December 2018
Volume 18, Number 2
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‘Tis the season to enjoy local holiday shows, markets, exhibits and more with family and friends By Gina Mazza For Beaver County Senior News
There’s no time of year
that’s more apt for creating family traditions and beautiful memories than the holiday season. Beaver County makes it fun and easy to do so with ample holiday entertainment options. Here’s our annual roundup of our favorite things to do in and around the county. Beaver County Christmas Extravaganza (formerly the Beaver County Festival of Trees)
The Lodge at Brady’s Run
Bradys Run Park, Beaver Falls. Call (330) 502-9882 or visit bcchristmasextravaganza.org The Beaver County Festival of Trees has changed its name and added a third weekend for all to enjoy. Takes place from noon to 9:30 p.m. on December 1, 2, 8 and 9 and from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 7 at Bradys Run Park. Walk into a Winter Wonderland with a wide variety of creatively designed Christmas trees displayed each with a different theme. Visit the North Pole Café, Santa Land, Candy Lane gift shop, and model train
display and local entertainment. Senior day is December 2. Cost is $7 for ages 1362, $6 seniors 63 and older, $4 children 6-12, and five and under are free. Genevans Christmas Concert
First Presbyterian Church 1103 Eighth Ave., Beaver Falls 7 p.m. on December 1 and 2. Call (724) 847-6837 or visit geneva.edu Enjoy a night of harmonious melody as the Genevans lift their voices in praises to Jesus Christ. Donations accepted. Continued on page 6
* Visit our website at Pittsburghseniornews.com to view our Beaver County Senior Resource Guide.
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Direct Cremation- $790. Owner/Publisher: Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Amy Svoboda Contributing Writers: Angela Gentile Gina Mazza Printing Company: Knepper Press
Visit our website at
pittsburghseniornews.com
This charge for direct cremation without any attendant rights or ceremonies includes:
• Removing the deceased person from any place of death within Allegheny County and transporting the deceased person to the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. (Slight additional fee for other areas & home deaths.) • Consulting with the appropriate family member(s) or legal guardian at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. to acquire necessary vital statistics and authorizations. • Sheltering the remains for a 24 hour period (required by law) prior to performing the cremation. • Performing the cremation on site. (Additional Fee for obesity)
Volume 18, Number 2 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Beaver County Senior News 97 Beechmont Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15229 (412) 760-5914 pghseniornews@icloud.com Beaver County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Beaver County area. Copy right 2018 by Beaver County Senior News. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All advertisement in Beaver County Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.
In Memory of
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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Wallace D. Webster John A. Hogan, Sr. Carmella M. Hogan Michael J. Hogan, Sr. Wayne Hogan Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 15)
• Placing the cremated remains in a simple container. • Presenting the cremated remains to the appropriate family member(s) or legal guardian at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. The concerns of a family requesting direct cremation are simple-the cremation should be performed in a timely and dignified manner, under the supervision of a professional funeral director, and at a fair cost. The Thomas M. Smith Funeral & Crematory Ltd. is committed to satisfying these concerns, and we welcome the opportunity to be of service. Call us if you have any questions or wish to make arrangements.
930 CENTER AVENUE.
(412) 828-5700 Blawnox, PA 15238
Should this information reach your home at a time of illness or sorrow, please accept our sincere apology.
