Lifestyles over 50 December 2009

Lifestyles over 50 Volume 4 - Issue 9 - December 2009

Boost Your Brain Power

Release Creativity Holiday Fun in the Valley

Fitness for

Winter Months

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Practical

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Encouraging vibrant and healthy living in the greater Lehigh Valley!

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

FROM THE EDITOR First of all I want to wish everyone and their families healthy, happy holidays.

This month I included two articles that focus on our minds. One discusses ways to make you mentally sharper and the other is advice on increasing your creativity. Our society seems to place great importance on developing the creativity of our children as if to say that your creative development stops when you become an adult. Not true – we should strive to increase our creativity every day of our lives. It makes life much more interesting and vibrant.

In reading about creativity one recommendation seems to repeat – get out of your comfort zone. Maybe this is a different way of saying get out of your rut, but nonetheless it is good advice. Too often we cling to the familiar and do not allow ourselves new experiences. Let’s make a pact to

make one of our New Year’s resolutions to open our hearts and minds to something completely new and different and exciting.

It can be something very small and simple like dining on food you consider exotic, or big and meaningful like taking up a long promised hobby. Whatever you decide - think creative, think new, think exciting. It is not that hard and I expect you will find it fulfilling.

This month we included a section on holiday happenings and celebrations in the Valley. There are many activities in the Valley this time of the year so please get out and enjoy this time of the year.

Lastly, one of our contributing writers had a serious illness in her family. Her husband was quite ill, but is recovering.

Please keep him in your thoughts.

Cover photo by Theophine Sebastian

Lifestyles over 50 A Thrive LLC Publication PO Box 414 Macungie, PA 18062 www.lifestylesover50.com

Editor Art Villafane editor@lifestylesover50.com 610-774-0919

Community Services Directory Berks County Office of Aging 610-478-6500 www.berksaging.org

Publisher Jeff Tintle Jr. Bucks County Office of Aging jtintle@lifestylesover50.com 215-348-0510 610-762-9011 www.buckscounty.org

Distribution Marketing Specialist Sales Osvanys Osoria Laura Putt Zeni Jackson Lissette Lemok zeni@lifestylesover50.com Copy Editor Miguel Varela Vicki Bezems 908-454-5717 Carlos Rodriguez

Lifestyles over 50 is distributed FREE throughout the greater Lehigh Valley. Copyright 2009 © Thrive LLC. Reproduction of any and all content is not permitted unless express written permission is granted. Opinions expressed in any commentary published in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of Thrive LLC and are not to be regarded as advice (legal, tax, investment or otherwise). Thrive LLC assumes no liability for the actions by any group or individual based upon such material.

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Lehigh Co. Office of Aging & Adult Services 610-782-3034 www.lehighcounty.org

Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired 610-433-6018 www.abvi.org Meals on Wheels Lehigh Co. 610-398-2563 Northampton Co. 610-691-1030 www.mealsonwheelspa.org Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition 866-858-1445

Northampton Co. Area Agency on Aging 610-559-3245 www.northamptoncounty.org

Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging 610-807-5721 www.lvagingmatters.org

American Red Cross of the Lehigh Valley 610-435-7111 or 610-866-1089 (Spanish) www.redcrosslv.org

American Cancer Society 3893 Adler Place, Suite 170 610-921-2329 • www.cancer.org

PA Department on Aging AARP State Office 717-783-1550 717-238-2277 • www.aarp.org AARP Senior Employment PACE/PACENET Program Services 610-865-3002 800-225-7223 Abilities in Motion www.aging.state.pa.us 610-376-0010 Social Security Administration www.abilitiesinmotion.org Allentown 610-433-0227 Senior Corps RSVP Bethlehem 610-691-2451 Lehigh Co. - 610-391-8219 Easton 610-258-9033 Northampton Co. - 610-691-7705 www.socialsecurity.gov

December

Lifestyles over 50

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December 2009

A Reason to Celebrate This Month: World AIDS Month; Bingo’s Birthday Month; National Tie Month; Rising Star Month; Safe Toys and Gifts Month; Make a New Year’s Resolution to Stop Smoking Month; Universal Human Rights Month National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month.

Weeks: 1-7: Cookie Cutter Week, Tolerance Week; 1-8: Recipe Greetings for the Holidays Week; 1-19: Operation Santa Paws Week; 6-12: National Handwashing Awareness Week; 10-17: Human Rights Week; 14-20: Gluten-free Baking Week; 14-28: Halcyon Days; 17-23: Saturnalia; 25-31: It’s About Time Week.

Days: 4- National Dice Day; 5- Bathtub Party Day, International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development; 6- National Pawnbrokers Day; 10- Nobel Prize Day; 12- Poinsettia Day; 12- Day of the Horse; 15- Cat Herders Day, Bill of Rights Day; 16- National Chocolatecovered Anything Day; 17- National Re-Gifting Day; 21Humbug Day; 23- Festivus; 25- A’Phabet Day or No “L” Day; 26- National Whiners Day; 29- Tick Tock Day; 30Falling Needles Family Fest Day; 31- Make Up Your Mind Day; 31- No Interruptions, Universal Hour of Peace Day. Birthstone: Turquoise

Flower: Orchid

Credulous and Incredulous Facts • • • • • • • • • • • •

“Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt”.

“Duff” is the decaying organic matter found on a forest floor.

“Fickleheaded” and “fiddledeedee” are the longest words consisting only of letters in the first half of the alphabet.

“Asthma” and “isthmi” are the only six-letter words that begin and end with a vowel and have no other vowels between.

“Fortnight” is a contraction of “fourteen nights.” In the US “two weeks” is more commonly used.

