Woman Newspapers, Cumberland County, May & June 2017

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY EDITION MAY & JUNE 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

A Simple Spring Cleaning Checklist

DIY Project: Let There Be Light!

PAGE 17

PAGE 22

INSIDER TIPSS:

Top DIY Bloggers Tell All PAGE 12

s e n e g e h t r o e f s e s h k t n d a e h d i T v o r ! p t m a o th M , s k o o l d o o g y z cra y a D s ’ r e h t o M y p p Ha

Photo: In The Moment Photography by Hollis.

Publisher’s Note

The satisfaction of a job well done DIYers are not just crafty housewives with a lot of time on their hands and a Pinterest board. I think most of us are driven to do DIY projects because it’s empowering and because we enjoy the creativity.

What drives me to tackle projects that professionals could do with ease? I’m going to try to keep it simple and to the point.

When I was young, a relative found herself without a husband. She was helpless, not even knowing how to take care of the most basic things to run a household. I can’t even imagine how it would feel to be so helpless. That’s a feeling I never want to experience.

When I began, like most DIYers, I did it because I had a very tight budget. Even when I lived in my first tiny apartment, I wanted it to be cozy, comfortable and feel like a home. My landlord allowed me to paint the dismal walls, so I jumped in with a can of beige paint, a borrowed paint roller and no experience. I discovered a new-found love of makeovers. I was hooked.

Over the years, I found if I am not creative, I am bored - and I tend to get bored easily with design and decorating. I have a hard time letting things just be. If it hasn’t been changed up in a while, I start thinking about new ways to make the space better. I like a good challenge.

Above all, I love the process. I think to myself, “I’m starting with A, and my goal is B, so what steps do I need to take to get from A to B?” What tools will I need? What materials do I need? How much time will it take? How much will it cost? Math doesn’t come naturally to me but when it’s part of the problem-solving process for a DIY project, somehow I’m able to work it out! That’s incredibly satisfying.

There’s something so empowering about not having to rely on someone else to do things for you. My hope is that every woman reading this edition of Woman, no matter what her circumstances, can know that she, too, can feel that same sense of empowerment, not having to rely on others to do things around the house for her even if it’s something as simple as painting a chair.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Louise Sukle lsukle@womannewspapers.com SALES MANAGER Dave Brown daveb@pressandjournal.com ACCOUNT EXECTUTIVES DAUPHIN COUNTY: Tina Rinehart (717) 421-3247 tinarinehart@pressandjournal.com CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Lauren Kanovich (717) 678-4826 laurenkanovich@pressandjournal.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Julianna Sukle juliannasukle@pressandjournal.com

LOUISE SUKLE Editor & Publisher

CONTRIBUTORS

Erika Farber erika.farber@gmail.com Erika has spent many years as a strong and independent force in both the restaurant business and online dating scene, and she has chosen this medium to share her successes and failures in both. Recounting the adventures that have shaped her life has enhanced her growth and ignited her passion for writing. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/Erika-Farber

Deb Baer Becker dbbecker2@yahoo.com

Brenda Tadych sumthin2say@hotmail.com

Deb advocates for women’s breast health, and writes about her experience surviving breast cancer. She’s writing a book about her years as a young airman with the USAF Thunderbirds. She holds an MFA in Writing from Pacific University, and is the proud mother of two adult-sized children and two rescued dogs. She lives in Houston, Texas, but dreams of her native Pennsylvania’s rolling hills and cut-away fields. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/Deb-Baer-Becker

Brenda Tadych is a lifelong resident of Dauphin County, currently residing in Middletown. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/Brenda-Tadych and her blog brendasumthin2say.blogspot.com

Woman Newspapers are free bimonthly publications of Press And Journal Publications.

All rights reserved. For submission requirements, e-mail info@womannewspapers.com.

No part of the newspapers may be reprinted or duplicated without permission.

Visit us online at womannewspapers.com Press And Journal Publications | (717) 944-4628 | 20 S. Union St., Middletown, PA 17057 MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 3

Special Mom SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOUR



The World Wildlife Fund gift adoption card is perfect for moms who love animals. For $50, Mom can choose from 80 species for her symbolic adoption. In addition, she will receive a 5x7” adoption certificate, a 5x7” color photo of the animal, a plush version of the animal, a card containing information about the animal, a drawstring gift bag and online bonuses, including an adoption certificate, AIM icon and wallpaper and screen saver of the adopted animal. The gift is available on the World Wildlife Fund’s Web site.



The Snow Ski Adirondack chair and ottoman is made from Port Orford, OR cedar with stainless steel fasteners and recycled snow skis.

Resistant to insects and rot, it will turn a silvery grey patina if left untreated. The chair is available through amazon.com and wayfair.com.

YOUR MOM IS ONEOF-A-KIND, SO WHY SHOULDN’T HER MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS BE JUST AS UNIQUE? THIS YEAR INSTEAD OF THE SAME OLD STUFF, WHY NOT GET YOUR MOM SOMETHING NON-TRADITIONAL? HERE ARE SOME OF OUR IDEAS.







The typewriter key jewelry is handmade from authentic typewriter keys from the 1920s, '30s and '40s. The keys are set in rings, bracelets and necklaces. Keys have been cleaned and polished but show some signs of aging and patina. Various jewelry is available on etsy.com.



The newspaper tote, "The Sewing Standard" carries the latest "news" in sewing and quilting. Clever (tongue in cheek) news articles about sewing, quilting, etc. 100% cotton with a double strap. The bag measure 15x14" and is available from SewLeighMyOwn on etsy.com.



NEED SOME OTHER GIFT IDEAS? HERE ARE A COUPLE: • Create Mom's very own cookbook using her recipes and photos. There are numerous Web sites where you can do so.

• Create Mom a customized playlist.

You can spend as little or as much as you want to create a playlist of Mom's favorite tunes.

This is just a small sample of some of the unique gifts available for the unique mom. All you have to do is consider Mom's interests and see what's out there.

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Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017



Think your beneficiary designations are in place? Don’t be too sure by jan l. brown, attorney at law

Many of our assets have beneficiary designations which means we designate who we want to receive a certain asset upon our death. The beneficiary designation document overrules directives in a Last Will and Testament for beneficiary designated assets. Beneficiary designated assets are IRAs, pensions, life insurance and annuities.

In most cases, when an IRA, pension, life insurance or annuity account is set up, a beneficiary designation form is part of the process and included in the application. If someone wishes to change their beneficiaries, a change of beneficiary designation form is completed and submitted to the financial institution, insurance company or pension adminstrator. It is not unusal to change beneficiary designations because of a death, divorce, change of circumstances or even just a change in relationship.

Lately, I am seeing problems with beneficiary designations not being honored by financial institutions. Why? In most of

WHO

the cases, the problems were the result of the financial institution’s internal systems or procedures.

When one of my clients in his 90’s wanted to change the beneficiary designations on an annuity, he called his annuity sales agent. The agent filled out the form, per my client’s wishes, and sent the form to the agent’s headquarters.

Normally, that is sufficient and the change will be recorded. My client passed away at 94 and his closest family members came in with a problem. The insurance company refused to honor the beneficiary designation because the company’s internal procedures require social security numbers for all named beneficiaries. At the time my client met with his annuity sales agent, he didn’t have his nieces and nephews social security numbers and the agent submitted the form without them. In this case, a Petition with the Court must be filed to compel the insurance company to honor my client’s last beneficiary designation form.

Another problem that some of my clients are facing is their beneficiary designation forms have been deleted or lost because of the financial companies computer systems.

A younger client of mine who inputs her information on-line, came in to review her estate planning and in the course of

makes the financial decisions in your house?

the meeting, we discussed her beneficiary designations. I advised her to have written verification from the company that her desired beneficiaries were in fact recorded and up to date. To her surprise, some of her beneficiary designations were missing as the financial institution had updated their recordkeeping

system and some of the prior beneficiary designations were lost. She had to re-enter the beneficiary designations and print out the form which serves as her record as it is dated. She now goes on-line every year and confirms and prints out her beneficiary designations and files them with her estate planning documents.

Because of the increasing problems with beneficiary designations, I now recommend my clients verify their designations on an annual basis and keep a signed and dated paper copy of all the latest designations. Although that will not guarantee there will be no issues or problems in the future, it does provide necessary information to enable a Court to enforce one’s wishes in the event a problem does occur.

Jan L Brown and Associates is a law firm founded in 1993 to help families. The firm has over 49 years of combined experience and practices exclusively in the areas of estate planning, probate and elder law. Estate planning includes Wills, Powers of Attorneys, Living Wills, Trusts, Tax Planning, Special Needs Trusts and Guardianships.

Elder law addresses the legal issues of seniors, their families and those who care for them including obtaining benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid and VA benefits and protecting assets from nursing home care costs. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice as every client and situation is different and requires specific review and analysis. If you would like an appointment, please call (717) 541- 5550.