Senior News resumes publication and continues to serve the senior community
By Lynn Hogan Webster For Beaver County Senior News
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s you may know, this past June we were forced to suspend publication of Pittsburgh Senior News and our sister publications in Beaver and Butler counties—the first time in our 26-year history. This occurred as the result of dealing with my beloved husband’s ongoing health issues and caretaking him 24/7 in his final months. He passed on August 31 and is now in peace. It has been a challenging time in my life but by the grace of God, I am now able to resume, with renewed vigor, doing what I love: serving seniors in our community. Starting with this issue and into 2019, we are taking Pittsburgh Senior News and Beaver County Senior News to a bi-monthly publication. It will be published in print February, April, July, October, November, and December, and will be available (with refreshed content) online at pittsburghseniornews.com. We haven’t missed a beat with our two Senior Resource Guides for Allegheny County and Beaver County. The 2019 Allegheny County Guide will be published next month, and the Beaver County Guide was published June 2018. Our full team is in place and is once again ready to serve you, including our longtime managing editor Gina Mazza and our faithful delivery staff. We welcome Amy Svoboda as our art director. With close to three decades of publishing, you can trust Pittsburgh Senior News to continue to offer consistently valuable news and information. It has been my lifelong personal and
professional mission to help older adults and I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this way. Please note that we will not be distributing papers in Giant Eagle stores Check with your local senior center, library or community center, or call us at (412) 760-5914 or email at pghseniornews@icloud.com to find out where you can pick up a copy of PSN. Also be aware that we are no longer using Comcast as our email provider so please delete seniornews@comcast. net from your address book. WALLACE D. WEBSTER August 26, 1930 - August 31, 2018
Wallace D. Webster, 88, died August 31, 2018, at home with his loving wife and partner of 30 years, Lynn Hogan Webster of Pittsburgh, by his side. He leaves behind two sons Michael Webster and Bill Webster of California; daughter-in-law Gabriela Webster of California; and two awesome grandchildren, Hailey Webster and Cade Webster of California; many nieces and nephews.
San Fernando Valley State College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Wally founded and managed Cherokee Medical Management Company based in southern California for more than 20 years. He took pride in his business and truly enjoyed helping others. In 1992, he founded the publishing company Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc., with his wife. Together, they published Pittsburgh Senior News, Beaver County Senior News, Butler County Senior News and several Senior Resources Guides, growing it into a respected and loved business that continues to serve the needs of older adults in the community. Wally loved sports, especially the 49ers football team, as well as bike riding, reading and traveling. I would like to thank everyone for their love and support, including heartfelt cards, home cooked meals and words of comfort; special thanks to Damon Hogan for helping to care for his uncle during this past year. I feel blessed to have had Wally as my husband, best friend and business partner.
Wally was preceded in death by his son Patrick Webster of Temecula, California; sisters Mavis Gigante and Irene McGinnis; and brother Wayne Davis. He was son-in-law to the late John and Carmella Hogan; and brother-in-law to Jack (Lynn) Hogan, Vince (Debbie) Hogan, the late Dennis (Bev) Hogan, the late Mike (Linda) Hogan, and the late Millie Hogan and Wayne Hogan. Born on August 26, 1930 to Agnes Radke, Wally grew up in Mobridge, South Dakota. He proudly served as a mechanic in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. Wally went onto graduate from
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
Many thanks to our loyal readers and advertisers who’ve been a part of our lives for decades.
Lynn and Wally on their wedding day
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Circle of Friends activities Baden Circle of Friends, 371 Linmore Ave., Baden, will offer the following: H December 4: Annual Christmas gift card bingo; $10 includes meal, six hard cards, unlimited wins and specials offered; pre-registration required by November 26; dinner at 4 p.m. H December 12: Pinochle Tournament and Christmas celebration, 9:30 a.m. H December 19: Christmas Munchie Bingo, 2 to 4 p.m.; $6 dinner immediately following bingo H December 26: Pinochle Tournament 9:30 a.m.
Center at the Mall activities
H January 9: Pinochle Tournament 9:30 a.m.
2 Movie Mondays at 1 p.m. December 3, 10 and 17.
H January 15: “Soups On” Bingo, special dinner at 4 p.m.; bingo immediately following; $6
2 Lunch & Learn (Medication Safety) at 12 p.m. December 10
H January 23: “Warm Up” Bingo, 2 to 4 p.m.; dinner immediately following; $6
2 Collette Travel Trip Presentation at 11 a.m. December 11.
H January 30: Pinochle Tournament, 9:30 a.m.
2 Bonanza Bingo at 12:15 p.m. December 13.
Call (724) 869-4224 or visit cofbeaver.com.
2 Christmas Luncheon at 1 p.m. December 15. 2 Wheeling Island Casino and Oglebay Lights Trip at 12 p.m. December 17. 2 Christmas Party at 10:30 a.m. December 20. 2 New Year’s Party at 11 a.m. December 27. 2 Lunch & Learn (Managing Neuropathy) at 12 p.m. January 14. 2 Rivers Casino Trip at 9 a.m. January 29.
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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Center at the Mall is located at Beaver Valley Mall, Unit 284 in Monaca. For all programs, events and fitness center hours and class schedules, visit centeratthemall.com. To make a reservation for lunch or an upcoming programs, call (724) 774-5654.
