50+ Lifestyles, October 2018 Metro Edition

Fall 2018 50plusNY.com Metro Edition • Vol. 43 #3

Breaking the Airport Glass Ceiling Dolores Hofman First Female Forklift Operator at JFK

By Mary Malloy; Photos by Susan Grieco

D

olores ‘Cookie’ Hofman is the epitome of an accomplished woman. As the first female forklift operator at John F. Kennedy International Airport in the 1970s, she broke the glass ceiling, paving the way for the women who followed in her footsteps. But it wasn’t an easy ride for this female pioneer.

Hofman started her aviation career with Pan American Airways in December 1966.

“My dream was to travel the world,” she said. “However, when I interviewed to be a flight attendant (known as a stewardess back then) they wanted me to cut my very long hair and I refused — so I applied for a ground position as a clerk typist in the

(Continued on page 15)

Autumn Events

Best Thing About Summer

Crosswords/Sudoku

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PAGE 5

PAGE 14 ATTEND A

SENIORS & CAREGIVERS, LEARN THE FACTS: • You always retain ownership of your home* • No monthly payments are required • Tax Free funds can be used for any purpose Registered mortgage broker NYS Department of Financial Services #60526. Loans arranged thru third party providers.

With a reverse mortgage homeowners may still be responsible for real estate taxes and homeowners insurance payments.

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October Edition Sponsored by

Call 718-696-0206 agewellnewyork.com

Fall 2018 50plusNY.com Metro Edition • Vol. 43 #3

Breaking the Airport Glass Ceiling Dolores Hofman First Female Forklift Operator at JFK

By Mary Malloy; Photos by Susan Grieco

D

olores ‘Cookie’ Hofman is the epitome of an accomplished woman. As the first female forklift operator at John F. Kennedy International Airport in the 1970s, she broke the glass ceiling, paving the way for the women who followed in her footsteps. But it wasn’t an easy ride for this female pioneer.

Hofman started her aviation career with Pan American Airways in December 1966.

“My dream was to travel the world,” she said. “However, when I interviewed to be a flight attendant (known as a stewardess back then) they wanted me to cut my very long hair and I refused — so I applied for a ground position as a clerk typist in the

(Continued on page 15)

Autumn Events

Best Thing About Summer

Crosswords/Sudoku

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

PAGE 14 ATTEND A

SENIORS & CAREGIVERS, LEARN THE FACTS: • You always retain ownership of your home* • No monthly payments are required • Tax Free funds can be used for any purpose Registered mortgage broker NYS Department of Financial Services #60526. Loans arranged thru third party providers.

With a reverse mortgage homeowners may still be responsible for real estate taxes and homeowners insurance payments.

CONTACT MARC FOR A FREE PRIVATE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION

RSVP 516-526-4041

FREE SEMINAR 10/23/18 USA Diner, Rosedale

10/25/18

www.PerriFunding.com

Lindenwood Diner, Brooklyn

300 Bedford Avenue, Suite 201, Bellmore, NY mseidman9@aol.com

See Our Ad on Page 5

Navigating Medicare as you turn 65

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or those turning 65, there are various health care coverage options to explore, from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. AgeWell New York offers some guidance help you navigate your enrollment options and choose health care coverage that supports healthy living.

When you become eligible for Medicare, you can enroll in Part A & Part B, often referred to as Original Medicare. The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services.

Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility and home health care and hospice services.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital services and durable medical equipment, and other medical services and supplies.

Part A and Part B, doesn't cover everything, so at this time, you may also choose to enroll in Part C, also called a Medicare Advantage Plan which provides you with all your Part A and Part B benefits, and benefits above and beyond. You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to join a Medicare Advantage plan.

Part D covers prescription drug coverage.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer Part

D, or you may need to enroll in a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

When choosing health care coverage keep in mind; doctors, hospitals and specialists in the plan network, covered drugs, covered preventive services, supplemental benefits such as vision, or dental, and overall, if the plan is meeting all your health care needs.

October 15- December 7 is Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) when Medicare beneficiaries will be making important decisions, such as

2 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

whether to remain in their current Medicare Advantage Plan, choose another plan or return to what is commonly referred to as Original Medicare.

AgeWell New York offers Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans that provides all the coverage of Original Medicare, plus more personalized care with additional benefits and services.