“The sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick” is said to be the toughest tongue twister in English.

27% of Americans believe we never landed on the moon.

315 entries in Webster’s 1996 dictionary were misspelled.

80% of animals on earth are insects.

In Disney’s Fantasia, the Sorcerer to whom Mickey played an apprentice was named Yensid, which is Disney spelled backward.

Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest.

A “Blue Moon” is the second full moon in a calendar month (it is rarely blue).

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“Canada” is a Native American word meaning “Big Village”.

A 10-gallon hat actually only holds about 3/4 gallon.

A cat uses its whiskers to determine if a space is too small to squeeze through.

A chef ’s hat is tall and balloons at the top so as to counteract the intense heat in the kitchen. The unique shape allows air to circulate around the scalp, keeping the head cool.

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Lifestyles over 50

English Language - Easy?

by Art Villafane, Editor, Lifestyles over 50

Screwy pronunciations can mess up your mind! For example...If you have a rough cough, climbing can be tough when going through the bough on a tree!

Let’s face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t invented in England.

We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write but fingers don’t fing, grocers don’t groce and hammers don’t ham?

•

Some other reasons to be grateful if you grew up speaking English: • • • • • • • •

The bandage was wound around the wound.

The farm was used to produce produce.

The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

We must polish the Polish furniture.

He could lead if he would get the lead out.

The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

At the Army base, a bass was painted on the head of a bass drum.

When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

I did not object to the object.

The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

They were too close to the door to close it.

The buck does funny things when the does are present.

A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

After a number of Novocain injections, my jaw got number.

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on. If Dad is Pop, how’s come Mom isn’t Mop? �

We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes; but the plural of ox became oxen not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, yet the plural of moose should never be meese. You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice; yet the plural of house is houses, not hice. If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn’t the plural of pan be called pen?

If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, why shouldn’t the plural of booth be called beeth? Then one may be that, and three would be those, yet hat in the plural would never be hose, and the plural of cat is cats, not cose.

We speak of a brother and also of brethren, but though we say mother, we never say methren.

Language Humor

• • • • • Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not • one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid • of all but one of them, what do you call it? If teachers taught, • why didn’t preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, • what does a humanitarian eat?

• Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

December 2009

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Lifestyle

Lifestyles over 50

Boost your Brainpower

by AARP.org

One of the best ways to stay sharp is to exercise that muscle between your ears, research indicates. And discussions with some of the top scientists studying the brain reveal that you can work your noggin in many different ways, every day.

Here are some of them: Snack on almonds and blueberries instead of a candy bar.

Since they lower blood sugar, healthy snacks can improve cognition. In this case, the omega-3s in the almonds and the antioxidants in the blueberries can keep your brain functioning correctly.

Ballroom dance like the stars. Dancing is a brain-power activity. How so? Learning new moves activates brain motor centers that form new neural connections. Dancing also calms the brain’s stress response.

Love the crunch of croutons on your salad?

Try walnuts instead. Omega-3s in walnuts have been found to improve mood and calm inflammation that may lead to brain-cell death. They also replace lost melatonin, which is necessary for healthy brain functioning.

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December 2009

Leave your comfort zone. Getting good at sudoku? Time to move on. Brain teasers don’t form new neural connections once you’ve mastered them. So try something that’s opposite your natural skills: If you like numbers, learn to draw. If you love language, try logic puzzles.

Get support for stressors. You may love your ailing family member, but the chronic stress of facing the situation alone can shrink your brain’s memory center. Interacting with others activates many parts of the brain—and learning new ways of coping forms new neural connections.

When you look around, really look. Stare straight ahead, and now—without moving your eyes—see if you can make out what’s at the periphery. Done regularly this stimulates neural and spatial centers of the brain, which can atrophy as you age.

When you look forward, also look around.

Walking down the street, don’t just keep your eyes forward. Scan to the left and to the right.

These actions can activate rarely used parts of the brain. That in turn can spur brain cell growth and new neural connections.

Take your dog—or yourself—for a walk. Walking for just 20 minutes a day can lower blood sugar. That helps stoke blood flow to the brain, so you think more clearly.

Show, don’t tell. When you woke up this morning, how bright was the light in your room? What did the air smell like when you opened the window? Notice and report these details to others to prompt cell growth in the visual, verbal, and memory parts of the brain.

Volunteer to answer questions at the library, arboretum, museum, or hospital. Playing tour guide forces you to learn new facts and think on your feet, helping to form new neural pathways in your brain. What’s more, interacting with others can ease stress that depletes memory.

Listen for details when a friend tells a story. Heed changes in the person’s tone and register small facts you might otherwise gloss over. Conjure a mental image of the story. By doing this, you activate multiple areas in the brain and encourage memory formation.

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Lifestyle

Release Your Creativity

Next thing to do is expand on the ideas given above by experiencing something new on a daily basis. Eat something

by Ian Russell you’ve never tried before. Go visit an exhibition that normally It is a popular misconception that only a privileged few are wouldn’t interest you. Watch a movie in a foreign language.