The Law Office for Older Persons Their Families

&

Jan L. Brown & Associates Attorneys-at-Law

80%

In of all households, it’s a woman.

Jan L. Brown, Esq.

Practice Exclusively In: •E state Planning & Probate: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Tax Planning, Special Needs Trusts

Jacqueline Kelly, Esq. CELA Certified Elder Law Attorney

•E lder Law: Protecting Assets From Nursing Home Costs, Qualifying for Benefits, Incapacity Planning

845 Sir Thomas Court, Harrisburg 17109

We’re your market.

Tina Rinehart (717) 421-3247 tinarinehart@pressandjournal.com Dauphin Co. Senior Account Excecutive

Lauren Kanovich (717) 678-4826 laurenkanovich@pressandjournal.com Cumberland Co. Account Excecutive

(717) 541-5550 www.janbrownlaw.com

Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 5

Spinach and Sundried Tomato Quiche

A BETTER

Mother’s Day BRUNCH

Recipe courtesy of Jarlsberg Cheese Servings: 6 Pie Dough: 3/4 cup butter 1 cup white flour 2 tablespoons water Filling: 1 cup fresh spinach 1 red onion, cut into rings butter 1 cup milk 4 eggs salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, sliced 1/4 cup olives 1 cup shredded Jarlsberg Cheese To make pie dough: Heat oven to 400 F. Mix butter and flour in food processor or by hand until mixture has granular consistency.

Add water and knead into dough. Let chill 30 minutes. Roll dough and fit into 10-inch pie pan. With fork, make holes in dough and bake 15 minutes.

To make filling: Heat oven to 350 F. In frying pan, fry onion and spinach with butter then scoop mixture into quiche base.

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper, and pour over spinach and onion. Top with olives, sundried tomatoes and cheese.

Bake 35-40 minutes.

Spinach and Sundried Tomato Quiche

Focus on quality ingredients for a simply delicious meal

Hosting an elegant Mother’s Day brunch is easy when you build a menu around excep­tional ingredients. Your dishes don’t have to be overly complicated; simple dishes are perfect for the occasion when you let stand-out flavors steal the show.

Brunch calls for a combination of light and savory fare, and an ingredient like cheese lets you go either way. Quiche is a brunch staple, and no variation of this classic is complete without cheese – in this case, a rich, creamy layering of Jarlsberg’s unmistakable flavor does the trick.

For a lighter bite, try these Cheesy, Crispy Smashed Potatoes from Chef George Duran, host of TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off ” and Food Network’s “Ham on the Street.” Appeal to kids of all ages with his Spicy Tater Tot Breakfast Muffins.

Spicy Tater Tot Breakfast Muffins Source: Family Features

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Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

Spicy Tater Tot Breakfast Muffins

Recipe courtesy of Chef George Duran Servings: 12

Nonstick cooking spray 36 frozen tater tots 2 cups grated Jarlsberg Cheese, divided 8 large eggs 2 jalapeno peppers, seeds and veins removed and finely chopped 1/2 red pepper, finely chopped 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper finely chopped parsley, for garnish Heat oven to 425 F. Spray 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.

Place three tater tots into each muffin cup and bake 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and use small spoon or fork to gently press down on tater tots to form base and sides of each muffin.

Sprinkle 2 cups Jarlsberg cheese equally over tater tots and bake 10 minutes.

Beat eggs in large bowl and add jalapeno, red pepper, heavy cream, salt and pepper.

Remove tater tots from oven and pour egg mixture into cups. Top evenly with remaining grated cheese and bake 10 minutes.

Remove each muffin and allow to cool 5 minutes on cooling rack before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Tip: For a non-spicy alternative, replace jalapeno with same amount of green bell peppers.

Cheesy, Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Cheesy, Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of Chef George Duran Servings: 4 25 red bliss or fingerling potatoes 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 garlic cloves, finely minced salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup grated Jarlsberg cheese 2 tablespoons minced parsley Heat oven to 450 F and cook potatoes by steaming, boiling or microwaving. Set aside.

In small saute pan or saucepan, add olive oil and garlic. Cook on medium-low heat until garlic browns and turns crispy, about 5 minutes. Strain garlic, reserving olive oil and crispy garlic.

Once potatoes cool, use back of pan to gently smash them down to about 1/2-inch thickness.

Drizzle olive oil throughout roasting pan then add smashed potatoes. Drizzle reserved garlic olive oil on top of each potato and season with salt and pepper. Roast 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and evenly divide cheese and parsley on top of each potato. Cook another 10 minutes until cheese begins to brown. Top each potato with reserved crispy garlic and allow to cool before serving.

Last summer, the ice bucket challenge was popular on social media sites. This challenge was created to increase awareness and raise money for research for a disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”. Each year in the United States, ALS is diagnosed in about 5,600 people1.

ALS is an extremely serious and progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The motor neurons degenerate quickly over a short period of time, leaving the nerve cells to die, which eventually leads to the body breaking down1.

Before a person is diagnosed with ALS they may have symptoms involving muscle weakness, difficulty with speaking, cramping of the muscles, or difficulty breathing1. Diagnosing ALS is difficult because currently there is no single test to confirm a person has the disease.

ALS moves rapidly, usually affecting the limbs, then speech, and lastly the lungs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this horrific disease.

Since this disease rapidly affects the body and decreases independence, it is the occupa-

tional therapist job to help a person, suffering from ALS, to assist these persons to do daily activities to the best of their ability. There are two main focuses for occupational therapy when a patient has ALS. The first is to help the pati ent to adapt. An occupational therapist may help families and caregivers to learn how to position the patient to a more comfortable position, or provide the patient with adaptive equipment to help gain more independence.

The second focus is to modify. For example, the occupational therapist may suggest “finger foods” to a client with ALS. Instead of them trying to use utensils, which may be more difficult for them, using their fingers to eat may allow them greater independence in this skill.

An occupational therapist may also help to instruct and train the caregivers. For example, the therapist may instruct on how to safely transfer the ALS patient, or give suggestions on what foods might be easy for the patient to swallow, once the disease affects the person’s swallowing process.

It is important for the therapist to work with the patient and their family to make life a little less difficult and offer greater dignity to the patient throughout the disease process.

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOU: Improve balance Reduce fall risk Improve flexibility Improve strength Increase activity levels

63 EAST MAIN ST., 1ST FLOOR MIDDLETOWN, PA 17057 (717) 388-1058

Patricia Gay, OTR/L, CT Medicare, Medicaid & most insurances are accepted

www.reliance-therapy.com

ALS Association, 2015

1

Hello, beautiful

ce

by patricia a. gay, otr/l, cht

b o ut b a a l l a s lan i ef

Li

Improving daily life for ALS patients

The future of skin rejuvenation:

THE PERFECT DERMA™ A chemical peel, RX Cosmetic Treatments:

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Our Medical Aestheticians are very happy to answer questions about The Perfect Derma™ or any of our many services listed. Please call!

1 West Main Street, Hummelstown • 717-260-3711 www.allaboutfaces.biz MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 7

Join us for our

Anniversary Open House

Thank you to all who have made our 1st year as the new owners of Perfect Match Boutique a great one!

May 30 to June 2 10 am-4 pm!

Stop by to meet Jill, Terry and the staff and see what’s new!

Lots of bathing suits, bras, and accessories.

DOOR PRIZES! FOOD! DISCOUNTS!

The Perfect Match Boutique

• Certified Mastectomy Fitters • • Compression Care Specialists •

Post surgical kits, breast forms, bras, swim forms, swim suits, compression garments & more.

Please call (717) 774-0144 to make an appointment we work with most insurances

1180 lowther road camp hill, pa 17011

Tips for you to stay independent longer submitted by american home medical equipment company

Home is a refuge for most people, the place they can relax and feel the most comfortable. It comes as no surprise, then, that people want to stay in their home for as long as possible. While it isn’t always possible with advancing age, it is doable for many. If you or a loved one is starting to experience troubles maintaining their independence at home, try these strategies.

Adapt the home: The smallest of changes can make a big impact on a senior’s life and allow them to live safely at home for a longer period of time. Take a look around the home.

Where are the trouble spots? Are there rugs that need to be tacked down to reduce the risk of tripping? Are there rooms where furniture needs to be removed to permit easier movement? Are there places where handrails would come in handy, like in the bathroom to make getting in and out of the tub easier? There are a lot of adaptive products on the market.

Use them.

Improve security: Install a security system as well as a medical alert system in the home.

This will provide peace of mind and allow the senior to seek help when in need. Should the senior fall, they can call for help at the touch of a button on a medical alert bracelet or necklace.

8

For seniors who have trouble remembering to take their medication, personal medication systems are available. These will remind seniors to take their medication when needed and let the designated contact know whether the medication was taken.