New Brighton Circle of Friends, Holy Family Parish, will offer the following: H December 6: Package bingo, 12:30 p.m. H December 10: Card Party, noon to 4 p.m. H December 11: Christmas Party with music by Gene Testa, noon to 1 p.m. H December 18: Christmas Party with entertainment by Divine Inspirations, noon H December 27: New Years Bingo, 12:30 p.m. H December 28: Breakfast Card Party, 10 a.m. H January 3: Package Bingo, 12:30 p.m. H January 14: Card Party, noon to 4 p.m. H January 25: Breakfast Card Party, 10 a.m. H January 25 ”Warm Up” Bingo Call (724) 846-1959 or visit cofbeaver.com.
T
his COLA is expected to increase the average Social Security retirement benefit by $39 a month or roughly $468 a year. The basic cost for Medicare Part B will increase to $135.50 unless the Part B premium increase exceeds the COLA increase in your Social Security benefit. To learn more, visit ssa.gov.
Volunteer opportunities are plenty in Beaver County If you enjoy helping others achieve their dreams, or if you get satisfaction from supporting a cause you believe in, then volunteering is for you. Following is a sampling of local organizations that use volunteers. Check with your favorite organization or contact the Beaver County Office on Aging, Beaver Falls at (724) 847-2262 to see what kind of difference you can make. Adult Literacy Action, Beaver, (724) 773-7810 Alliance for Consumer Protection (ACP), (724) 770-2078 Beaver County Humane Society, Monaca, (724) 775-5801 Beaver County Office on Aging, Beaver Falls , (724) 847-2262 Blackhawk Area Meals on Wheels, (724) 843-6646 or (724) 843-1022 CASA Beaver County, (724) 728-2146 Children & Youth Services, Beaver Falls, (724) 891-5800 Girl Scouts, Beaver, (724) 774-3553 Habitat for Humanity, Beaver Falls, (724) 846-1630 Ombudsman Program, (724) 847-2262 Women’s Center of Beaver County, (724) 775-2032
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
Social Security benefits will increase 2.8 percent in 2019, the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in seven years.
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Center Theatre Players Christmas Memories IV Musical Rochester Borough Theatre, 350 Adams St., Rochester. Call (724) 888-7054 or visit centertheatreplayers.com Celebrate the Christmas season with this heartwarming variety show sure to delight the entire family. Show times are Thursday, December 13 through Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, as well. Tickets are $15. Christmas at Vicary House Beaver County Research and Landmarks Foundation 1235 Third Ave., Freedom. Call (724) 7751848 or visit bchrlf.org Christmas at The Vicary House will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 1. Enjoy various Christmas trees that highlight decorations from different historic time periods. Christmas music will be presented by local choirs; demonstrations by bobbin lace makers, tatters and woodcarvers. Donations appreciated.
Beaver County Model Railroad and History Society. 416 Sixth St., Monaca. Call (724) 843-3783 or visit bcmrr.railfan.net The annual Christmas season open house at the Beaver County Model Railroad and History Society takes place every weekend in December. Features HO Scale layout with DC and Digitrax DCC operation. Donations appreciated. Ohio Valley Lines Model Railroad Holiday Open House
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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Old Economy Village Historic District. 270 16th St., Ambridge. Call (724) 8550511 or visit oldeconomyvillage.org The Historic District comes alive on Sunday, December 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a candlelit stroll along cobblestone streets, Ohio Valley Lines train display, unique crafts, art studio displays and food items. Beaver County Model Railroad Christmas Season Open House
Rochester Borough Theatre, 350 Adams St., Rochester. Call (724) 888-7054 or visit centertheatreplayers.com for show times Christmas Memories is fast becoming one of the area’s most enjoyable holiday traditions. Celebrate the Christmas season with this heartwarming variety show featuring a new list of songs. Tickets are $15.