For eligibility and enrollment in AgeWell New York’s Medicare Advantage Plans, call 866.5868044 or agewellnewyork.com.

Autumn Events October 1, 15 & 22 Chess Club. Hillcrest Library, Chess Club, Flushing. Noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesdays Cambria Heights Quilters. Learn basic and intermediate techniques to create individual and group projects. Supplies will be available for use during the sessions; 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Cambia Height Library, Cambria Heights.

October 4 Aging Mastery 50+ Wellness 10-Session Program. Topics: exercise, sleep, nutrition, finances, planning, relationships, medication, community engagement, & falls prevention. Preregistration required. Rockaways residents only. Call Seaside Library at 718-634-1876 or organizer Susan Lavin at 718-368-5079.

October 6 and 20 Write Now! Free, drop-in writing workshop. All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. No advanced registration. 2 to 4 p.m. Long Island City Library.

October 9 De-clutter Your Home.Learn how to organize and detox every room in your house; 4 to 5 p.m. East Flushing Library, Flushing.

October 11 Recipe Swap and Cookbook Club. Swap and share your oldest and exciting recipes. Copies will be made so that everyone will have new recipes each month. At the end of the year we will compile all the recipes into a community recipe book. 2nd Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. Broad Channel Library, Broad Channel

October 25 Open Mic Night. Performers are invited to share their talents in a presentation of either poetry, written words, music, comedy, or spoken words.

Spectators welcome. Douglaston Library, Little Neck; 6 to 7:30 p.m.

October 30 Halloween Party. Explore our spooky haunted house and participating in a costume contest! We will be handing out candy and prizes. Langston Hughes Library, Corona; 3 to 6 p.m.

Thursdays Through December Computers for Seniors. Computer classes for seniors can help you learn how to use today’s tech. Laurelton Library, Laurelton; 11 a.m. to noon.

November 5 Power Walk Fitness. Guided exercise for fitness. At the East Flushing Library, Flushing; noon to 12:45.

November 5 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. North Forest Park Library, Forest Hills; 6 to 7 p.m.

November 7 Adult Crafts: Origami. At the Kew Garden Hills Library, Flushing; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

November 24 Friends of Ridgewood Library Monthly Book Sale. Ridgewood Library, Ridgewood; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 15 Italia Alive! October is Italian Heritage Month. Children ages 6-12 will learn basic Italian words and phrases. Then they will make an Italian-stylebased craft after hearing stories from Italy. Queensboro Hill Library, Flushing; 4 to 5:30 p.m.

October 17 Supporting Families through Breast Cancer and Other Cancers.

Helping a loved one with a serious illness is demanding. Often we neglect our physical and emotional needs. Participants will learn about available support systems, have a chance to express themselves October 20 Meet the Author and Photographer of 111 Places in Queens You Must Not Miss. Author Joe DiStefano and photographer Clay Williams reveal the rich history and cultural diversity that are just a bus, subway, or walk away. Books will be available for sale and signing. At the Pomonok Library, Flushing; 3 to 4:15 p.m.

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50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com 3

Thanks to Our Advertisers!

Advertiser Perri Funding Reverse Mortgages Flushing House Bristol Financial StairGlide Stair Lifts & Ramps Signalert Asset Management Schoenbart Low Vision Care Catholic Cemeteries Finkelstein and Feil, PC Long Island Family & Elder Care MyNotifi Fall Protection Last Hope Animal Rescue & Rehab Agewell NY Health Plans

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The Best Thing About Summer Is…

W

ith fall now in full swing, we closed out the season by asking our readers what they liked most about summer.

Our readers said there are variety of things that make summer “the” season, and we’d like to share their responses with you. First up is John Dallal of Howard Beach who won two tickets to the NYCB Theatre at Westbury congratulations!

ways is another garden surprise due to differing weather conditions from one year to the next.

— Grace Bennett of Oceanside

Summer is, for me, A time of festivity At the beach, having fun, Underneath a noonday sun, Frolicking in the sand With the kids well in hand In the water, truth be told...

It’s pleasurably cold.

Amusement parks are also there, With loved ones, to be shared.

So it is, this time, each year, I enjoy when Summer’s here.

— John Dallal of Howard Beach

The best thing about summer is wearing less clothes; just shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, and going to the beach and boating.

— Frank Szap of Queens

All summers are different for a gardener. Last year I grew green tormittilos and made verde and this year I have cucumbers to pickle. There al-

From excitement.