Seek help: Many seniors are eligible for services outside of the home. Take advantage of these, whether the delivery of hot meals, transportation or cleaning services, or home health care. The more help provided, the longer the senior can reside comfortably in their home.

For seniors ineligible for such services, friends and family can come in handy, whether taking turns cleaning, cooking or checking in from time to time with the senior.

While sometimes necessary, assisted living centers and nursing homes can be expensive.

Do your best to keep expenses down by taking the steps necessary to help yourself or the senior in your life stay at home as long as possible. Try the strategies above, speak to a doctor and do what you can to keep the senior independent for as long as possible.

American Home Medical Equipment Company showroom is located at 2300-A Old Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011. Please feel free to reach us by phone at 717-737-5584 or 717-761-9124 for your oxygen needs.

We participate with many insurances.

Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

Time to spring clean your bra drawer by terry scott and jill robbins

Did you realize a bra loses its elasticity over time and will no longer do the job it is meant to do? Does your back hurt? Are the girls hanging a little lower than you would like?

Have you had to add an extender or constantly have to pull down the bra during the day?

Answer yes to any of these questions and you might want to think about tossing out some of those bras and get a proper fitting.

Industry experts tell us that “no bra should celebrate a birthday” I know, if you are like me when I first heard this, you are thinking there are enough candles in the bra drawer to burn down the house.

While gearing up for the annual spring cleaning, think about tackling something you wear every day, your bra.

Try them on one by one. Don’t look at their size, because one manufacture’s 36C may be perfect for you and another might fit you better in a 38B. In fact, even the same manufacture can have some discrepancy depending in which factory the bra was made.

Think about: Is it comfortable? Does the band feel snug, but not too tight? Raise your arms. Does the bra ride up? Is it dull and dingy? How do the girls fill out the cup? Too much tissue coming out of the cup or is there not enough tissue to fill out the cup?

Throw away the ones that don’t fit you properly. Yes, you paid good money for that bra, but if it’s not doing its job, why keep it in the drawer just taking up space? Or worse, wear something that is not comfortable or not taking care of the girls the way it should. A properly fitted bra can do wonders for your silhouette and your posture.

Make life easier for

Mom and Dad

2300-A Old Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 737-5584 • (717) 761-9124 Monday-Friday 8:30-5 pm www.americanhomemedicalcompany.com

facebook.com/americanhomemedicalequipmentcompany

As always, NO CHARGE for in home delivery and set up!

3 MONTH DEFERRED PAYMENT FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY

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1845 Market St., Camp Hill (our entrance is on 19th Street next to One Good Woman) 717. 975.9642 justplainyoga.com

Spring Fashions are Here!

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2050 State Rd, Camp Hill (next to Fager’s Heating & Plumbing) PHONE 737-0030 | FAX 730-0766 OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR! everyday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m www.brewhousegrille.com follow US on Facebook for updates and the latest events

Join us for our event to help fight breast cancer!

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Saturday June 3, 6-9 p.m.

Live Band & Raffles Tickets: $30 includes 2 beers and appetizer buffet

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Enjoy your favorite drinks and menu items outside!

JOIN US MOTHER’S DAY for lunch or dinner MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 9

Patriotism, an American tradition by andrea henney, pcha, lpn

999 West Harrisburg Pike PA 17057 999 Middletown, West Harrisburg (717) 944-3351 Pike

Middletown, PA 17057

A campus of Wellness, Rehabilitation (717) 944Learning…

– 3351 and Life Long For More Information about The Middletown Home Check out our new website!

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

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10

Patriotism can be defined in many ways. Some would say it is devotion to your country.

Some would say it is devotion to your people, some say it is devotion to ideals and some would say it is all of the above.

Patriotism means different things to different people, but all would agree that patriotism is an American tradition.

America’s history is filled with patriots, men and women who fought and sometimes died to ensure our freedom. As our country was being formed, these individuals understood the need for freedom and had the foresight to know that their fellow countrymen would rally around their cause and adopt their ideals.

But for every patriot we know there are many whose names we have never heard. Men and women serving in our military, doing their part and taking no glory, is this perhaps the true meaning of being a patriot?

Of course patriotism is not strictly an American tradition. People throughout the world are patriots to their own countries, people and ideals. They all rally around the concepts and ideology which formed their country and sustain it. For Americans there is no greater need than for that of freedom. Our

country was built on the fact that we would no longer live under a rein of tyranny and we demanded our freedom. Freedom is what makes us Americans.

Patriotism is something a person can show, like flying a flag or saying the Pledge of Allegiance. However, actions speak louder than words and true patriots reach out to their countrymen in times of need.

The tragedy of 9/11 brought out true patriotism in millions. The events that unfolded brought Americans together like nothing since World War II. Reaching out to your countrymen became a daily occurrence and while America had been dealt a horrific blow, America was never stronger.

Our strength came from our pride, our will and most importantly our unity. If even for a limited time, people put aside their differences and thought not only of themselves, but for their fellow countrymen. They focused on helping each other and supporting each other any way that was needed.

Our country was built by men and women who believed in each other, believed in a cause, and believed that they were stronger together and not apart. Patriotism in America might not be as evident as it was in World War II or during 9/11, it does still exist and it is still an American tradition.

Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

PRINT or DIGITAL?

Even if your opinion sways in the favor of either print advertising or online advertising, using both is much more effective. Print advertising is definitely not dead and viewing it in that way could mean your business will miss out on some important customers.

HINT: there are actually customers who don’t use the internet (it’s true!)

Want to learn more?

Dauphin County businesses please contact: Tina Rinehart 717-421-3247 Cumberland County businesses please contact: Lauren Kanovich 717-678-4826

Sometimes, when we’re feeling vulnerable, allowing someone else to help can provide the strength to get through it.

by Erika Farber

E

ver since I was a little girl, I craved independence. I wanted to grow up, get out into the world and be able to do everything myself as soon as humanly possible. Being raised on the outskirts of New York City, kids tend to grow up fast, but despite this, I kept my foot firmly on the gas pedal for as long as I could, always wanting to stay ahead the pack.

I learned how to do things so that I didn’t have to rely on anyone but myself, and this generally served me pretty well. By the time I was in that interesting age between being a little girl and a woman, I could repair a missing button, help my mom prep dinner, polish our silverware, drive a tractor and operate a chain saw. (All under the watchful eye of my family, of course.)

Being able to contribute was important to me. I loved knowing how to do things myself. When I had the opportunity to learn a new skill, I jumped in head first. Luckily, my parents were very encouraging of my voracious appetite to learn and do more.

When I hit puberty and realized that there were even MORE things I could do myself, particularly those that made me look more like a girl, I learned how to paint my own nails, curl my own hair, iron my own shirts, wash my own clothes and cook my own meals.

By the time I graduated high school, I could embroider, draw, paint, sculpt, take and develop my own photographs, design and sew clothing, recite poetry competitively, garden, tinker around in a car engine, use most of the tools in my grandfather’s garage, build and repair things, write stories, play baseball, swim for the local YMCA team, babysit, compete in triathlons, sing in our church choir, cook elaborate meals, drive a car and navigate around the bustling Big Apple on my own. All before the internet existed! I CAN DO IT! was a phrase I would happily exclaim, and I reveled in not having to ask anyone for help.

By the age of 19, I had a full time job, lived in a 1-bedroom apartment, drove a car I paid for myself, cooked my own meals, and earned and saved more money than any of my friends. I

never asked my parents for money and rarely needed so much as a ride to work. Everyone praised my “can do” attitude and I felt strong and proud and independent.

As the years progressed, my independence never interfered with my ability to collaborate with others at work or in my personal life. In fact, most of my friends and coworkers appreciated that I was unflappably capable. I would happily volunteer my time to help someone else celebrate their life’s milestones and accomplish their goals. Need a ride home? I’ll take you! Need help setting up for the party? Let me know, I’ll get there early! I was always ready to roll my sleeves up and dive right in, just like I had when I was a little girl, eager to feel accomplished.

Employers, romantic partners and friends all marveled at my ability to get so many things done, handle so many things at the same time, and rarely require assistance or guidance along the way. There was an invincible quality to this feeling, and it fed my confidence, pushing me to take calculated risks. My success rate was high, and there was no stopping me!

When my carefully constructed, independent life took a turn, it was strangely disorienting. I was abruptly confronted with a broken heart and consequently, a move to a new home. While I had faith that my broken heart would eventually heal, for perhaps the first time in my life, I felt ill-equipped to put one foot in front of the other and tackle my new set of circumstances.

Still, I took it upon myself to make a solo trip to IKEA to furnish my new home. A bit of advice here: do not ever go to IKEA alone after a breakup. But, with a hand-truck and two loaded shopping carts, I was determined to do this on my own.

What resulted was a twisted ankle and 20 minutes of tears in my rental truck.