Strike up a conversation with a complete stranger (in a public able to let loose a continuous stream of creative genius. This is, of course, false. Actually, imagination and inventiveness are place of course - or you might find yourself hauled away by the boys in blue... not a new experience to relish!). very much like any other talent in that they need to be made use of regularly in order that the end product remains of the The further you remove yourself from your comfort zone, highest quality. the more your natural curiosity will develop, giving you a new lust for life. If you are afraid of this idea or you doubt It follows therefore, if you don’t practice harnessing your powers of creative thinking, this particular skill will very soon its’ effectiveness look at it this way - when did you last do disappear from your repertoire. But, persevere and work hard something for the very first time? If you can’t answer then chances are you’ve become socially stagnant and need a lift out and you will quickly reap the benefits. of the rut. It sounds a bit upside down but what you’ve actually done by not doing anything is miss out on a whole load of Start Now personally enhancing experiences. Go do something radical Now you’ve decided to something about it, how do we today... maybe a parachute jump or an off-road driving course. go about releasing your potential by massaging your inner Think about what you will learn from this, and think about the mindset and developing your creative thinking? The first thing to do is become a human sponge and I don’t mean that stories you will be able to tell others. you take a degree in gullibility. You need to absorb as much Creativity occurs when you move out of your comfort zone information and knowledge as you can. Read everything you and begin to look at things in a different way - in short, your can get your hands on whether it’s good or bad, and keep an inner mindset needs to be updated. It’s not difficult to start open mind to the countless opportunities that life can bring. the process but it does take a degree of discipline and resolve The more new things you discover, the more you’ll want to discover, and the more your sense of wonder will be exercised. to maintain it. The only thing holding you back is your own uncertainty. Take the plunge and you’ll be glad you did - the rewards are boundless.

What To Do Try to focus on at least one creative activity every day, The power of positive thinking must not be even if it seems like a bit of an effort at first. Even something underestimated. It can be harnessed by anyone with the desire as innocuous as doodling is a creative activity. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Mindless doodling may be a creative to do so, and if you have read this far then that is YOU! To activity, but for people who are just beginning to let loose with watch a complimentary video on the power of your mind visit http://theinnermindset.com some creative thinking in their lives, it is heartening to have tangible evidence that what they are doing is real. Why not give it a go? Practice doing some simple drawings or sketches for 2 or 3 minutes every day.

ecause you care

Get yourself a cheap camera and start snapping photos like your life depends on it. Start a diary and make sure you write in it unfailingly. In a very short time, whichever activity you choose will become a part of your everyday routine and one which you look forward to and enjoy. Radical and imaginative thinking is a good quality to have but we need to look at the flip side as well - having constraints on your creative parameters can actually be constructive. Being subject to limitations will discipline you to work within your means and can help you become more resourceful.

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Health

Lifestyles over 50

•

Fitness for the Winter Months

by Lois Killcoyne, Extension Educator Penn State Extension in Northampton County

The cooler months and holiday stresses can be a challenge for maintaining physical activity for good health. Some of the barriers include: 1.

2. .

4.

5.

shorter hours of daylight inclement weather (cold, snow, ice, wind) more hectic schedules with holiday tasks dislike of traditional exercise tight budgets

The benefits of staying fit are many: greater strength, more energy, better sleep, stress relief, weight management and the high of the endorphins. These make it worth your while to find solutions that work for you and yours.

Here are some strategies that might work to help you maximize the benefits and minimize the obstacles.

Lack of time: 1. Increase the intensity and burn the same number of calories in less time. Walking 4 miles an hour versus 2 miles an hour, riding an exercise bike at a faster pace or with more resistance, dancing to a faster beat will all work. Work up to greater intensity gradually and only do exercise at a pace that is approved by your physician.

2. Divide activity into three 10 minute segments rather than one 30 minute period. It is easier to fit in your schedule: 10 minutes before work, a walk at lunchtime, and an activity in the evening. Doing activity during the commercials of an hour TV show can give you 15 minutes worth! . Incorporate your activity into your daily lifestyle.

Climbing the stairs, housecleaning for the holidays, shoveling snow, and taking the dog for a walk can all increase fitness while accomplishing tasks. Be sure to use caution if you have any medical limitations.

Weather woes; less daylight: 1. Use exercise videos or DVDs. Seniors might really enjoy Richard Simmons’s “Sweating to the Oldies”. Those with medical conditions that make it difficult to do be on their feet can get “Chair Dancing” by Jodi Stolove and do activity while sitting. It is amazing how much of a workout you can achieve this way. Many times you can purchase old exercise videos at flea markets for a dollar or two.

2. Keep a basket of hand and ankle weights and stretch bands in the family room. It is so easy to pick them up and do stretching and strength training while watching

December 2009

your favorite show. What might seem like a drudgery exercise routine is accomplished with ease. . Listen to music or a talk show, or read a book while pedaling an exercise bike, walking a treadmill, or using other exercise equipment. Exercise equipment is frequently available second-hand at a low cost.

Tight budgets: 1. Ask for items you can use for physical activity for holiday or birthday gifts. Also give loved ones, including grandchildren, gifts that help them stay active. You can also give or receive a membership to a fitness club or YMCA. Less expensive items include exercise tapes, CDs, weights or stretch bands.

2. Walking is always free and you can do it indoors at the mall, supermarket or discount store. Take a few extra laps around the perimeter, or go up and down all the aisles. . The lifestyle activities listed above do not require extra spending. Think of the money you save on medical bills by staying healthier!

As you can see, there are a variety of ways to stay fit.

Everyone can find something they like to do that fits their budget, interests and lifestyle. Make your plan today to maintain a healthy level of physical activity year round.

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Since coming to Country Meadows, Flo has embraced nautilus training, is a regular at exercise classes, walks on campus and participates in every new fitness initiative we offer. Whether she knows it or not, Flo is still a teacher, leading others by example and reminding us of the importance of physical activity at every age.

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Homecare

Lifestyles over 50

Health Care for America Act

by Pat Nemetch, President APRN, Member of the PA State AARP Long Term Care Committee Like so many of you, I’ve finally finished raking the leaves in my yard. That means it’s time to get ready for the holidays.