Through the window I saw The panorama of Houston.

Although I enjoy summer concerts in the parks, the best part of summer is when it is over and we get cool, crisp fall weather.

— Linda Blair of Glendale

My favorite thing about the summer is the extra sunlight and ease of travel.

— Dominic Galani of Astoria I love the summer because you can hang with your neighborhood friends outside of their homes. You feel so good and carefree.

– Olga Lauriano of Queens

I could hardly Wait for the summer visit.

Oh, there they are!

Four angels running toward me with outstretched Arms, welcoming me with Hugs and kisses.

Oh, how I missed them!

Oh, how I love them!

The summer visit was finally here!

Early morning snuggles, card games, puzzles, Restaurants, beaches, long talks, long walks, art contests, Trivia contests, basketball, doing something special with Each one made my heart soar.

This was what the summer visit was always all about.

In the blink of an eye, it was over.

How could it have gone so fast?

I sadly boarded the plane back home Laden with drawings, Poems, cards, all from the angels.

Memories of the summer visit In my heart forever.

— Marsha Evans of Ozone Park

50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com 5

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Stair Lift

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tair lifts are gaining popularity as the population ages. A stairlift may be the right solution for you if you have mobility problems with stairs. Today’s stairlifts, such as those sold by StairGlide of New York, do not require structural changes to the home and do not damage the stairs or change the décor. The stairlifts are designed to be quiet and efficient, with smooth start-and-stop functionality.

They are designed for safety and comforts with features like swivel seats so there is no twisting, safety sensors should there be an obstruction on the stair, and much more. Here are some things to consider in choosing the right stairlift for your home.

Stair style: Stairlifts are available straight, curved and as outdoor stairways for entrances and patio steps.

Safety features: All StairGlide of New York stairlifts include multiple safety features. These include fold-up chair and foot rest for when not in use; safety belts and lockable seats; a remote control feature to allow others to operate it; and your stairlift will continue to function (1.5 to 2.5 hours) even if power goes out!

Support: Pre-purchase and after purchase support from trained factory technicians who can recommend the proper configuration and address any issues that may come up is critical. Stairlifts can be tested at the company’s showroom and a technician can visit your home for consultations.

Stairlifts can be removed and reinstalled should you move, and feature the best warranty available: a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox, lifetime warranty on the rail system, and one year warranty on all other components.

StairGilde of New York is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and led by Tom Knoblauch, President. For questions about sales or service call 631-647-2255 or wwwstairglideny.com.

Please mention this ad when calling

6 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

VeteransNews Arranging for Burial in a VA National Cemetery • Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and Veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements, as applicable, and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or who die while on training duty under certain circumstances are also eligible for burial, as are service members and former service members who were eligible for retired pay at the time of their death. A Veteran’s spouse, widow or widower, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities, may also be eligible for burial. Eligible spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran.

• Interested individuals may submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibilty for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, along with a copy of supporting documentation of military service such as a DD 214, if readily available, by: toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299; email to eligibility.preneed@va.gov; or mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151.

• If the discharge document is not available, a copy may be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records Office,1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.

• Gravesites in VA national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance of need. At the time of need, a funeral director or the next of kin should contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. Fax all discharge docu-

mentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866- 900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117. It is important to have all eligibility documentation available prior to calling.

• The Veterans Benefits Administration pays a burial and plot allowance for those Veterans who are eligible by law. For information, please contact the nearest VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000; www.benefits.va.gov/ BENEFITS/factsheets/burials/Burial.pdf.

From Enemies to Partners: Vietnam, the US and Agent Orange From Enemies to Partners: Vietnam, the US and Agent Orange caught my eye on several levels. I’m a three-tour Viet Nam combat vet and was able to return to Viet Nam with a medical team in the early 90s and see the ramifications of Agent Orange on the indigenous people.

This book, by Le Ke Son and Charles R. Bailey (both PhDs), is not something you’ll sit down and read for pleasure, but it is a book worth pushing through because it actually details the exposure and how it still affects the Viets today (and, thus, we vets!).