Undeterred, I arrived at my new place with my truckload of brand new IKEA housewares, parked illegally in a bus stop, ran up and downstairs numerous times with countless bags and boxes, and refused to admit that an extra pair of hands would have been helpful. This resulted in more than one broken item and a hefty parking ticket.

Clearly, my fail-proof system to do everything myself wasn’t working as well as it had before.

Later, when I re-entered the dating scene, all the confidence and bravado that defined me, now seemed unsettling somehow.

While my independence was certainly attractive to the opposite sex, I hadn’t realized that I was ultimately pushing people away. I always thought showing vulnerability was a weakness, something you shouldn’t be proud of.

I wasn’t some unfeeling, psychotically ambitious, do-it-allherself, Type-A achievement-machine. I was a complex, sensitive and flawed woman who had needs and feelings too! But sadly, it wasn’t at all obvious on the outside. I was still coming across as a chainsaw-toting tomboy. Not cute, not sexy. Perhaps even a bit scary, at my age.

I wanted people to know that although I was able to take care of myself just fine, I still very much needed them in my life, too. Despite how capable and strong our feminist teachings have encouraged us to be, we all need to feel needed and along the way I learned something new: how to ask for help when I needed it. I had to find a way to let someone pet my soft underbelly without inadvertently scratching them with my perfectly sharpened claws.

My heart has indeed healed, and I have found love again.

Learning to share my fears and vulnerability is new for me.

Perhaps it took meeting the right person and perhaps it’s my trust in him that allows me to share that part that isn’t always strong or flawless. Accepting his help has made me feel like someone has MY back for a change. I don’t fall down often, but when I do, it’s so nice to know that I’ll have someone who is willing to catch me.

It’s important we raise and teach the next generation of women to be strong and capable. But as I learned later in life, we don’t have to be a “DIY MacGyver” to feel empowered, satisfied or worthwhile. Sometimes, when we’re feeling vulnerable, allowing someone else to help can provide the strength and resiliency to get through it all. Independence is nice, but there is strength in numbers. I mean, even Batman had Robin.

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 11

If you’re anything like us, you already have a long list of blogs to keep your inspiration levels way up.

We’ve gone through our bookmark bar to uncover ideas from some of our favorites.

Insider tips from top DIY bloggers

by Mandi @ vintagerevivals.com

TIP #3

by Cassity @ remodelaholic.com

“Oops paint” can be awesome

The mysterious refinishing magic that is Danish Oil

Ever walked into a dark room with your hands full?

Oops paint is someone else’s already-mixed paint that has been returned for some reason, but it’s usually extremely marked down - as low as $1 for a whole gallon - so you can even get a few cans and mix them in the hopes of creating a color you like for a serious discount. (It also never hurts to click around on any paint store website for promotion info.)

12

TIP #2

TIP #1

by John & Sherry @ younghouselove.com

Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

If you are a second-hand furniture lover, you know there are nicks and chips and marks all over it.

This is where Danish Oil comes in. When you have a piece that is struggling in the finish department sometimes it seems like the only option is to strip/ sand/restain it. Before you go that route, try a coat of this oil - you may be amazed!

Lutron motion sensor light switches are awesome in places like bathrooms, closets, storage rooms, pantries, garages. There are many spaces in our home where these will come in really handy - like walking into a laundry room carrying a couple baskets of clothes. (You likely don’t even need a licensed electrician for this project!)

TIP #4

by Bridget & Casey @ diyplaybook.com

Create a table of your dreams the easy way Can’t find the right side table, bench or coffee table? This DIY project is easy with ready-made hairpin legs. After doing a project and seeing how easy it is to work with these legs, keep yur eyes peeled for more material to upcycle.

Whatever we can Don’t let age be a do to help, we’ll BROOKDALE BROOKDALE Whatever we can do it with care. barrier to gardening Whatever can do to help,we we’ll do it towith help,care. we’ll At Brookdale, your do do it with care. loved one is a member

by lauren roland, brookdale senior living sales and marketing manager

It’s no secret that the first sign of flowers blooming, trees budding, and birds chirping are an instant mood You’ll find our care is booster for many. There is You’ll find our care is something about spring that delivered with knowledge You’ll find our care is makes people feel hopeful, delivered with knowledge feel excited, and feel at peace. delivered with knowledge gained from serving families gained from serving families Like the first signs of spring, studies have gained from serving for generations.

Join families our shown that gardening can help enhance your for generations.

Join our for generations.

Join ourhow community to discover mood, even more so, in the senior population. community discover how community to discover how Gardening in senior living you or your to family member you or your family member communities has become an will feel right at home. you or your family member overwhelmingly popular activity, will feel right at home. especially with the implementawill feel right at home.tion of raised gardens.

Raised gardens allow seniors at all stages of the aging process to enjoy the For more information, please contact: Brookdale Senior Living beauty of touching, feeling, smellJessica at Brookdale Harrisburg Brookdale Living Personal CareSenior Community ing and watching something grow at 717-671-4700 or Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Personal Care Community from the soil. Gardening drastically enhances Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Lauren at Brookdale Grandon Farms the quality of life in the elderly population in at 717-730-4033 Brookdale Senior Living long term care. ©2016 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. More specifically, gardens are a conversaPersonal Care Community ©2016 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. tion starter among one another; they are a way brookd ale.com Bringing New Life to Senior Living™ Alzheimer's & Dementia Care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to recollect brookdale.com Bringing New Life to Senior Living™

At Brookdale, your At Brookdale, loved one is a your member loved one is a of our family. member of our family.

of our family.

times in their past, and just a general sense of overall control.

A few tips for seniors that are interested in gardening this spring and summer season: Pace yourself. Do not feel the need to get everything done at once. Change your position about every 30 minutes and take a break if you need to.

Avoid the hottest part of the day. Garden early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and remember to always stay hydrated!

Prevent falls. Make sure your pathway is clear, level and well-lit to avoid accidents.

Use modified tools. Use tools that are lighter weight, as well as tools that have more cushioning and longer handles to make tasks easier. You can also use raised garden beds and cushioned chairs to avoid stress on your back or knees.

Have fun! Don’t feel the need to plant high maintenance flowers.

Start with the basics like herbs and marigolds.

If you or anyone you know is interested in helping seniors at a local Brookdale Senior Living Community garden during the spring and summer months, please call me at 717-730-4033 to discuss Volunteer Opportunities.

Love makes a home

©2016 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

by danielle bonham

When children enter the foster care system there are a lot of feelings that go through them. They feel lost, confused, hurt, scared, and uncertain of what their future holds.

When Steve* entered foster care, he came from a home where his family sold drugs even when their children were in the house. They also encouraged Steve to take drugs and Steve was found having overdosed on pills at age 8.

Police raided his home one night, taking away his father and grandmother. Steve and his sister were sent to live with family members, but Steve could not adjust and started to exhibit behavior concerns. He eventually went to live with his mother in another state but she was unable to care for him and his two younger sisters.

Steve entered foster care in this state and went to live with his first foster family. He again struggled to adjust to a new home and a new family and continued to exhibit negative behaviors.

Eventually Steve ended up in the foster home of the Browns*. The Browns stuck with Steve through his many appointments, medication changes, behaviors, school issues, and helped him see what a true and loving

family looks like.

Steve spentNew about Life 5 yearsto in this home, Living™ Bringing Senior waiting for the final adoption decree, learning what a real home is. He learned that a home is not a house where your biological parents live; it’s not the house where you were first brought home from the hospital.

Steve learned that a home is where you are loved, respected, and cared for and where you can grow, learn, and make positive changes, knowing you are safe. Steve found his home with the Browns! *Names changed for confidentiality reasons Pennsylvania Mentor is a leading private Therapeutic Foster Care Agency. For more information on how you could become a foster parent contact Danielle at 717-657-2073, ext.

brookdale.com

Open Your Heart and Home. Become a Foster Parent.

Learn more, Contact Danielle at 717-657-2073 x38 makeadifferenceathome.com

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 13

You can help, and here’s how submitted by salvation army

In the world we live in, charitable giving has become a very important subject. Just look around; natural disasters, poverty, hunger and life-threatening situations can happen to anyone. We can see it day after day in newspapers and on TV or even near us. In this context, it is no wonder that charitable organizations have become essential. Our duty is to contribute as much as we can for the benefit of the society and its individuals.

Charity organizations gather millions of dollars every year to help those in need. This shows we have become more and more conscious and concerned about the problems that affect the people around us.

Some of these organizations fight against poverty or hunger, others aid those affected by illness. In addition, there are numerous charity associations that help those who lost their homes as a result of natural disasters. The fact is, there is a wide variety of non-profit organizations and their numbers seem to be increasing day by day.

