restrain 18. Calkins 19. Inflamed 20. Not extreme 23. Like old records 24. Choppers 25. Yellowfin, e.g. Down 1. SALT concern 2. Demand 3. Best 4. “You ___ bother!” 5. Clip 6. Capital on a fjord 7. Grand ___ 8. Decrease 9. Church donation 10. Attack 11. “My ___!” 12. It comes to mind 13. Sarah’s husband 21. Potter
28. 1995 hurricane 32. Its symbol is an omega 35. Present 38. Cartoon art 39. Taking drastic measures 42. Hitchcockian 43. Like some colonies 44. Harvester ___ 45. First place? 46. Cargo boat type 48. Cherokee and Wrangler
53. Foreign currency 56. Tolerance 62. One with a supporting role 63. More viscous 64. Way to go 65. Tide alternative 66. Short musical pieces 67. Mythology anthology 68. Departure announcement 69. Abandon 70. Textile worker
22. 26. 27. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36.
41. 47. 49. 50. 51. 52. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.
River of Lyon Excluding Asian buffalo Cotton fabric Grace period? In case Double curve Worked the soil Slough Mushroom you can eat 37. Departure 38. Historian Toynbee 40. Soldier of fortune
Black gunk Alate Just beat Gush Reverent Like a snicker “___ or not ...” In reserve Give away Bank Lothario’s look Bucks Start with while Telephone button
Solution on page 19
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17
Such Is Life
I Married for Love, Sort Of Saralee Perel ne part I loathe about the holiday season is that it’s usually a time of reflection. From age 5 until 8, I reflected on hating my parents because we were Jewish so I didn’t get any Christmas presents. From 9 to 15, I reflected on hating my parents because they wouldn’t let me bring one lousy tree in the house. Hey! People have plant life indoors. So what if it has lights and tinsel on it? At age 16, my reflections changed. I reflected on how rotten my parents were because it was Christmas, for heaven’s sake. How about forking over a huge wad of dough so I could buy my own presents? And Chanukah? You think lighting candles on a menorah was what I dreamed of? No. I dreamed of jewelry and boys. Well, I’d get one present. What all teenagers die for. A new dictionary.
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There’s nothing like the Christmas lights in New England, where I now live. Makes me reflect on evening drives my mom and I took through the infidels’ decorated neighborhoods in Maryland, where I grew up. It must have brought her joy while I’d scream, “They’re just lights, Ma! It’s not like they’re satanic! Why can’t we have them?” She must have loved the constant fracas of changing radio stations from Sinatra to Christmas carols. She’d nearly drive off the road during our handslapping battles while I’d shout, “PA
RUM PUM PUM PUM” over Sinatra’s “My Way.” And New Year’s? Oy vey. The Jewish new year is as close to our national new year as Big Macs are to hamburgers made from soy beans. On Rosh Hashanah (new year), we don’t do fireworks. We go to temple. I’d pretend to listen to the rabbi while I’d play mind games— imagining the Hebrew letters in the prayer book as people in weird positions—when I was 40. At some point, I focused on getting married. Although love is important, I needed something else too. I wanted a
man who not only adored me, but who also had a characteristic I’d cherish as much as love: a God-loving, presentgiving Christian. Last month, my Christian husband, Bob, and I celebrated our anniversary with a whole bunch of presents (oh yeah, we said “I love you” a lot too). The finest present I’ve ever received was from a sad and silent man—my grandfather. I was his fundamental source of joy. And I adored him. Other than when he’d look at me, the only time I’d see rapture on his face was while he’d play his violin. When he’d visit from Manhattan, we’d hug like there was no tomorrow. Born in 1885, he was 76 when I was 10. That Chanukah, he walked the aisles of Woolworths, collecting 5- and 10-cent “pearls” and “sapphires” and hundreds of pieces of sparkling jewelry that he put in
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a fancy jewelry box. What man would do such a thing in that day and age? As I write this, my eyes fill with tears. I see myself as that little girl opening the magical box. I remember feeling the strands of jewelry but only looking at Grandpa. I needed him to see my face filled with delight and adoration because I knew, even then, there was something more important than jewelry. I needed to see him smile. His smiles were so rare. I needed him to know how happy he made me. For that would bring him peace, if only for a few moments. Late in his life, Grandpa was moved to my parents’ house. I can still visualize him, having arrived at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station. He was sitting in a wheelchair outside the train, all alone, while passengers and luggage carriers rushed around. In his
arms was his beloved violin, though he could no longer play it. So nowadays, when Bob comes home, we hug like there’s no tomorrow. Bob has my grandpa’s soul. I must have “sensed” that when we met. I have learned that presents don’t matter (oh, who am I kidding?). What truly matters is the joy on Bob’s lovely face as he tenderly opens a present yet looks at me before seeing what it is. His expression is identical to the look of adoration I had for Grandpa. I have a heart filled with treasures from my grandfather and my husband. And nothing, no matter what may lie ahead, will diminish the wealth these two loves of my life have permanently etched in my heart. Award-winning columnist Saralee Perel welcomes emails at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com.
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… in the country There is something to be said About the simple pleasures Afforded to the privileged few Who choose to live … in the country. To drop into bed bone tired After a day that started at 3 a.m. With milking and feeding, Haymaking and then … in the country. A farmer never has time On his hands, nor does his wife And helpmate who goes behind him Getting things done … in the country. Sweet rewards, though, Are sleeping under homemade quilts With the window cracked open To let in the sweet, sweet air … in the country. Written and submitted by Linda Susan Amos Dedicated to David and Lizzie Beiler
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