You’ll recognize an awful lot of the names of bases where testing has been done. If you have any interest in the longrange effects of this particularly nasty defoliant, this is a must add to your war library. Pick it up and read it, have it so you confirm what you think, or look through it, so when people ask … From G. Anton Publishing; photos; 230 pages; hardcover $29.99, paperback: $19.99, e-book: $9.99. From Amazon and good book stores. — Gary P. Joyce; Ed. 50+

50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com 7

Making life easier and safer for seniors with Low Vision ye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can have a significant impact on a senior’s functional abilities and quality of life. For some, impaired vision may even result in depression, withdrawal and inactivity.

The National Eye Institute (NEI), reports older adults represent the majority of the visually impaired population in the United States. It can be particularly difficult for seniors to accept and adapt to.

E

Keeping an Eye on Visual Health One of the first steps to leading a safe and active life with impaired vision is to understand the degree and underlying cause of this loss. If you or loved one has been diagnosed with one of the above conditions or is experiencing blurry objects, blind spot areas, and excessive glare due to lighting or feel you are not seeing the best you can achieve, then you may like to visit Dr. Schoenbart.

Improving Senior Vision Is Our Mission!

“People do not know that there are doctors who are very experienced

8 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

in Low Vision care”. For example, Dr. Schoenbart has been practicing LowVision care and has been New York State Certified in Low Vision-Rehabilitative Optometry for more than thirty years.

Macular Degeneration is the most common eye disease among seniors.

The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive.

When it degenerates, ARMD leaves a blind spot right in the center of vision making is difficult to recognize faces, read a book or pass DMV’s vision test.

Today advances in low vision technology can overcome the crippling effects of diseases. Dr. Steven Schoenbart, Clinical Director of the Schoenbart Low Vision Center serving patients from Manhattan to Montauk can help. Using special prescription optics and miniature mounted telescopic glasses, he has helped patients improve their ability to read, watch TV and in some case continue to drive. Dr. Schoenbart would like to do the same for you.

To schedule a FREE Low Vision phone consultation with Dr. Schoenbart or make an appointment for a Low Vision exam call (516) 219-8690 or visit LowVisionofNY.com

Age of Elegance Joan Allen

Marleen Schuss

There Is A New Star in The Galaxy!!

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n July 29, 2018, New York Senior America presented the 33rd annual Pageant at Molloy College in Rockville Centre. The pageant celebrates women of achievement, age 60-and-over who, with their talent, abilities and positive projection of aging, best exemplify what the senior women can accomplish. The women are judged in four categories: Personal Interview, Philosophy of Life, Evening Gown and Stage Presence and Talent. The five judges look for that special candidate who will serve as a role model to represent the modern senior woman of today.

AND THE WINNER IS… Queen Maureen Griffin-Damone, Ms. New York Senior America 2018. Maureen also won the title of Ms. Congeniality!

Known by her peers as the most friendly, helpful, genuine and outgoing contestant in the pageant. This award is judged by the other contestants.

Canin, Carol D’Amato, Alicia Moss and Theresa Walton. A BIG THANK YOU to all the contestants who helped make this pageant a huge success.

The judges had great difficulty making their final decision, because anyone of the contestants had the qualifications to be the winner. Following the pageant, the Queens Gala/Dinner Dance was enjoyed at the Rockville Links Club, Rockville Centre. The music was furnished by one of our own Cameo Club members, Celeste Belletti.

A wonderful time was shared by all. A welcoming luncheon for the new members was held at Pompei Restaurant, West Hempstead. At this time we would like to thank our loyal sponsors for their continued support. We are most grateful for the generosity of individuals and businesses for assisting us in our endeavor to inspire seniors to live life to the fullest.

It is never too early to become a part of the NY Senior America family.

We already have several prospective contestants for the 2019 Pageant. If you are interested in participating in next year’s Pageant, please call Marleen Schuss, State Administrator, at 516.761-7503 or e-mail marleenschuss@aol.com. (See coupon below.) 50+ Today’s words of wisdom….”The only real failure is not to try” Until next time, Joan and Marleen COUPON

Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2019 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant.

Name Address Telephone E-mail Address

Photos by Susan Grieco 1st Runner-up, Laura Lorenzo 2nd Runner-up, Joan Darragh 3rd Runner-up, Esther Beckman 4th Runner-up, Marie Quigley In alphabetical order 2the other contestants were Sabra Brock, Susan

Visit the ALL-NEW 50plusNY.com

• Events • Articles • Video • Polls 10 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 318 East Shore Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758 More info, Phone: 516-678-3242 • 516-761-7503

& 50plusNY

9 Types of Retiree: Which One Are You?

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

By Internationalliving.com

W

ith retirement savings among Americans at an all-time low, more and more baby boomers are redefining their retirement.