After natural disasters, many organizations become focused on helping the victims. These associations can be found all around the world, especially in the areas that have been affected by serious problems, be it the case of war, natural disasters or simply by poverty. In addition to the donations allocated to United States, there are numerous organizations that try to help fight against

the poverty in different parts of the world. Year after year, these associations gather funds and various types of goods, including clothing and daily use items, and offer them to the ones who can not afford them.

On the other hand, not all aspects of this field can be considered positive. Even if the main purpose of donating to charity is a noble one, the fact is, there are numerous misleading so-called charity organizations that promise to allocate their goods or funds to the ones in need, yet fail to do so. This is why donors are advised to opt for legitimate organizations that offer receipts for tax deductions. While there are numerous reputable associations out there, there are also unscrupulous ones that do not conduct their activities based on the desire to help the others.

The main purpose of your donation to charities is to help the others rebuild their lives. Whether we are talking about people who rebuilding their homes or rebuilding their lives, the gesture of donating matters.

But the fact is, we all deal with, even if occasionally, big problems and so we tend to forget about others who may be in real trouble - even life-threatening situations.

Your donations can start with volunteering your time, to donating a couple of dollars, to raising great sums of money. As long as we are conscientious and willing to help, anything you do is a step towards a better future. And this is all that matters.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

See success stories at SalvationArmy.org to see how your donations help those in need of food, shelter and our drug and rehabilitation programs.

HUGE ANNIVERSARY

SALE

Please see your local Salvation Army Store for dates, times and promotion details.

We would love to put a Salvation Army bin at your church, retail store, etc.

Please call 1-800-728-7825

Whose Life Will YOU Reform?

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Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

(1-800-728-7825)

We carry

Bridal and Prom Gowns Huge Selection of Spring & Summer Apparel

Arrange a date & time for The Salvation Army to pick up donated items including furniture & bulk amounts clothing (new or gently used).

FAMILY STORE LOCATIONS:

CAMP HILL 3901 Trindle Rd. Camp Hill, PA 17011 LANCASTER 1244 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 HARRISBURG 5051 Hampton Court Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17112 YORK 1090 Haines Road York, PA 17402 UNION DEPOSIT 3847 Union Deposit Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17109 LEBANON 2211 East Cumberland St. Lebanon, PA 17042

A

Up Step

the Transformation

long with entrances and exits, stairways are some of the most heavily trafficked areas of the home. You and your family probably go up and down the stairs a dozen times a day, and if there is carpeting underfoot, that can lead to a lot of wear and tear. Fortunately, there are many options for dealing with a carpeted stairway that has seen better days.

Study the carpeting on your stairs. What kind of condition is it in? Is it just soiled and stained? Give it a good cleaning. Fill up a bucket with warm water, grab a bottle of carpet cleaner and a scrub brush, and get busy. For a deeper cleaning, you might want to rent a steam cleaner or hire a carpet cleaning service.

For carpet beyond cleaning, replacement might be your best bet. This can be costly, but if you live in an area with cold weather or with young children or seniors prone to falls, it is worth considering.

Tramping up and down hard, cold steps is never fun, and falls down hard steps can lead to serious injury. Bring warmth, comfort and cushioning to your stairs with new carpet. You can opt for wall-to-wall carpeting or a runner, though with a runner, you may have to have the stairs refinished.

While nice, carpeted stairs can be difficult to keep clean. Along with regular vacuuming, you may have to do a deeper cleaning from time to time. If you’re not one for hauling the vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner up and down the stairs, consider some alternatives. Many homeowners these days are replacing the carpet on their stairs with hardwood. Although expensive to install, hardwood is durable and easy to clean. Laminate is a more affordable option, and like hardwood, it is easy to clean. Just sweep and dust with a wet-dry mop.

If hardwood and laminate are not your style, paint is another option. Paint is very affordable and offers endless possibilities. You can open up the space by painting the stairs white. You can brighten up the space with bolder paint color choices and freehand designs. You can add some whimsy to the space with stenciled or tiled stairs. Just paint the stairs whatever color you want and stencil in some designs or apply tile to the risers. Tiled risers are a feature in many homes of the Southwest. For those concerned about falling on slick, painted stairs, carpet tiles are available for the treads.

The sky is the limit when it comes to transforming your stairs.

Rethink that tired, worn carpet. New carpet. Hardwood. Paint. It’s your choice, and depending upon the route you take, you might just cut down your cleaning time.

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 15

What are the options for protecting your family? by nathan lamb

& julie lamb

owners, lanco tactical, llc

With an increase in home invasions and with many local police forces being reduced or converted to regional/state forces, are you considering taking a more proactive role in your family's protection?

According to a crime victimization survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, a household member is present during approximately 28% of burglaries, and 7% of these victims experienced some type of violent crime. But, is buying a gun to protect yourself and your family the right answer for you?

In order to make that decision you should consider all the factors involved with responsible gun ownership. With the help of professionals , you can find answers to make the right decision.

Those questions should include: What is the purpose of purchasing a gun? Do I plan on concealed carry or home protection only?

The type of gun you choose (handgun, shotgun, rifle) should be determined by your specific needs and capabilities. Smaller guns may look easier to use but are often harder to shoot accurately and have more recoil so

may not be the ideal weapon for first time gun owners. Professionals understand the differences and can be a valuable source of information when it comes to making that choice.

Am I adequately trained and comfortable with using the firearm I've purchased? Is my firearm stored safely especially with children and strangers in the home?

Many courses for beginners are available and require absolutely no prior firearm experience. Just like owning golf clubs does not make you a good golfer, owning a firearm does not make you safe. You need to get training and practice to become proficient and confident.

Do I feel comfortable with my choice?

There are many options available size and price-wise. The marketplace has made significant improvements to make first-time gun ownership easier, safer and more personal than ever before.

Many products and courses have been designed with women in mind and offer the ability to proceed at a pace that is best suited to each individual.

Take the time to have your questions fully answered. Researching online, stopping by your local gun shop, or taking a course can help you to make this very personal choice. You may be very surprised at what options are available.

Protecting your family is serious business.

Lanco will help you.

Protection is more than buying a gun. What you need is knowledge about how to use it and a gun that will do what it needs to do... stop an attacker in his tracks.

Lanco Tactical, LLC Your Premier Tactical Authority

498 W. High St., Elizabethtown * 717.367.7221 www.lancotactical.com

GIFT CARDS MAKE A PERFECT GIFT! (any amount available) Call in and mention this ad to be registered to win a self defense gift basket which includes a Concealed Carry in PA course.

How clean is the air inside your home? by david sattazahn

Whether you need a new HVAC installation or service or repair, EC&S is the only name you need to remember.

HERE’S WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE TELLING US...

E mergency S ervice 31 N. Spruce Street, Elizabethtown 717-689-5372 Toll Free: 877-465-2015 www.ECScomfort.com

16

Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

“I certainly will be pleased to tell my friends about the services you offer in this area. Many thanks!”

- Rosemarie M. “We have been having trouble with the air conditioning and the technician took the time and thoroughly diagnosed the problem!” - Tom C.

Is there anything more refreshing than a cool breeze after a spring shower? As springtime moves into summertime, we will be opening our windows less and trusting more in our air conditioners to keep us comfortable inside our homes, but what exactly is the sacrifice we make when we seal up our homes for the summer?

Engineers have been working very hard for years to improve the doors, windows, and walls of our homes to keep the hot air outside. Their efforts have saved us money by reducing the load on our air conditioners, but at the same time, we find ourselves breathing the same recycled air for months. Is the air in your home clean enough to breathe repeatedly?

Using a high-quality air filter and changing it often is the easiest and most effective way to clean the dust and airborne particulates from your air. Other tips include reducing humidity levels as much as possible, adding a few houseplants, and making sure your gas-burning appliances are vented properly.

If levels are still not where you want them to be, consider adding an air purifier to your cooling system. Air purifiers that use UV technology help inhibit the growth of mold, bacteria, and viruses inside your air conditioner’s evaporative coil thus eliminating its recirculation inside your home.

At Environmental Controls & Service, we understand the importance of balancing the cost and the benefit of maintaining clean air inside your home.

We encourage you to call us at (717) 689-5372 or visit us at www.ECScomfort.com with any questions.

A Simple Spring Cleaning Checklist

I

t’s the time of year to roll up your sleeves and do some spring cleaning. Experts point out that it’s helpful to streamline the tools you use to do the job and the tasks you seek to accomplish.

• Stove and range hoods: While you should be cleaning these areas regularly after food preparation, take this opportunity to Here are different conduct a more thorough cleaning.

Spray cleaner directly on the mess strategies for for up to two minutes. Wipe clean critical areas of with a sponge or cloth. Then rinse your home. thoroughly with clean water.

• Sinks and countertops: Sinks and countertops can be a trap for food, grease, grime and soap scum. Generously spray nonporous surfaces with your cleaner then rinse with clean water.