The good news is forecasters are predicting average temperatures for our area this winter—which means we’ll still need to bundle up when we go outside.

But in Washington, the debate over health care reform is really heating up. It’s very important that our elected representatives finally fix our broken health care system, and right now we’re closer than ever before.

After carefully reviewing the Affordable Health Care for America Act approved last month by the House of Representatives, it’s clear to me and other senior advocates—including AARP—that the House plan meets the critical needs of older Americans and future generations.

•

December 2009

needs and live in their own homes as they grow older, by creating a voluntary insurance program to help people pay for those needs.

Of course, the plan approved by the House isn’t the final word on health reform. The Senate is considering its own proposal and they will all have to agree before a bill is sent to the President. In the end, reform must protect traditional Medicare benefits and holds down out-of-pocket costs.

What’s more, nothing can be allowed to stand between individuals and their doctors or prevent Americans from choosing the best possible care.

Any reform plan must also help put Medicare on more stable ground so it can save money and continue to provide good coverage for seniors and future generations of retirees.

After a lifetime of hard work, no one deserves to spend their later years struggling with medical bills.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a safe and healthy new year to all.

For the more than 45 million Americans in Medicare – over two million here in Pennsylvania alone – the House plan makes prescription drugs more affordable by completely closing the dangerous gap in prescription drug coverage known as the doughnut hole and allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug costs.

It also adds preventive benefits like cancer screenings free of charge, cracks down on waste and fraud, protects the traditional Medicare benefits people in the program rely on and ensures seniors get access to the doctor of their choice or can find a new doctor when they need one.

For all Americans, but especially those ages 50-64 who can’t find affordable insurance (including some 229,000 in Pennsylvania) – the House plan makes coverage more affordable by strictly limiting how much more insurance companies can charge based on age.

Americans will also no longer be denied coverage based on health history or discriminated against because of gender, and those who still cannot afford insurance on their own will receive help to purchase affordable coverage.

In addition, the House plan begins to repair the country’s outdated system of long-term care with new provisions to help people prepare for their long-term care

Never underestimate the power of a single person.

AARP — a stronger voice for change Join us in making a difference in Pennsylvania through advocacy, education and community service.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to help the community and gain a sense of personal enrichment.

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Holiday

On Practical Christmas Gifts

• •

This time of year I find myself thinking of family and friends more often than usual - recalling special memories, remembering individual likes and dislikes - as I try to come up with just the right gift that will both delight and fit within my budget.

• • •

by Diane Schraymeyer, RSVP Senior Corps

Coming up with something special for each person challenges my imagination. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I can give a gift that is not only appreciated, but also useful.

I can’t help it. I come from a family history where practical Christmas gifts were the norm. In fact, it’s an inside-thefamily joke. A girlfriend or boyfriend could tell they were truly “part of the family” when we gathered on Christmas Eve to open gifts and they discovered underwear and socks from Mom and Dad just like the rest of us. Receiving that familiar metal loom on which to weave hundreds of jersey loops into potholders was a rite of passage for each girl.

Dozens of Christmases are now memories and family members are well past the stage of toys and games. In fact, the toy catalogues get set aside and I spend most of my time trying to think of gifts that don’t require weekly dusting. If, like me, you find yourself searching for useful and practical gifts for older adults you may consider some of the ideas I have come up with and ‘gifted’ over the years.

• • •

Fruit baskets that are mostly small cans of fruit combined with just a few pieces of fresh fruit that one person can eat in a few days A gift box containing several dozen single-serving cans of favorite vegetables Gift cards for a local grocery store or pharmacy

• •

A paid subscription to a local weekly newspaper A dessert basket made up of containers of puddings, fruit cups and specialty cookies Gift cards to favorite restaurants A roll or book of stamps An assortment of Birthday, Get Well and Thinking of You cards Gas cards New cleaning aids (with plenty of refills) that don’t require as much stooping, bending and kneeling to keep tubs and floors as clean as they’d like them to be

Each gift was given with an awareness that the recipient was living on limited resources and really didn’t need more ‘stuff’ to take care of. I knew if my gifts helped meet some of their basic needs, then perhaps I could help make their lives a little easier.

If you can relate to that motivation – wanting to make someone’s life a little easier – I’d like to offer one other suggestion. If you know of someone living on limited resources, why not tell them about BenefitsCheckUp – the web-based screening tool that can help find benefit programs they may be eligible to receive. These programs can help pay for some basic needs – like prescription drugs, health care, rent, utilities – and make their lives a little easier.

Tell those you care about to schedule a BenefitsCheckUp screening. Call toll-free 1-888-369-1478 to schedule an appointment. It just might turn out to be the gift that kept on giving.

BenefitsCheckUp No Fees or Charges Volunteer Assisted Completely Confidential 1-888-369-1478

INDEPENDENCE COURT OF QUAKERTOWN Assisted Living Residence • Residential Living • 3 Delicious Meals Daily

• Medication Management • Daily Assistance With Care

OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY EVENINGS until 7pm & SUNDAYS 12pm - 3pm

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• Socialization & Companionship • Short-Term Stays Available

As more and more seniors choose Assisted LIving, they discover the special qualities of Independence Court.

Call Suzanne for more information or to arrange for a personal tour and complimentary lunch with us.