In a new report, the editors at Internationallivng.com have pinned down nine different, proven ways U.S. retirees are shaping their own paths overseas — from opting to retire early in a low-cost locale to a roving retirement that finds them traveling slowly for years at a time, and everything in between.

Here are nine ways to retire better for less overseas, according to International Living’s report: #1 The Early Retiree. Because savings stretch in the right places overseas, these retirees are able to choose the ultimate dream for many North Americans and retire early. #2 The Test Driver. You don’t have to choose one place right away.

These retirees try out different spots, perhaps for a month or two at a time, maybe spread out over several years, to find the one perfect for their retirement abroad. #3 The Roving Retiree. With so many low-cost, easy-living locales to choose from, these retirees enjoy a travel-rich lifestyle with the aim of finding that ideal retirement home overseas. These retirees enjoy exploring one place at a time before moving on to the next destination on their wish-list. #4 The Solo Traveler. Lots of safe, good-value spots overseas have built-in expat groups, which makes it easy for singles to travel comfortably, make friends, and easily become part of a community of likeminded retirees. #5 The House Sitter. These retirees live in and look after a house while its owner is away—rent-free. It’s a cost-effective way to travel all over the world. #6 The European Explorer. Europe isn’t as expensive as you probably think. These retirees enjoy all the romance, good weather, great food, art, and history the Old World has to offer...and can do it for less than it costs to stay home. #7 The Snowbirder. You don’t have to retire overseas full-time to save money and live better. These retirees choose to escape the cold and spend their winters in sunny locales—often on the beach—and spend less than they would to stay home. #8 The Part-Timer. Two months in South America, six weeks in Europe, a fall spent in Southeast Asia...these retirees do whatever works for them, carving out a little time each year to explore someplace new or revisit a good-value place they love. #9 The Slow Traveler. The clue is in the title—this means of travel allows you take it at your own pace. There’s no rush in exploring all the world has to offer. It’s an adventure. These retirees stay as long as their tourist visa will allow in any country around the world. Plus, the freedom to go where you want, whenever you like, for however long is valuable leverage in keeping costs down. 50+

Working While Disabled Social Security Can Help

By John Biundo; Social Security Assistant District Manager in Patchogue

W

hile it may be best known for retirement, Social Security is also here to help you get back to work if you are disabled.

For millions of people, work isn’t just a source of income, it’s a vital part of who they are — it gives them purpose and pride — it’s a connection to community.

If you’re getting Social Security disability benefits, we have good news for you. Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs can help you if you’re interested in working. Special rules make it possible for people receiving Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments.

The Ticket to Work program may help you if you’d like to work. You can receive:

• Free vocational rehabilitation • Training • Job referrals • Other employment support You can read more about working while collecting disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

Work incentives include:

• Continued cash benefits for a time while you work • Continued Medicare or Medicaid while you work • Help with education, training, and rehabilitation to start a new line of work If you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits or SSI, let us know right away when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits.

If you returned to work, but you can’t continue working because of your medical condition, your benefits can start again — you may not have to file a new application.

You can read more about the Ticket to Work program in the publication titled “Working While Disabled: How We Can Help” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

Part of securing today and tomorrow is giving you the tools to create a fulfilling life. Getting back to work might be part of that. We’re here with a ticket to a secure tomorrow. 50+ 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com 11

“Don’t Worry… He Sees Us”

By Randal C. Hill

H

ollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper once saw James Dean as an obnoxious attention-seeker in the Marlon Brando vein (she abhorred Brando) and even labeled Dean “another dirty shirttail actor.”

Then she saw East of Eden, underwent an instant conversion and enthused, “I couldn’t remember ever having seen a young man with such power.”

James Byron Dean was born in Marion, Indiana, on February 8, 1931, the only child of Winton and Mildred Dean. The family moved to Santa Monica, California, where Mr. Dean worked as a dental technician. Mildred died of cancer in 1940, and Winton sent his young son back to Indiana to live with his grandparents on their Fairmount farm.

At Fairmount High School, Dean excelled in dramatics and public speaking, and lettered in baseball and basketball. After his 1949 graduation he returned to California to live with his father and stepmother.