• Stove exhaust filter: The grease buildup that collects on the stove’s exhaust filter can be a tough nut to crack. In a sink basin, mix 8 ounces of a concentrated multi-surface cleaner and 1 gallon of hot water and submerge the filter. Place the filter in a sink or dishpan and pour in concentrated cleaner to cover. Allow the filter to soak for 30 minutes. Drain the dishpan and rinse thoroughly with hot water.

• Floors: Give your floors a mopping. Mix 4 ounces of cleaning solution with 1 gallon of warm water. Apply with mop or sponge.

• Garbage cans and diaper pails: Bags often leak nastiness into the bottom of the garbage can, which can easily be missed when quickly replacing the bag. Turn your cleanser’s nozzle to spray and generously cover the can. Wipe or brush any areas that have any residue. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

• Showers, tubs and tile: Use your cleaning agent at full strength and generously spray surfaces directly. Allow it to penetrate the soap scum for up to two minutes. Do not allow to dry. Wipe away with a coarse sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

• Toilets: Let’s face it. This isn’t anyone’s favorite job but it has to be done. Turn that nozzle to spray and generously spray the outside of the toilet. Wipe clean with a paper towel, then give a quick rinse.

• Patio: For patios, outdoor furniture, concrete, vinyl fences and siding, use the same cleaner outdoors: simply spray, then wipe clean with a cloth or sponge and rinse surfaces with clean water. While you’re at it, consider removing grease and grime from tools, engine parts, tires, sports gear and lawn equipment.

Make spring cleaning simple and effective by using smart strategies on every surface of your home. StatePoint

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 17

While you may be skilled in many areas, top-notch you might not be a carpenter.

Carpenter Wanted

18

Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

ou are a do-it-yourselfer. You enjoy tackling projects around the house and spend many weekends doing so. While you are skilled in many areas, you can’t cut a piece of wood straight, much less make the cabinets you need to house the entertainment components in your family room. You need a carpenter.

Carpenters generally fall into two categories: rough or finish. Rough carpenters specialize in building homes, particularly in framing them and making sure everything is level, square and plumb. Finish carpenters specialize in the detail work, installing trim, banisters and the like. Some finish carpenters specialize in building cabinets and furniture. They are known as cabinetmakers. Since you are interested in cabinets, you might want to look for a cabinetmaker or a finish carpenter who has experience in building cabinets.

You should treat the process for hiring a carpenter just like you would for any other professional. Ask family and friends for recommendations, browse through listings in the newspaper and check online. From these sources, draw up a list of potential candidates.

Conduct phone interviews and find out about the carpenter’s skills, qualifications, availability and fees. Discuss the work you would like to have done and see if they are interested.

The information you gather from your phone interviews should help you narrow your list considerably. Then you can meet with each candidate face to face and find out more. Make sure you ask to see a sample of their work and get a list of references. Check out the references and find out what the customer did and did not like about the carpenter’s work. Discuss with the carpenter again the work you would like to have done and ask them to give you an estimate in writing.

Once you find a carpenter you like, hire them and ask them to write up a contract for the work. This will ensure there are no misunderstandings. Work out a schedule with the carpenter and keep in contact with them to ensure they meet your expectations.

What to consider when purchasing first home

When was thePOLARISADVISORS.NET last time you asked yourself, What If?

provided by sarah j. leer, chfc®, polaris advisors

several hundred dollars could be necessary. If you experience a heat wave and your central air conditioning unit takes an unexpected turn for the worse, the cost to repair could be in the thousands. These unforeseen costs are important to build into the master plan for your new home. Building an emergency reserve to prepare is crucial!

These are all important things to consider when you take that very thrilling step of purchasing your new residence.

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME

One of the largest, but most valuable purchases that many people make in their lives is their home. It can be an extremely exciting, yet nerve wracking time. Not only do you have to consider price range, but location, style of home, school districts as well as a number of other things that are often not thoughts in the initial home search process. There are many hidden costs to home purchase that may not be known at the time of closing. It is important to Sarah J. Leer is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial consider the total overall costs that may come planning services through MML Investors Services, as a result of this new undertaking.

LLC. Member SIPC. Supervisory Office: 5001 Real estate taxes and private mortgage Louise Drive Suite 300 Mechanicsburg , PA 17055 insurance, as well as homeowners insurance 717-791-3300. Polaris Advisors is not a subsidiary can be included in the total mortgage you pay or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its Your Guide to a Brighter Tomorrow for your new home. That inclusion helps you to affiliated companies. CRN 201903-209844 WEALTH MANAGEMENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT build the costs into your budget automatically.

INSURANCE • RETIREMENT I NSURANCE R ETIREMENT Other items that may come up are the costs of INVESTMENTS • ESTATE PLANNING INVESTMENTS ESTATE PLANNING new furniture, new blinds or curtains as well the 400 MARKET STREET, CAMP PHILL, PA 17011 HONE: 717.775.8061 4000 MARKET STREET general basic upkeep of a home. Lawn services, POLARISADVISORS.NET eFAX:E717.620.3422 FAX: 717.620.3422 CAMPPHONE: HILL, PA717.775.8061 17011 homeowner association fees and snow removal arequalified other ongoing costs that are notoftypically Securities, investmentplanning advisory, and financial planning services offered through registered representatives MML Investors Services, LLC. Member Securities, investment advisory and financial offered through MML Investors SIPC. Supervisory office: 5001 Louise Drive, Suite 300, Mechanicsburg, PA part 17055.

(717) 791-3300.mortgage.

Polaris Advisors is notita subsidiary or affiliate of MML of the traditional In addition, Services, LLC. Member SIPC, Supervisory Louisecompanies.

Drive, Suite 300, MechanInvestors Services, office, LLC or5001 its affiliated CRN201802-199820 is very important to plan for the unplanned. If icsburg, PA 17055. (717) 791-3300. Polaris Advisors is not a subsidiary or affiliate of your hot water heater goes bad and you wake MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies. •CRN201802-199820 up to no hot water, the unplanned outlay of

YOU ASKED YOURSELF WHAT IF?

TM

The old ways may turn out to be the best ways by barbara costik, administrator middletown lumber, inc.

I want to be relevant in this day and age but I often find myself thinking of past generations; their daily habits and what they did in terms of homemaking, decorating, landscaping, home remodeling, etc.

My conclusions are as follows: For as much as things change, they remain the same.

My paternal grandmother had a garden complete with fruit trees and chickens. She would snip small cuttings from her neighbor’s plants and trees and my grandfather would root it and before they knew it they had a new specimen for the yard.

She had a huge pickle barrel that sat in her outkitchen. When someone wanted a pickle for lunch or a snack they would simply go out to the barrel. She could whip up a pot of soup from just of a few items from her garden. My grandfather even rolled his own cigarettes (not that that was a particularly good thing!)

My point is this: They were very selfsufficient and creative. They didn’t buy everything ready-made. They improvised, did without or they made it themselves.

There are good lessons to be learned from the old ways. Simple methods like taking a broom to sweep away cobwebs, cleaning your windows with newspapers, pulling weeds from the curbing and sweeping your sidewalks go a long way toward being a good neighbor and making your house a home.

A simple handmade wreath on your front door, a bird bath filled with clean water., a freshly raked lawn, cleanly edged flower beds - these tasks will take some physical work but they are all free.

We are getting soft in this day and age and a little exercise may do us a world of good. Let’s learn to fix a screen door, clean windows, sand a sash, paint trim.

We should also work to create a healthy environment for people and wildlife by using old material that is sitting around and repurposing it instead of sending it off to a landfill. Did you know you can use old shoes to plant annuals or succulents?

I know, I know, I am preachy but really... just look around you. My new motto - do something!

Please call (717) 944-4005 or stop by Middletown Lumber, Inc. located at: Two Clinton Avenue, Middletown, PA 17057 for more information or visit us on the web at middletownlumber.com MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 19

Choices for the Long Haul Your toddler is growing up quickly, and before you know it, they will be in grade school and done with that race car or princess bed. Here are some tips for transforming their room into one they can live in for a long time.

ll l for a e a r t u e n of th Think pects s a ige r e for be oth t p O ... room ing t e carp

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t may be hard to imagine now, but eventually that little one dragging toys from one end of the house to another will be a teenager, and that teenager won’t like the sweet striped wallpaper you selected for their bedroom. Better to get rid of that wallpaper and make choices now that will work for toddlers to teens.

While wallpaper is nice, changing it out as your child grows can be a hassle. Paint is a better choice, especially for the younger years when messy hands are not uncommon. Removing dabs of chocolate pudding from a painted wall is far easier than it is from a wallpapered wall. Trade the wallpaper for paint, and to reduce color changes over the years, choose a somewhat neutral shade that your child can live with for a long time, such as a mossy green, pewter gray or golden caramel.