Ohio Valley Lines Model Railroad, Library and Museum. 1225 Merchant St., Ambridge. Call (724) 266-4787 or visit OhioValleyLines.org The museum houses a 400-foot DCC model operating railroad depicting the late ‘50s and early ‘60s from Ambridge/ Pittsburgh local to Wheeling, West Virginia with full scenery, logging area, steel mill, coal and farming operations. Train sets will be given away at random times. Open noon to 5 p.m. every weekend in December and through the first weekend of January 2019. Ridings Family Holiday Train Display McCarl Industrial and Agricultural Museum. 803 Plumb St., Darlington. Call (724) 846-8841
Christmas in the Village
Christmas Memories IV Musical
The museum hosts its annual Christmas train display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays throughout December. Multiple trains run through a variety of landscapes, and tours of the museum given. Free of charge; donations appreciated.
Miracle on 34th Street Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center One Lincoln Park, Midland. Call (724) 5764644, option 2 or visit lincolnparkarts.org “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” The Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center presents the classic “Miracle on 34th Street. Call for show times. Tickets are $20. The Nutcracker Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, One Lincoln Park, Midland. Call (724) 5764644, option 2 or visit lincolnparkarts.org for show times
Santa at the Log Cabin Little Beaver Historical Society, McCoy Log Cabin, 803 Plumb St., Darlington. Call (724) 827-8841 for times Children of all ages are invited to this 1812 log cabin decorated in its holiday finest with a roaring fire in the fireplace. Treats for the kids will be provided and the reindeer barn will be humming with activity. Visit Santa or walk down a path of Christmas inflatables.
Follow Clara through the fantastical Land of Sweets with your family. Continue a holiday tradition or start a new one. Tickets are $18, $20 and $25. Beaver County Figure Skating Club Holiday Ice Show
ornaments. Enjoy the Sounds of the Season in the Wintergarden as a variety of local choirs and musicians perform every day throughout December. Exhibit is free to the public. Call for hours. Gingerbread House Display: Don’t miss this magnificent display of delicious
Check out some holiday figure skating on Friday, December 7 at the club’s Holiday Ice Show. Tickets are $8, children three and under are free. A Skate with Santa is also available for $5. Call for dates and times. Beaver Valley Muscians Union Holiday Concert CCBC Dome, One Campus Dr., Monaca. Call (412) 485-8808 or visit bvmusiciansunion.org Enjoy the musical sounds of the holiday in this free special concert on Wednesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Big Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Rd., Prospect. Call (888) 321-7547 or visit Shadrackchristmas.com Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is back at the Big Butler Fairgrounds this holiday season. This Christmas light and music extravaganza is unlike any show you’ve seen. Simply tune into your car radio and watch the magic unfold as you drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music. This year’s new theme is a Summer Safari with Santa and his friends. They found the perfect destination for jeep excursions, diving contests, keep-away games with the hippos and lounging around the water hole. Look for some elfin mischief and super fun snapshots.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are popular nights to visit the light show, so please anticipate long lines and wait times. Visit Monday through Thursday to avoid extended wait times. Fee is $25 for cars and family vans; $40 for mini-bus, limousine or activity van; $80 for school and tour busses. Christmas Wonderland supports local charities. Tickets can be purchased onsite from the comfort of your vehicle. The lights will glow every night from dusk to 10 p.m., including holidays, through January 6, rain, snow or shine. PPG Place Wintergarden One PPG Place and Third Ave. Call (412) 434-1900 or visit ppgplace.com Spirits of Giving Around the World: The splendor of the holidays comes alive at PPG Place’s breathtaking “Spirits of Giving Around the World” exhibit in the Wintergarden at Two PPG Place, downtown, through January 2. This enchanting display of life-size Santas and original paintings captures a world of Christmas folklore and fantasy. The Wintergarden’s spectacular 32foot tree is adorned with magnificent
dwellings created by area individuals, organizations, seniors, students and chefs, through January 1, 2019. There is no charge for admission; donations benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund. Call for hours. To download an entry form for the gingerbread house contest, visit ppgplace.com. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Get into the holiday spirit and experience downtown in a whole new way during a free horse-drawn carriage ride through Market Square, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Free carriage rides depart the Fourth Avenue side of the PPG Place Plaza. Arrive early as rides fill up quickly. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays through December 22. MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place: Through March 3, the Plaza between Third and Fourth Avenues transform into The Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place, a spectacular outdoor ice skating rink. Enjoy an exhilarating holiday tradition as you glide around the breathtaking 65-foot Christmas tree at the plaza. Bring the grandkids to Skate with Santa on Saturdays: December 1, 8 and 15 and 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. Fee is $10 for adults and $9 for seniors (age 50 and older), children and those with military ID. Skate rentals are $4. Skating lessons are also offered. General hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. but be sure to call and confirm hours or to learn more: Call (412) 394-3641 or email ppgrink@magiciceusa.com.