1660 Park Avenue, Quakertown • 215-538-7050

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Holiday Happenings in the Lehigh Valley

Allentown Lights in the Parkway This incredible display will celebrate its 14th Anniversary this holiday season every night from December 11, 2009 through January 3, 2010 (closed Christmas Day) opening at 5:30 PM and closing at 10 PM. This drive-through light display covers more than a mile of one of Allentown’s most beautiful parks (Lehigh Parkway) and features lighted trees, light tunnels and animated displays. The price per car has been reduced to $7 this Hess’s Christmas Exhibit year!

Santa will be visiting the Gif Barn Thursday through Sunday evenings during the display and photos with Santa are available for $7.00.

Since the admission price for Lights in the Parkway is per vehicle rather than per person, it is one of the most economical types of holiday entertainment-- an entire family can enjoy the display for as little as five dollars (with the purchase of an advance sale ticket).

Bethlehem Celebrates Christkindlmarkt Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, the heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food, and more.

The event is also home to jolly, old St. Nicholas, who’s eager to greet children and hear their holiday wishes, and Germany’s Käthe Wohlfart, renowned for its authentic German ornaments, nutcrackers, smokers and collectibles.

Shoppers Christkindlmarkt’s outdoor courtyard, located between the Christmas Tent and Craft Tent, is a festive area showcasing entertaining ice carving demonstrations, flameworking demonstrations and the beautiful, 26-foot high Christkindlmarkt tree.

New this year is the GlassWorks at the Banana Factory area, where artists will transform molten glass into beautiful holiday ornaments and art. We invite you to stop by and watch these talented artists hard at work and pick up a gorgeous, hand-blown work of art for tree or home.

Bethlehem Photos by Ang Caggiano

Sacred Heart Senior Living Communities Our commitment in delivering the best in Assisted and Independent Living at our Communities has given us an excellent reputation in addressing Senior Care needs.

We concentrate on dignity, attention to detail, individuality, choices, a true sense of community and promoting functional independence.

Respite, Vacation and Rehabilitation stays are available with on site therapies provided by Good Shepherd. There is no buy in program or community fees.

Pip the Mouse Zion’s Reformed Church of Christ

SACRED HEART BY THE CREEK SACRED HEART BY SAUCON CREEK 602 East Twenty First Street, Northampton 4801 Saucon Creek Road, Center Valley 610.262.4300 610.814.2700 Come see our new Wedgewood Community! www.sacredheartseniorliving.com Congratulations on being named Northampton Chamber Business of the Year!

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Lifestyles over 50

• December 2009 Holiday Happenings in the Lehigh Valley

Gingerbread Festivities Return to The Crayola FACTORY®

Easton Carriage Ride Festive Fridays in December in Easton Friday December 4th, 11th and 18th, 5:00-9:00 pm.

Enjoy Old Fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides and strolling carolers throughout downtown Easton on Friday evenings during the holidays.

Carriage rides depart from Valenca Restaurant at Northampton Street & Centre Square. Tickets ($10) are available in advance at Partyology, 230 Northampton Street. 610-330- 9535.

Back by popular demand, The Crayola FACTORY® is offering gingerbread house workshops this holiday season. From 10–11:30 a.m. on Nov 21 and Dec 19 attendees will create a faux gingerbread house that will last through the holiday season. Cost is $12 per house and space is limited.

Other holiday events celebrated in December at the FACTORY - 30 Centre Square, Easton.

• December 5, 12, 13, 19, 20: Join The FACTORY at Two Rivers Landing for a special breakfast with Santa, the Gingerbread Man and/or the Gingerbread Woman. Additional fee applies. For advance reservations call 610-515-8000.

December 12: Festive Holiday Nutcrackers- paint a wooden holiday nutcracker.

Cost is $12 and space is limited call for advance reservations.

• December 1–31: Celebrate Christmas and decorate a Christmas ornament at The Crayola FACTORY • December 12-19: Celebrate Hanukkah and decorate a dreidel • December 26–31: Celebrate Kwanzaa with fun projects.

• December 31: Celebrate New Year’s Eve and join the Party. Noisemakers, party hats, and snacks will also be a part of this fun celebration.

For information and reservations 610-515-8000 or visit www.crayolafactory.com.

Northampton Village Inc. Assisted Living Serving the Lehigh Valley Since 1994

“Caring is just the beginning of what we do.”

When Looking for Senior Care, the Question to ask is: - What happens when your loved one has spent all their money?

- Can they stay?

At Northampton Village the answer is YES! Three locations to serve you:

Northampton Village 1001 Washington Ave., Northampton, PA 610-262-1010 The Village at Sullivan Trail 2222 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 610-515-0500 Emmaus Village 659 Broad St., Emmaus, PA 610-967-5644 *Inspirations Secured Memory Impaired Unit

w w w. n o r t h a m p t o n v i l l a g e i n c . c o m Please call for a tour and “Let’s do Lunch”! at any of our three locations

Put away that shovel for good!

Call Phoebe’s trusted CONNECTING HEARTS Geriatric Care Managers to arrange for reputable and professional snow removal services.

Help is just a phone call away!

610-794-5344 1-800-931-7061 caremanager@phoebe.org

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Health

Caution for Diabetics

by Jennifer Gross-Edwards, DPM If you are diabetic, now is a good time to review the importance of taking care of yourself, follow up with your doctor and making some healthy goals. If you are at risk for diabetes, then this could be a month for you to visit your doctor to evaluate your risks, lifestyle and overall health.

With over 23 million people in the US population living with diabetes, that’s 8 percent of the population. However, over 17 million are diagnosed and over 5 million are not aware that they have diabetes.

It is important to take care of your health when you have diabetes. Keeping the blood sugars controlled will benefit you in more ways than one. Diabetes can affect the eyes, kidneys, heart, and other parts of your body. It is important to take care of the feet. Diabetics are 10 times more likely to have a non-traumatic lower limb amputation than non-diabetics.