Think neutral for all other aspects of the room, in particular the flooring and lighting. Forget the rose-colored carpeting and the pink and purple ceiling fan. Opt for beige carpeting and a black, white or wooden ceiling fan instead. You can bring color and character into the room with fabrics and accessories that can easily be changed out.

Continue the neutral backdrop with the window coverings and linens. White or wooden blinds will grow with your child, as will solidcolored sheets and bedding. Your child may have a favorite cartoon character or color, and you can honor that in the valances, pillows, throws and duvet covers. Keep the sheets and bed ruffle khaki and pump up the color with a camouflage-themed

Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

duvet color and dark green pillows and window valances.

Get rid of the race car or princess bed and any other furniture that won’t stand the test of time. Look for sturdy, multi-functional pieces that will appeal to your child now and later. Bunk beds are great for young kids who like to have sleepovers and can be separated later for older kids.

The same goes for that modular cube storage unit.

You can stack the cubes one way when your child is young and another way when they are older. As for furniture color, neutral is the best choice—be careful with white furniture, as it doesn’t always appeal to teen girls.

Accessories can easily be changed out, so rely on them to add color and character to your child’s room. Do keep in mind, however, how often kids’ tastes change, so don’t spend a fortune on the accessories for your child’s room. Shop for items at flea markets, yard sales and clearance sales.

Choose inexpensive posters, prints and calendar pages you can frame rather than custom-framed artwork. Hang a bulletin board for handiwork and add some wallpaper stickups to furniture and walls for pops of color.

Decorating your child’s room for the long haul is not hard. It just takes some thought of today and tomorrow. Good luck, and don’t forget to get the input of your most important critic—your child. It is their room after all. Give them a say in how it looks, and you may not have to badger them as much later to keep their room clean!

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Make YOU Number 1! by deborah pajak, cfp®, chfco, cltc, ufinancial group

As a portion of the new year is behind us, we should take time to reflect on our resolutions and the status of the promises that we challenged ourselves to keep.

For many of us, the promise to begin, or improve, our finances is Deborah Pajak, CFP, onChFC that®, list each new year. It’s not too late to check CLTC, CDFA off as a completed goal for 2017!

5001this Louise resolution Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 So, is there a way to stop this de-prioritization 717-791-3383 depajak@financialguide.com of our savings goals? My belief and experience say there is a way to keep your resolution to be a better saver by utilizing that adage of “paying yourself first”. This concept simply means that before other bills are paid, you place your savings “bill” on the top of the list. This may mean savings in your traditional savings account to create an emergency buffer, and/or it may mean that you are bolstering your long-term savings for retirement. No matter what your goal, paying yourself first helps to address this issue early in your bill-paying routine, instead of at the end. Below are some ideas to consider when implementing this concept: Identify the dollars that can be earmarked for savings at this point in time. Realize also that you should revisit this number as you are able to increase that monthly savings figure.

Contact your employer to learn if you can set up direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account and then commit a portion TM

esentative of and offers securities, investment vices through MML Investors Services, LLC. chanicsburg, PA 17055. 717-760-7543 CRN201504-169767

of your monthly savings amount to bolstering your emergency fund, or starting such a fund if necessary.

Enroll in your employer’s retirement plan.

One of the most common plans a 401(K) andhelp “In association withismy clients to many businesses provide for their employees. achieve theirthis financial goals & dreams” In some businesses, your employer will match a portion of your salary deferrals. So take advantage  Investments of the opportunity to pay yourself first in this manner andtake advantageBrokerage of your employer’ s Securities Services generosity in helping you reach your retirement Deborah Pajak,with CFP, Working  Long Term Care Insurance goals.

CLTC, ChFC®, CDFATM Review your Federal withholdings on your my clients to help  Portfolio Design 5001 Louise Drive paycheck. You may have Analysis received a & large refund achieve their Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 check from Uncle Sam. While thisoffeels good Financial Issues Divorce 717-791-3383 financial goals from an income perspective, the reality is that depajak@financialguide.com if you do receive large returns, you have simply and dreams.” allowed the Federal Government to hold on to Deborahthe Pajak a registered representative securities, investment Pajak your funds during year.is Better to reduce your of and offers -Deborah advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC. withholdingsMember and realize moreLouise money in Mechanicsburg, your SIPC. 5001 Drive PA 17055. 717-760-7543 CRN201504-169767 paycheck each month.

Perhaps, most importantly, sit down and create a budget. Without such a tool, we cannot know where much of our income goes. My suggestion is that you keep a detailed budget for three months and then sit down and take a hard look at what items could have been eliminated and/or should be eliminated.

Deborah E. Pajak, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, CDFA™, CFBS is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory, and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, member SIPC.. 5001 Louise Dr. Suite 300 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 791-3300 CRN201903-209526

Security PLANNING FOR YOUR

Deborah Pajak is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 5001 Louise Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

717-791-3300

• Investments • Retirement Planning • Securities Brokerage Services • Long Term Care Insurance • Portfolio Analysis & Design • Financial Issues of Divorce

Deborah Pajak, CFP®, CLTC, ChFC®, CDFA

TM

5001 Louise Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

717-791-3398

depajak@financialguide.com

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

It can also provide for today.

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

We put the life back in life insurance.™ CALL ME TODAY. Lindsey D. Cline LUTCF, Agent 25 E Main Street Hummelstown, PA 17036 Bus: 717-566-8209 www.hummelstowninsurance.com

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MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 21

DIY project

E B E HER

LET T

When your home decor needs an upgrade, but expensive, ready-made items aren’t in your budget, DIY projects can be an easy and affordable solution for revitalizing rooms in your home.

One simple way to enhance the character of a room is with lighted elements.

Add a glistening, on-trend look with a lighted canvas, which features twinkling lights that dance on shimmering glitter to lend a glam look to any room.

Glitter & Lights Canvas CRAFTING TIME: 3-5 hours | SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate SUPPLIES & TOOLS: • Foam brush • 18-by-24-inch canvas • Decoupage medium • Ultra-fine to coarse gold glitter • Craft knife • 3 packages battery-operated warm white LED moon lights • Duct tape • Protected work surface Use foam brush to cover entire canvas with layer of decoupage medium.

Working 12 inches from canvas, dust canvas with glitter. Apply glitter so bottom is fully covered, fading into less glitter at top to create an ombre effect. Apply additional layers of glitter to achieve a thick consistency at bottom. Mix types of glitters to create dimension.

Apply thin layer of decoupage medium over entire canvas to seal glitter. Tip: Ensure base layer is completely dry before applying top coat to avoid smearing glitter.

Poke small hole in back of canvas with craft knife. Push tip of moon light through hole and secure in place with duct tape.

Repeat, adding holes and lights over entire canvas. Continue ombre effect by placing more lights at bottom of canvas and less toward top. Apply layers of duct tape to hold lights securely in place on canvas. Source: Family Features, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

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Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

This project can be adapted to any palette; just change out the color of the glitter to match the hues in your favorite room.

Shopping Local:

Benefitting You and Your Community If you have home improvement plans this spring, it’s important to consider where you will be doing your shopping. For many people, the first stores to come to mind are big box retailers because of the widespread assumption that chains can offer better selection and better prices.

Keep in mind, though, that when it comes to items needed for your home projects -- whether it be new flooring, paint or a kitchen renovation -- more often than not, experts say that your local independent retailer can offer as good or better selection, be competitive with pricing, and provide a superior customer service experience.

What’s more, shopping at local businesses can benefit your household and the community.

At a locally owned store, you will be more likely to find interesting items and products that set your home apart. And more of your dollars will

stay put when you give them to business owners who pay taxes locally, hire locally and may be more inclined to support community charities and organizations.

You may also find independent retailers that can offer some of the same benefits as a large chain. For example, when small business owners belong to a cooperative, they come together to scale buying power, access goods and services at a lower cost, and create opportunities not available to them as individual businesses. For you, this can mean more and better choices of products and affordability.

So, if you are looking to make home improvements this spring, check out your local retailers that not only offer great product selection, but also contribute to your community in a positive way. StatePoint

What’s in it for me?

At a locally owned store, you will be more likely to find interesting items and products that set your home apart.

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 23

s YeI n a c

r e a B b e D y B

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Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

! n

er k c e rB

Last month, I signed up for classes at CycleBar, a hip new spin class studio. It opened next to our favorite Mexican restaurant where the Hubster and I eat fish tacos and too many tortilla chips and cheese and salsa.

The glam of this new cycle studio put me off at first. “It looks slick and expensive,” I say while peering in the window. The Hubster gives it a glance, turns to me and says, “Maybe I’ll try it, get my legs ready for the MS150,” the annual two-day cycle ride for charity.

I note some red ladies’ tanks and short shorts displayed on the merchandise wall and say, “You’d hate it; too many hotties.” He assured me that cycling is for everybody, but the wall banner’s image of a smiling and perky twenty-something CycleBar chick said it all.