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
Beaver County Recreation Center (Ice Arena), 121 Bradys Run Rd., Beaver Falls. Call (724) 462-8321 or visit bcfsc.org
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Hidden Heroes program lends support to caregivers of military veterans
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re you a caregiver to a military veteran? If so, you may qualify for support through a program called Hidden Heroes. Locally, the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania (VLPWPA) has been awarded a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to offer the program in Allegheny County and surrounding areas.
better find local support systems such as employment training, resume writing, mock interviews, job leads and child care so they can capitalize on opportunities for better employment. It also offers financial literacy education to help vets create budgets and savings plans, as well as chances to attend
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
The goals of Hidden Heroes are to: • Raise awareness of the issues military caregivers confront every day. • Inspire individuals, businesses, communities and civic, faith and government leaders to take action in supporting military caregivers in their communities. • Establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at HiddenHeroes.org to better connect them to helpful resources and support. The program provides caregivers with
8 social and networking opportunities to
• Cares for a veteran with a verifiable disability. • Assists with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and toileting. • Coordinates arrangements for medical appointments, assist in healthcare such as administering shots, changing dressings or providing medication management.
Hidden Heroes provides military veteran caregivers with a vital support network to help ease the enormous responsibility of providing constant care to a loved one who has been injured in the line of duty. “When someone separates from military, that whole network that was in place for them gets sub-planted by one person, usually a spouse, parent or friend,” explains VLPWPA Community Outreach and Public Affairs Specialist Nathan Babyak, himself a military veteran. “These caregivers sacrifice a lot of things, including other relationships, to take care of their vet. Hidden Heroes is bringing vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face.”
care of, a current of former military service member with a disabling physical or mental injury or illness. It is anyone who:
• Misses work or cannot work outside the home due to caring for their veteran. • Advocates for better care for their veteran. elizabethdolefoundation.org
health and wellness fairs, where they can get the tools and information they need to get and stay healthy. Participants are given an opportunity to take part in weekly Caregiver Hangouts. “This is where all of our Hidden Heroes gather for a cup of coffee and uplifting conversation with like-minded individuals,” Nathan comments. Do you qualify as a Hidden Hero? For the purposes of the program, a veteran caregiver is any family member, friend or acquaintance who provides a broad range of care and assistance for, or manages the
• Takes on legal and/or financial obligations for their veteran. • Helps their veteran through emotional storms or outbursts—for example, night terrors, flashbacks and moments of hyper-vigilance. This program does not apply to a hired, paid professional caregiver from an outside agency, a veteran who is caring for a non-veteran (with or without a disability), or someone who visits once a week (or on occasion) for social calls. If you or someone you know is a Hidden Hero who can take advantage of this program, consider joining in one of the Caregiver Hangouts held every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon at VLPWPA’s offices located at 2934 Smallman Street, downtown. To learn more, call Hidden Heroes Program Coordinator Theresia Ditto at (412) 481-8200, ext. 259 or email Dittot@vlpwpa.org. Visit neverforgetvets.org and hiddenheroes.org for more information.
PACENET income limits increase for 2019; applications being accepted now
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ncome limits for the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET), which offers low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, have been increased for the first time in 15 years. Act 87 of 2018, signed by Gov. Tom Wolf, provides a $4,000 increase for single and married applicants. Total income for a single person is between $14,500 and $27,500; and total combined income for a married couple can be between $17,700 and $35,500. Those eligible may apply now. You must be age 65 or older and a Pennsylvania resident for 90 days prior to the date of the application. You cannot be enrolled in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Medicaid prescription benefit. Income qualification is based on prior year’s income and includes taxable and non-taxable sources. Assets and resources are not counted as income. To apply, visit https://pacecares.magellanhealth.com. For a paper application, or if you have questions or need assistance completing an application, call the Beaver County Office on Aging’s APPRISE counselors at (724) 847-2262 or (888) 548-2262.
Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels is an ideal program for older adults who are homebound and unable to shop for food or physically prepare their own meals. Each meal is nutritionally sound and meets two-thirds of seniors’ Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Hours and days of operation vary by location (see list below) but meals are generally served Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and noon. Consumers are asked to donate an average of $20 to $25 per week for meals. Beaver Falls Meals on Wheels College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church 34th and Fifth Avenues, Beaver Falls (724) 843-5450 Serves Beaver Falls area, Eastvale, North Sewickley, part of Patterson Township, Koppel and Homewood
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December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
Blackhawk Area Meals On Wheels Mt. Olive Lutheran Church 2679 Darlington Rd., Chippewa (724) 843-6646
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Vanport senior portrays “Bad Santa” to the delight of local children and serves older adults year round By Gina Mazza For Beaver County Senior News
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ostly everyone knows the legend of Old Saint Nicholas but are you familiar with his companion, Belsnickel? In German folklore, Belsnickel is Santa’s grumpy, disheveled Dave Aitken alter ego. Dressed in tattered clothes, he is adorned with bells and dragging chains, and carries wood sticks. Yes, this “bad Santa” is a bit of a scary character, but it’s all in good fun for children of all ages. “As the legend goes, Belsnickel lives in the woods and is the keeper of the ‘naughty or nice’ book,” explains Dave Aitken, 71, of Vanport, a retired railroad yardmaster for Penn Central and Conrail and longtime volunteer at Old Economy Village. “Santa works one night a year. He sits up in the mall greeting children and everyone loves him. Meanwhile, Belsnickel is out 364 nights a year doing all the legwork finding out who’s naughty or nice—and he doesn’t get any of the credit.” Every year at Old Economy Village, Dave makes sure that Bad Santa gets equal time in the spotlight as he brings Belsnickel to life. He will be on hand to delight children and adults alike during the “Christmas at the Village” open house on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2; and at a “Meet Belsnickel” event on Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Throughout the month, the Village also hosts tours for young school-age children, where they can meet Belsnickel.
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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When Dave is not busy impersonating this Christmas character, he is spreading good cheer throughout the year in his community in various other ways. He serves as a team
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leader with AARP’s Northwestern Pennsylvania region, which covers Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties. “Our team focuses on advocacy, which essentially provides education and information for older adults,” he says. “We meet with federal, state and local elected officials concerning issues that affect people ages 50 and older. We have held town hall meetings and organized debates among our state candidates. We host events at senior centers on a wide range of topics, such the 211 community service number and healthy eating for seniors. Our team also sponsors the Presents for Patients program for the Alzheimer’s Ward at Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Butler, and we collect and distribute toiletry items for homeless and women’s shelters. One of the mottos of our team is: We give a voice to the voiceless and remember the forgotten.” Dave also sits on AARP’s Consumer Issues Task Force, which gives presentations on fraud prevention. “I specialize in Fraud Bingo, a game developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities in partnership with AARP. It’s a fun, interactive way to raise awareness about the different types of fraud. If you spot a scam, you can stop a scam. We play Fraud Bingo all around at northwestern Pennsylvania, mostly at senior and community centers.”
Times, the book is available for purchase at Old Economy Village’s gift shop. “I guess you could say I’m an amateur historian,” Dave comments, adding that he belongs to several historical societies—the Beaver Lawrence County Railway Historical Society being one of them. “The society is renovating the former P&LE Railroad passenger station in West Pittsburg, Lawrence County.
While donning his Belsnickel costume every December is aimed at bringing lightheartedness into others’ lives, as the current president of the Beaver County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Dave is acutely aware that the holidays can be a challenging time for some. “This time of year, people feel like they have to be happy, and that’s just not the reality for everyone,” he reminds us. “Please be aware that at this time of year especially, some may be struggling with depression.” When Dave is not volunteering, he can be found at the St. Joe Boat Club in Potter Township, where he puts in his Poke Boat to fish or just paddle on the Ohio River. “I enjoy taking photos of scenes along the river.” In 2016, he published a book about the Little Saw Mill Run Railroad. “The railroad was largely financed and managed by the Harmonist Society. It ran just west of the West End Bridge through the West End, and up Banksville Road to just south of Wentzel Avenue,” he shares. Titled The Little Saw Mill Run Railroad: It’s Life and
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“So I’m active in the community all year round, but Christmastime is my favorite because I get to be Belsnickel.” Originally from Banksville, Dave graduated from Bethel Park High School and has a son, daughter and three grandchildren who all live in the Pittsburgh area. He can be reached at rustyrail68@ gmail.com.