The chance of an amputation can be decreased with a comprehensive foot care program.

A comprehensive foot care program includes seeing a podiatrist who can evaluate and treat the feet. The evaluation will look at the blood flow, the sensation, the bone structure and the skin/nails. It is important for diabetics to obtain proper care of their feet. If there is a small sore or cut, the condition may not heal as fast as in a diabetic. Additionally, decreased sensation may lead to not being able to feel a problem with the feet.

Some simple tips at home would be: Avoid going barefoot and wear comfortable and proper fitting shoes • Inspect your feet daily for any problems • If there are problems, seek medical attention • Be evaluated by a podiatrist who can assess your risk for ulceration.

•

If you are a diabetic, there are some important numbers to know. You should be aware of your HbA1c, which is the average of your blood sugars for a period of time. This is a single digit number. Other numbers to know are blood pressure and cholesterol. All of these numbers can be evaluated and performed by your primary care doctor.

NOW OPEN! Nazareth Expansion

Reserve Your Suite Now to Receive

Special Rates

610-759-4060

www.alexandriamanor.com

BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL STYLE BUILDING • Personal care for self-sufficient seniors who need some assistance in daily living.

• Single or Double Occupancy.

• Kitchenette in Every Suite.

• Handicapped Accessible Bathroom in Every Suite.

• Doctors & Therapists Available on Site.

Alexandria Manor Assisted Living / Personal Care

The Beauty of Math 1x8+1=9 12 x 8 + 2 = 98 123 x 8 + 3 = 987 1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876 12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765 123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654 1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543 12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432 123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

$ON T LET DIZZINESS DEPRIVE YOU OF YOUR INDEPENDENCE 4HE 7ARREN (OSPITAL "ALANCE #ENTER

1 x 9 + 2 = 11 12 x 9 + 3 = 111 123 x 9 + 4 = 1111 1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111 12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111 123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111 1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111 12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111 123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

It’s EASY to find benefits you might be missing...

Wouldn’t you like to know if you’re missing out on benefits that could make life a little easier?

Have a BenefitsCheckUp screening.

It’s FAST, FREE & CONFIDENTIAL. Call for more information and schedule a screening appointment Toll Free 1-888-369-1478

$IZZINESS AND UNSTEADINESS MAY BE CAUSED BY s 0ROBLEMS WITH INNER EAR OR VISION s $IABETES 0ARKINSON S OR -ENIERE S $ISEASE 4HE 7ARREN (OSPITAL "ALANCE #ENTER FEATURES s #OMPUTERIZED STATE OF THE ART TESTING EQUIPMENT s -EDICAL OVERSIGHT BY A NEUROLOGIST

#ALL TO SCHEDULE A FREE SCREENING (ILLCREST 0LAZA s -EMORIAL 0ARKWAY 3UITE s 0HILLIPSBURG .* s WWW WARRENHOSPITAL ORG

16

PERSONAL GROWTH

Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Roy’s Reminiscences

by Roy amd Carl Bellesfield

About Gardening As I read the daily newspaper, I see many articles on gardening and young people enjoying the many facets of this interesting hobby or past-time which I and my wife, Evelyn, enjoyed very much.

Wanting to save money and enjoy the things that occur when you get your hands dirty while having fun, with a small amount of cash layout and reaping those fresh vegetables - what a delight for anyone who finds joy in gardening.

I wanted to build a hot bed or cold frame to plant seeds and raise my plants from seed. I bought a nice double pane window with a sturdy frame and built my frame to hold it and two hinges to make it easy to get at. I dug a hole and put horse manure at the bottom and then some peat moss and topsoil on the top. The boards I used for the sides were very thick for insulation. I used that hot bed for years and raised tomatoes, peppers, endive, cabbage to name a few and we tended it with TLC. On very cold nights we covered it to protect the tender plants.

What a thrill to see the first green shoots popping out of the soil. It was fun to watch them grow to mature plants that produced goodies ready to eat or preserve for the winter season. When you do gardening you don’t plant and let them alone. You do weeding and hoeing to keep the ground loose so the rain soaks in. We fed our plants so they received the nutrients for good growth.

We always staked our tomato plants and Evelyn pruned them which produced large tomatoes. One of our family favorites was fresh tomato soup, her own recipe, it was creamy and smooth and delicious. Our plants were six foot tall and I have the picture to prove it. Evelyn was truly a master gardener. She had two pointed sticks with heavy string to make straight rows and knew how deep to plant things. She learned the planting and width of rows from her father, as she always was with him at planting time and their garden was big as there were many mouths to feed.

Being flower lovers, we had many perennials and annuals on our property and most of them were started from slips or pieces of stems dipped in Rootone to promote growth.

Many of our friends who also grew flowers and shrubs gave us bulbs and seeds and in return we shared with them from our plants.

Our yard always had an abundance of greenery and was well cared for, but since Evelyn passed away, I can’t keep up with it and the deer population has increased and they eat the flowers off the stems and tomatoes. They eat stalks and flowers.

I always plant annuals in a bed in front of my home and my daughter, Linda, always helps me to plant and weed during the summer. She is like her mother was and her yard has flowers in bloom all summer. Her husband, Jack, plants a vegetable garden and gives a lot of the bounty to family and friends.

I see a bit of Evelyn and myself in the lives of our children, which they learned while growing up. I thank God for my family and pray for them daily which all parents should do, it pays good dividends.

Till next time, smile, God loves you.

Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

PERSONAL GROWTH

After the Fall

by Alan Allegra

inspirational!