Dean considered becoming a lawyer but eventually pursued a stronger passion when he

enrolled at UCLA to study drama. Early in 1951 he left school to chase his acting dreams. He moved to New York, won some minor TV roles, and studied method acting in Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio, where Dean’s idol Marlon Brandon had once been a student.

In 1954 Director Elia Kazan sought “a Brando” for the role of Cal Trask in Kazan’s forthcoming movie East of Eden, based on John Steinbeck’s novel.

Kazan hired the churlish actor, later allowing him to improvise a few East of Eden scenes. (Steinbeck had instantly disliked the sullen superstar-to-be when they first met.)

Two more Dean films followed. Rebel without a Cause, his ticket to stardom, had him (at age 24) playing troubled adolescent Jim Stark.

In Giant Dean portrayed Jett Rink, a Texas ranch hand who strikes oil and becomes rich.

Away from the movie set, Dean nurtured a second passion: auto racing. On September 30, 1955, he and Porsche mechanic pal Rolf Wutherich roared north from Los Angeles,

12 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

(Continued on page 14)

50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com 13

bound for a race in Salinas, near the Bay Area. Dean was behind the wheel of his powerful new Porsche 550 Spyder.

That afternoon, at a deserted intersection near the central California village of Cholame, Dean ran his car into a 1950 Ford being driven by college student Donald Turnupseed, who had turned into the Porsche’s path.

Turnupseed and Wutherich survived the crash, but Dean broke his neck and died at the scene. His ironic final words to Wutherich: “Don’t worry, that guy’ll stop. He sees us.”

At the time only East of Eden had been released, and Dean wasn’t famous yet. Rebel Without a Cause — his best-known work — premiered three days after his demise, and Giant wouldn’t open until 1956. But his death created a tsunami of posthumous worship, and he remains to this day one of the iconic Tinseltown superstars of the 1950s.

James Dean once said, “If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, I mean, if he can live on after he’s died, then maybe he was a great man.” 50+

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(Solution on page 4)

14 50+ LifeStyles Fall 2018 METRO Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

1. Shine 5. Male 8. Kid’s lunches (abbr) 12. Oceanic sunfish 13. Rock outcrop 14. Spirits of curses (Greek myth.)

15. Old 16. Not requiring oxygen to grow 18. Arrange into a system of laws 20. Plants native to hot, dry climates.

21. Chomski to pals 23. Brazilian airport designation (init) 24. Some may do this on a Steinway or Olivetti 28. Maker of wrist-watches for the blind 31. Win at tic-tac-toe

32. Crippled (Solution on page 4) 34. A journal 35. Syosset girl’s prep (init) 37. Wanting 39. Before, poetically 41. Not an everyday Indian crossword garment 42. Actress Locke 45. Chinese noodle dish 49. It’s done behind a boat 51. Skin lotion 52. A river in the UK 53. A river in France 54. Infamous OJ witness (first name) 55. Telecommunication standards (init) 56. Half an island in the southwest Pacific (init) 57. Doctors study it (abbr.)

DOWN 1. A large auto finance company (init) 2. A company’s design 3. A type of TV diode (init) 4. Walking in water 5. Communicable disease? You do this 6. A long time 7. An interior look?

8. __ _ Belleville; highest in Paris 9. It’s healthy and looks like a tree 10. A river on the other half of 56A 11. Observes 17. A continent (abbr.)

19. Give birth in a barn 22. An Alberta resort (with hyphens) 24. You’ll hear this on Oct. 31 a lot 25. Famed telecom company (init)

26. Ancient Latin for Mentana, Italy 27. An animal in its second year 29. Negative prefix 30. Can be good or bad one 33. An old Bond villain 36. An actress and a cosmetic mogul surname 38. Hawaiian sea goddess 40. It’s human to do it 42. Stolen goods 43. You can’t do 49A with them 44. Now! 46. Style 47. A wee bit 48. 9th Century English monk 50. Goes with kith

ACROSS

Cover Story - Dolores Hofman Tracing Section of Pan Am’s cargo department.”

Hofman loved working at JFK, but after six years, she became restless. “I checked the bid board for months,” she said. “Back then they hired from within. I saw a job for a Cargo Service Agent, and applied. Five of the open six positions were awarded to men with less seniority than me.”