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BEAVER FALLS PLAZA
1008 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls (724) 843-4822
Spacious One and Two Bedroom Apartments • 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance • On-site Management and Maintenance • Carpet/Blinds on All Windows • Individually Controlled Heat & Air Conditioning • Generous Closet Space • Potential Rapid Occupancy • No Application Fee • All Utilities Included in Rent • Income Limits Apply • 1 Person hh...$16,000 • 2 Persons hh...$18,250 Maximum income for eligibility is: 1 Person $42,600; 2 Persons $48,650
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
Dave also works with various human service agencies such as the Beaver County and Butler County Area Agencies on Aging, and belongs to several advisory and oversight committees for human service organizations. He also finds time to teach mature driver improvement courses through the Seniors for Safe Driving program.
HELPING YOU GET BETTER... FASTER.
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Interactive coloring book takes seniors down memory lane
Just Ask for VNA
A local writer and mu-
sician have teamed up to publish an interactive book that takes readers down memory lane— while they are engaged in the art of coloring. Musical Memory Lane Coloring Book contains 80 pages of Gary Stewart historic trivia, music and related images that are fun and easy to color. Author Michele Dulas and her musician co-author Gary Stewart entertain at senior centers throughout the Pittsburgh area. “At one of our shows we recognized the need for a coloring book that is inspiring for seniors who have lived long and interesting lives,” Michele notes. “Coloring and reminiscing are proven to be beneficial for seniors and this coloring book provides the perfect medium for both. “ The book lays out an artistic timeline from 1900 to the present, including historic events, cultural icons, songs, quotes and fun trivia—such as when and where the banana split was invented, and the first radio station to broadcast a baseball game.
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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Michele takes her passion for brain health and wellness to local senior centers and leads discussion groups on brain health, happiness and reducing stress. Gary is available to entertain at senior homes and events. His repertoire spans from Frank Sinatra to Santana from Hank Williams to The Beatles. He is known to thrill his audience and generate good feelings. The book retails for $14.95 and is available for purchase on Amazon.com and BN.com, or at reminiscentcolors.com. It makes a great holiday gift for seniors and children alike. To book entertainment by Gary Stewart or discussion groups with Michele Dulas, call (707) 599-4229 or email micheledulas3@gmail.com.
It’s your right to choose the home health and hospice provider you prefer. Ask for VNA.
724-282-6806 Toll-free 877-862-6659 www.lutheranseniorlife.org 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001
Live LIFE…At Home
– A Partnership in Caring – LIFE offers comprehensive medical care, adult day services and homecare to help older adults, age 55 and older, live at home. Services include all medical care, prescription coverage, physical therapy, transportation and more. Contact us for assistance in determining your eligibility for the program. You may qualify and not even realize it. CenterPlace 131 Pleasant Drive, Suite 1 Aliquippa, PA 15001 724-378-5400 Call 711 for TTY Relay Services www.lutheranseniorlife.org/LIFE
A Partnership of Lutheran SeniorLife and Heritage Valley Health System
Rocky Bleier’s inspirational book benefits military veterans he life of beloved former Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier is filled with tales of strength and courage—both on the gridiron and in the battlefields of Vietnam. A sought-after motivational speaker, Rocky has been delivering inspirational messages to corporate teams, young professionals and student athletes for years. Now he’s turned his life story into a book about facing life’s challenges head on. Fighting Back: The Inspirational Story of American Hero Rocky Bleier details how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, even in the face of adversity. Rocky takes audiences from his early years at Notre Dame through to his professional NFL career and shares lessons learned along the way. It contains a 40-page photo insert, providing readers with a visual walk down memory lane.