’Tis the Season When we hear, “’Tis the season,” especially this time of year, we mentally complete the song: “to be jolly, fa lalalala, lala la la.” How

Far more inspirational than fas and las is a Bible passage written centuries ago and found in Ecclesiastes: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace (vv. 1–8).

In God’s providence, everything has its particular time.

Holidays fall on certain days according to our calendar, but life events fall at certain times according to God’s calendar.

These events don’t fall randomly—each one has a purpose in our life.

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He doesn’t differentiate between what we think is good and what we think is bad.

All things are used to work out His purpose in us, even when we can’t figure out what He’s doing or how He does it.

During threatening times in Israel’s early history, the prophet Isaiah comforted the people with, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (26:3).

He let the people know that, no matter what season they were in, they could have peace by trusting God and looking at Him instead of the problems. After all, He is looking at you through good times and bad, working everything out for good.

Whether it’s the Christmas season, baseball season, sneezin’ season, or any event or circumstance in your life, there is one thing you can count on: According to a good and powerful and loving God, “’Tis the season!”

Fellowship Community Continuing Care with Spirit

Perhaps not all of the events listed above will happen to each of us. Some people seem more blessed than others, while some carry more burdens than do others.

Some of the events are welcome and joyous; others are unwelcome and frightening. We are not privy to God’s calendar but His promises are open for all to see.

Whether we are in the midst of a situation that we wish would never end or we are enduring a trial we wish would never have started, we can remember that God has planned the beginning, middle, and end for a purpose.

Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Notice that God works all things together for good.

Courts Independent Living

Terrace Assisted Living Specialized Dementia Care

Manor Skilled Nursing Short Term Rehab

Come to Fellowship Community where Christ-centered caring is our focus. Our compassionate staff encourages spiritual growth while enhancing physical and emotional well being for every level of care.

From independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing care, Fellowship Community fosters the love of Christ in daily living. And that makes a difference.

3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052 (610) 799-3000 www.fellowshipcommunity.com

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Community

New Kid on the Block

Alexandria Manor expands assisted living facility in style The Whitefield House in Nazareth holds many stories. It sits on a quarter acre of land known as the Ephrata Tract, the oldest existing Moravian site in North America, located at 214 East Center Street, Nazareth.

New building at Alexandria Manor

Built in 1743 it was first called the “stone house,” then the Ephrata House, and finally the Whitefield House. The threestory structure is a long building with typical Moravian styling.

The black historical sign states that Reverend George Whitefield requested the construction of the house in 1740 to be a school for African Americans, but upon its completion housed 32 newly-married couples from Germany who moved into the Nazareth community.

Just this October, the Whitefield House welcomed a new neighbor 266 years its youth. Across New Street, Alexandria Manor added a brand new addition complete with 49 suites, solid wood furniture, flat panel televisions, leather sofas, and all the modern comforts and technologies available.

The addition more than doubles Alexandria’s capacity for its assisted living residents and boasts a beautiful salon, physical therapy room, as well as dining rooms on each of its 3 floors.

Like any new neighbor, the new Alexandria Manor building tries to fit in with a sharp exterior of stone, wood and Moravian styling that would make any 17th Century colonial jealous.

Alexandria Manor’s new building in open for business.

Call 610-759-4060 to schedule a tour or you can view it at www.alexandriamanor.com. Alexandria Manor is located at 7 S. New Street in Nazareth. They also have locations in Bath and Bethlehem.

Visit the Whitefield House at 214 E. Center St., Nazareth, PA 18064. Their phone number is 610-759-5070 and their hours are 1:00-4:00pm Mon.-Fri.

From there the Whitefield House was home to many; a Moravian girls school, children’s nursery, a shelter from Indian attacks, apartments, the Moravian College and Theological Seminary, and later again apartments.

In 1978 Moravian Historical Society received the building and Ephrata Tract to their trust and offers several displays and exhibits.

The George Whitefield House Photos by Jeff Tintle

Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Movie Review

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Movie Review - Freedom Writers

by Art Villafane, Editor, Lifestyles over 50

This is a movie based on a real story where a new, naïve teacher begins her career in a poor urban school and helps her students discover themselves. Erin Gruwell, played by Hilary Swank, challenges them and their hopes about their futures and thereby unleashes their writing abilities.

Atria Annual Harvest Ball On Friday evening, November, 13, 2009, Atria Assisted Living was honored to have local Marines attend their annual Harvest Ball. Every year the Harvest Ball is the kick off for the Toys for Tots campaign at Atria. As you can see the residents and Marines enjoyed dancing to the music.

Atria is an independent / assisted living community located at 1745 W. Macada Rd. in Bethlehem.

Their notion of being victims is shaken by a Holocaust survivor (played by Pat Carroll). Their view of the world is broadened by her stories of real hatred. By writing about themselves they see that they and their fellow rival students are more similar than different. The dynamics of the movie also include the resistance of some of the teaching establishment who have a jaundiced view of their charges.

Although not a new story this movie is well worth seeing because of the fine acting by all involved. The students are all unknown actors with Swank and Carroll in powerful performances. The fact that it is based on real people makes it all the more engrossing. Try it and let me know.

Cars We Won’t Soon See Again (Sigh)

Source: Library of Congress

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Lifestyles over 50

PUZZLES & MORE

SUDOKU

Find the missing numbers so there are no repeat numbers in any rows, columns or 3x3 regions.  

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Difficult Riddles (answers below)

AATTRR IIA H EEM M A BB E ET TH HL LE EH Assisted Living

Helping older people make a better life.