She recalled that when she was called into the cargo managers’ office, they each had a negative remark, such as ‘You‘ll be the laughing stock of Kennedy Airport,’ and ‘If you don't make it through your sixty-day probation, you’ll be out on the street!’ Well, with my very supportive husband’s backing, I told them that they had to give me a chance.”

With no other choice, they sent Hofman to Pan Am’s medical department for a thorough physical exam. “At age 25, I was in excellent health …but the doctor who examined me sent a letter back to the managers saying that my physical stature was too slight to do the job! I told them that out of the 150 or so warehousemen, I could certainly point out a few whose physical stature was slighter than mine. They truly had no choice but to give me the job.”

When asked if she has any hesitation about entering a man-only department, she exclaimed, “Of course I was afraid, who wouldn’t be! I was the only woman with 150 men in the warehouse.

I knew some of them, and with their help, and the support of my husband, Ed, I pushed through. But with some of the others, not so much. They put me through all kinds of physical and mental tests. Let’s just say they were breaking my chops.”

Word spread throughout the system, and Hofman would come back from her lunch hour or coffee break, and trucks would be lined up waiting for the “girl” to unload their deliveries!

When, after a year-and-a-half on the job (she left the position after two years), Hofman was out sick due to a severe case of bronchitis, she received a dozen long-stemmed roses, with a card signed by 100 of her warehouse co-workers. “I still have that card today,” she said. “I cherish it.”

A Native New Yorker Dolores Hofman was born in the Bronx to Margaret and John Lantt. The family moved to Levittown, Long Island when she was just one year old. “My father in particular encouraged my independent nature, and my early years were active and diversified. I joined the chorus, theater groups, and many school athletic events.” As a tree surgeon, John Lantt frequently brought home orphaned animals, fostering his daughter’s love and respect for all living creatures. Many years later, Hofman served for 17 years as the president of Animal Lifeline, a non-profit organization set up to help stray domestic animals. Because of her unwavering commitment to the

protection of animals, Woman's World Magazine featured her in an article titled "Angels of a Special Kind."

Flying high at JFK Rising through the ranks of the cargo, material and personnel departments, she moved on to positions with increased responsibility. In 1989 she left her position as corporate recruiter at Pan Am to become Director of Personnel for Evergreen International Airlines at JFK. In 1991, she assumed her present position as Program Manager of the Queens Air Services Development Office (ASDO), a non-profit organization designed to match aviation purchasing needs of Kennedy and LaGuardia airports with local enterprises. Crain’s NY Business featured her on its front page, referring to her as the Airport Matchmaker — a moniker that has stuck. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with their airlines partners, sponsor this program.

During Hofman’s years in the aviation industry, she has been involved with numerous public and civic-minded organizations. She served on the Board of Directors for the Air Cargo Association, the Island Park Chamber of Commerce, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the Animal Protection Institute. In 1997 she received the Bishop Wright Air Industry Award, naming her Woman of the Year. In 2003, Our Lady of the Skies named Hofman as their Woman of the Year, making her the first and to date the only recipient of both prestigious airport awards. In addition, she received the Queens’ Council of the

Boy Scouts Leadership award and was honored by the Queens Courier and Business Today as one of their Top Women in Business.

She is currently an Advisor to the Board of the JFK Chamber of Commerce, and a past VP of the JFK Rotary. She was recently inducted into the Pan Am Museum Foundation's Hall of Fame for being the first woman to drive a forklift and unload trucks at JFK. She has many other involvements with community organizations and is the recipient of many proclamations, legislative resolutions, awards and accolades. In December, she celebrated her 51st anniversary of working at JFK. To top it off (literally), she was crowned Ms. New York Senior America in its 2016 pageant, and went on to place in the top ten at the national competition in Atlantic City.

With all the diversified roles Dolores has played during her storied career at Kennedy Airport, one role has remained constant: being the wife and soul mate of Ed Hofman. The couple were high school sweethearts, and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. Ed has been a loving supporter of all her endeavors.

“I don’t know what I’d do without him, I’m blessed to have him in my life. He’s my rock.

“Everybody, man and women, should have the chance to be as happy as they can be in their job,” Hofman said. “I feel blessed to have found my niche in the working world. I wouldn't trade one day of my career at JFK with anyone in this whole world. I’m lucky to have lived and experienced the ‘good ol' days’ in aviation.” 50+

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