Steeler fans may recall that despite his drive and ability to make big plays, the Steelers organization only considered Bleier a late round draft pick in 1968. Before his first season ended, he was drafted again—this time by the United States Army. At the height of the Vietnam War, he was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Sustaining leg wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments, he was barely able to walk. His pro football career seemed to have ended before it began. Bleier received both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
But as we know here in Pittsburgh, Bleier went onto earn his place in Steelers history as one of the greats from the ‘70s era. He retired in 1980 as a four-time Super Bowl champion, with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns. Never forgetting his army comrades, Rocky has actively supported causes related to military veterans for many years. Proceeds from his book benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. First 10,000 copies of the book are personally autographed on the cover by the author—right in time for gift giving during the holiday season. To order the book, call (412) 6212351, email info@fightingback. shop or visit rockybleier.com. It is also available at Steelers Pro Shops around the region. Photos from rockybleier.com.
Tokyo Hospital 1969
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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Live Independently…Not Alone Medical help at the push of a button. Get medical help in an emergency at the push of a button with the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) from Vector Security®. Simply wear the system on your wrist or neck and press the “help” button to be connected to a trained operator 24 hours a day. Call now for more information and a free consultation…because living alone doesn’t mean being alone.
1-800-756-9161 www.vectorsecurity.com Name_____________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Phone____________________________Age_____________
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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To enter, mail your answers to Beaver County Senior News Contest, 97 Beechmont Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15229. One entry per person. Correct entries will be eligible for our drawing. One winner will be drawn. Entries must be received by the 15th of this month. Answers will be published in the February edition of Beaver County Senior News.
Brighton Rehab & Wellness BOOTS COAT COLD DECEMBER
FREEZE HOLIDAY ICE ICICLE
MITTENS SHOVEL SLED SNOW
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 246 Friendship Circle, Beaver (724) 775-7100 • Admissions: (724) 773-5209
brightonwellness.com
Crossword Puzzle Answer on page 2
Senior Resources
Following is a list of resources that are relevant to issues effecting seniors. We are providing this as an easy reference for information that you may need now or in the future. AARP: aarp.org. The National site for AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people, ages 50 years and older. Call 1 (888) 687-2277.
ACROSS 1 Woodsy home 6 Buddy 9 Lawyers’ org. 12 Russian pancakes 13 “- -la-a!” 14 CSA soldier 15 Big name in porcelain” 16 Expression of regret 18 Find 20 Flightless flock 21 E.T.’s transport 23 Previous night 24 Wherewithal 25 Tatters 27 Robin Hood’s missile 29 Tiers 31 Big river 35 Helicopter part 37 Bygone times 38 Go around the world? 41 Wager 43 Table scrap 44 Gaucho’s weapon 45 Antenna 47 Green field? 49 Amorphous masses 52 Reggae-like music 53 Tiny
DOWN 1 “NCIS” airer 2 Jungfrau, for one 3 High school science course 4 - -European 5 Family girl 6 Straw hat 7 Lasso 8 Discoverer’s cry 9 Scent 10 Started 11 Big canyon 17 Maneuvering room 19 Sailor’s “Halt!” 21 Cyber-address 22 Air safety org. 24 Mid-May honoree 26 Soap opera, e.g. 28 Harder to find 30 Deteriorate 32 Fauna study 33 Bobby of hockey 34 Trawler need 36 Followed orders 38 Not just chubby 39 Ice cubes, slangily 40 Swell 42 Snug 45 Census data 46 Winged 48 Fly-by-night? 50 Clear the tables 51 Collection
Alzheimer’s Association: alzpa.org. Programs and services for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. Call 1 (800) 272-3900. Beaver County Office on Aging: beavercountypa.gov/ Depts/OOA. Gives detailed information on aging programs. Call (724) 847-2262 (Local); 1 (888) 548-2262 (Long Distance); TDD (724) 728-5700. Benefits Checkup: benefitscheckup.org. An online questionnaire to help search for a list of all state and federal benefits. COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services): compass.state.pa.us. Enables Pennsylvania citizens to apply for social services programs online. Call 1 (800) 692-7462. Eldercare Locator: eldercare.gov. Contains information on the complete array of services and programs of interest for older adults. Call 1 (800) 677-1116. Government Benefits: GovBenefits.gov. The official benefits website of the government that connects people in need to government assistance programs. Call 1 (800) 333-4636. Medicare: medicare.gov. The official government site for Medicare consumer information. Call 1 (800) 633-4227. Pennsylvania Long-Term Care: helpinpa.state.pa.us. Provides long-term care information on available service options, including home care, public and private financing of those options, and other issues. Call 1 (866) 286-3636.
December 2018 • Beaver County Senior News
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