“I’d have to drink the blood of a unicorn to fit in here,” I say to the Hubster.

He laughs and says, “I’ve already got my hottie,” and we walk on, holding hands, our bellies stuffed with tacos and beer.

Well, the thing is that this idea of riding at CycleBar hung on me like a bad cold virus. Crazy notions rolled around my head: challenge your body; find your edge.

The last time I’d felt good about my body - or should I say good in my body - was April of 2014, the time of my daughter’s wedding. I was on the “wedding diet” and had a consistent exercise routine.

Now Kay is pregnant, and I’ve been eating for two, too! That’s what my too-tight favorite summer blue jeans keep telling me.

“Why does this keep happening?” I asked the Universe.

The Universe sent me a Groupon: Four CycleBar rides for $39.

Spin classes are notoriously hard, made for people with sinewy muscles who love to sweat and suffer and almost die. I haven’t almost died since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. That year of cancer treatment was the longest race I’d ever run. The chemo was hard on my heart. Maybe cancer took something from me that I can’t get back.

I was scared to put my heart on the line to find out.

All my thoughts shouted, NO! DON’T PUSH YOUR LUCK! And then they held up that scared-face Emoji.

When I was a kid, my bike was my fair weather best friend in the very best way. I’d ride my blue Schwinn far outside the strict limits of safety that my Mom had set out for me. I rode as far as my legs would take me, all the way to freedom.

So, I told the Hubster I bought the Groupon, scheduled my first ride at the CycleBar, and a do you know what he said? “Maybe you should practice riding your old bike to get used to it again.”

What’s that old saying, “like riding a bike?” This made me even more determined to go do the thing.

On the day of my first class I chose the bike closest to the chicken exit. The studio has a club feel with colored spotlights and pumping music and dance energy. I adjusted my bike seat, climbed up and clipped in.

It was go time. The lights came up and our cycle leader took the stage. I struggled to keep up with the beat of each song, and the cadence called by our cycle leader. I increased the bike’s tension until it felt heavy, pushing hard against my I Can’t Do This thoughts like riding switchbacks up a tall mountain, pedal-by-pedal, right-left-rightleft. My muscles strained. I was slowing down.

Our cycle leader called out, “Say it with me, CycleBar – YES I CAN!!!” And I shouted, “YES I CAN!” to everything that wanted to quit inside me. I was breathless and sweaty and my heart pounded like a drum in my chest.

I put it all on the line, rode hard against the bike’s resistance and my self-imposed limitations, punching the pedals, riding to that place where I feel young and fearless and free.

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 25

MY SUCCESS STORY by Alecia

Hope and help comes full circle In May of 2009, I lost my job unexpectedly. As a single mother of two little girls, this was a devastating blow. I immediately reached out to the Lebanon CareerLink and began filling out applications. After submitting hundreds Alecia of resumes, I was finally called for an interview. I was excited, but nervous, and knew that it would be important to give the right impression. Knowing how worried I was, my contact at CareerLink referred me to Dress for Success. They provided me with a new interview outfit, a great haircut, and worked with me on interview skills. After a lot of practice, I went into my interview and I was hired on the spot! Although that job didn’t work out, it was an important milestone for me.

The skills that I had learned and the experience

I gained at that position helped me to move forward in my career.

In 2013, I once again found myself in a position where I needed a new job. Dress for Success was holding an event called “The Reunion”, where former clients are reunited with the staff and volunteers that served them. I saw it as a networking opportunity, and thought that at the very least they would be able to offer some good advice, so I printed my resume and went to the event. The casual mention that I was looking for work turned into a job interview, and the job interview turned into a career – at Dress For Success, the very place where my journey began.

Four years later, I am still with Dress for Success, now called Suits to Careers, Inc. I have held different positions within the organization and was recently awarded the title of Database Administrator. I have even authored a resource manual that is used by the entire organization and I am involved in training our volunteers. I love knowing that my work helps other women succeed, and it’s even more rewarding because I know what it is like to be on the other side of the conversation. My own talents and strengths have been enhanced by all the wonderfully empowering and uplifting relationships, with staff and volunteers.

My life is completely different than it was in 2009. Then, I was worried about how I was going to provide for my children’s very

basic needs. I didn’t have much confidence in my skills or even in myself. Today, I feel empowered. I feel more independent than ever before, and my self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness have increased exponentially.

When I look at what I have accomplished, I am proud that I can set such a strong example for my children. My oldest daughter has grown into a positive, confident, and persistent young woman who inspires me to improve those qualities in myself, and my youngest daughter’s intelligence and creativity helped her team make it to the state championships of ‘Odyssey of the Mind’, where her team placed fifth in the entire state for her division. I am also recently married, and we are in the process of buying our first real home.

I hope that my story inspires other women, not just other clients, but volunteers, too. I am inspired every day by the women I meet at Suits to Careers, Inc. The work that we do doesn’t just support our clients and their families today—it builds the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

MY SUCCESS STORY is a regular feature sponsored by

A Program of Suits To Careers Inc.

AND

DRESS FOR SUCCESS South Central PA A Program of Suits To Careers Inc.

Harrisburg 717-232-1333 York 717-764-3330 Mobile 717-232-1333 ext. 106 southcentralpa@dressforsuccess.org To learn more about upcoming events: southcentralpa.dressforsuccess.org The mission of Dress for Success South Central PA is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

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Woman Newspapers MAY & JUNE 2017

The

mood of my food

H

ave you ever wondered why you crave certain foods when you’re in certain moods? And have you noticed how you crave the same foods when you’re in those moods?

According to Mary Jo Briggs, an integrative nutrition expert, this craving has to do with the spirituality of food, based not only on how it grows, but on it’s color. After attending one of Briggs’s seminars, I was able to connect the dots between my own moods and food cravings and I wanted to explore the color connection further.

Actually, color therapy dates back thousands of years and there is a modern alternative medicine called chromotherapy that uses colored lights for treatments of a myriad of conditions, including sleep and mood disorders. With the popularity of adult coloring books, I’d say there’s definitely a color awakening happening. And why wouldn’t it apply to food?

In her book, “Spirituality of Food,” Briggs explains the process of how food breaks down in the digestive tract and enters the blood stream, creating behavior changes in neurotransmitters, impacting our mood. Clearly, the old saying that, “we are what we eat” still has merit today; we have the power to change our mood by changing our food.

Here’s the rundown of colors and their significance: Red represents energy, physical strength and determination.

Orange is stimulating and is associated with creativity.

Yellow as mentioned is about joy and happiness.

Green shows growth and harmony, fresh like a stand at a farmers market.

Blue is the color of tranquility and stability, a calm color.

White is good for inner strength, emotional strength.

So, how does color figure in our diets? Take, for instance, my own tendencies when I get a case of winter blues. On a dark, cold, depressing day, I want macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes and corn. Notice all of those foods are yellow? Yellow is a natural mood enhancer, the color of sunshine, so it makes perfect sense that I’m drawn to yellow foods to improve my depressed mood.

In addition to its color significance, the way a food grows also determines how it affects us. For example, root veggies like beets and potatoes that grow close to the ground are good for grounding and they boost energy levels. No wonder I whip me up some taters in the dead of winter when I’m huddled under a blanket and craving outdoor warmth.

Here’s another example that I’m sure many can relate to: After a long, stressful day at work, who feels like cooking? I’m more likely to grab a salad or nibble on some crunchy celery.

Greens grow up and out toward the sun, and foods of a green color rejuvenate the body. And by the way, the darker the veggie, the more vitamins and minerals, so propping up my feet accompanied by munching on a leafy green salad is doing my stressed-out body a big favor. All the enzymes, chlorophyll and oxygen in greens promote optimal nutrient delivery and help melt the stress away.

Need something to snap you out of a lazy spell? Munch on some cherry tomatoes or berries. Red foods are good for increasing energy. Strawberries, raspberries, beets - they’ll help kick that slothful mood aside.

For the ‘Lord, give me strength’ days when you’re at your wit’s end, white foods do the trick. Add some mushrooms, onions, garlic or ginger to your food, drink a coconut beverage, and watch your inner strength soar.

Those are examples of food mood do’s. According to Briggs, here are some don’ts: If you’re feeling nervous or anxious, you don’t want more stimulation, so steer clear of oranges and cantaloupes. If you’re down in the dumps or downright depressed, avoid concord grapes and blueberries. Go for a brighter color to offset that somber mood. Grill some yellow squash or eat a banana.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Hippocrates’ claim from thousands of years ago still rings true.

I’ve learned quite a bit about putting the right kind of food in my body. I need not accept a bad mood as unchangeable, and I have the knowledge to alter a simple thing like the color of my food to get my mood back on course to a better day.

by Brenda Tadych

MAY & JUNE 2017 Woman Newspapers 27

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