SM

AT R I A B E T H L E H E M 1745 West Macada Road Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 610.317.0700 www.atriabethlehem.com

Call today to schedule a visit.

338-38314

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1. I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost everybody.

2. What goes round the house and in the house but never touches the house? . What is it that you can keep after giving it to someone else?

4. What gets wet when drying?

5. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

6. The more you take, the more you leave behind.

What are they?

7. Brothers and sisters have I none but that man’s father is my father’s son.

8. What goes round and round the wood but never goes into the wood?

Lead in pencil The sun Your word A towel The letter M Footsteps My son The bark

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Lifestyles over 50 wishes all our readers, advertisers and community supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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December 2009

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Lifestyles over 50

•

December 2009

Happenings

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5 April (abbr.)

5 April (abbr.)

Happenings 15 15 16 14 14 16 6 Hostess6creation Hostess creation Send to PO Box 414 of of 7 Organization 7 Organization 17 17 19 18 18 19 Macungie, PA 18062 or Petroleum Exporting Petroleum Exporting 20 20 22 23 23 2121 22 editor@lifestylesover50.com Countries Countries 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 Volunteers American nation 8 Southnation 8 South American 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 Entrap 9 9 Entrap Phoebe Home needs volunteers: 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Help care for birds in center.

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 10 Klutz 10 Klutz Training included. Sewing Group “Remember the __” 11 40 41 42 43 11 “Remember the __” 40 41 42 43 Leader – people interested in 12 Shower need sewing. Help lead small group 44 45 46 47 48 12 Shower need 44 45 46 47 48 13 Dye who need assistance with sewing 13 Dye 49 50 51 52 projects.

Little boy's name 21 49 50 51 52 Shopping Trip Escort – 1st & name 21 Little boy's 53 54 55 56 22 Genetic code 3rd Tues every month. Escort 53 54 55 56 22 Genetic 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Sticky stuff individual around store and help 25code 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 make their purchases. Joan Wickel stuffCement 25 Sticky27 65 66 67 68 610-794-5362 jwickel@phoebe.org Cement 27 65 66 67 68 28 Belt 69 70 71 28 Belt 29 Ca. University Senior Corps RSVP: for persons 69 70 71 72 73 74 55 who want rewarding 29 Ca. University 30 Boyfriend over volunteer opportunities. Lehigh 72 73 74 www.CrosswordWeaver.com 31 Margarine and Northampton counties have 30 Boyfriend opportunities available. Contact www.CrosswordWeaver.com 34 Colored horse 31 Margarine ACROSS 48 Ball holder Jill (610) 691-7705 Northampton Trinitrotoluene 35horse 34 Colored rothrockj@diakon.org and Karen Gain 49 ACROSS 48 Ball holder 37 Treaty organization 610 391-8219 Lehigh County or Trinitrotoluene 35 1 Playing field neilsonk@diakon.org.

GainMusic 49 51 Chilled 38 37 Treaty organization Reason 6 1Desire 53 Playing field 51 Music Care Alternatives hospice needs 38 Chilled39 Those people 10 Swearword 56 Dueling sword 6 Desire 53 Reason Reiki Practitioners, Certified 41 Type of cheese 39 Those people 14 Mixed drink 57 Spanish "one" Massage Therapists & Comfort 45 Come before 10 Swearword 56 Dueling sword Volunteers to help our patients.

15 Unfold 58 Musical exercises 41 Type of cheese 46 Pixies 14 Mixed drink 57 Spanish "one" 866.821.1212 16 Healing plant 61 Break in 45 Come before Encounter 47 Unfold Musical exercises 15 58 65 Whirl 17 More able Lutheran Home at Topton invites 46 Pixies50 American Cancer Healing plant Break in 16 61 67 volunteers to share musical talent, Always 18 Not his 47 EncounterSociety (abbr.) voice or instrument with residents.

More able Whirl 17 65 19 Doe's offspring 68 Organic compound 50 American Cancer Flex hours – days, evenings and/or Drops (2 wds.)

52 Not hisplant Always 67 69 Toboggan 2018Marsh weekends. Carol Miller: 610-682Society (abbr.)

53 Fights 1420, millerc@diakon.org.

Doe's offspring Organic compound 68 70 Hindu goddess, consort 2119Joking (2 wds.)

52 Drops54 Enable Marsh plant 69 Toboggan partners of Siva of Siva Consort 2320Women's Volunteer Center has brochure 53 Fights55 Shirk listing agencies in need of counterparts Ancient Greek 2421Id's Joking Hindu goddess, consort 70 71 54 Enable56 Strange volunteers. 610-807-0336, www. country marketplace 2623African Women's partners of Siva 55 Shirk 59 Maintain volunteerlv.org.

Meets 2824Quell Id's counterparts Ancient Greek 71 72 60 Jacob's son 56 Strange Needed: Drivers for Meals On Canal 3126Spoken 73 African country marketplace (2 inwds.)

62 A spinning toy Wheels Northampton County, Maintain 59 Cords 3228Expert Quell Meets 72 74 especially the Slatebelt area. If Meager 63 60 Jacob's son evergreen 3331Shiny interested: Jill @ Senior Corps Spoken 73 Canal 64 Epochs toy (2 wds.) RSVP 610 691-7705 or 62 A spinning 36 Troop DOWN 32 Expert 74 Cords 66 Affirmative rothrockj@diakon.org 63 Meager 40 Block 68 Hearing part 33 Shiny evergreen Social & Support Groups 64 Epochs 42 Only 1 Open 36 Troop DOWN 43 Every 2 Hayseed 66 Affirmative Wed, Dec 2 LV Vegetarians.

Block 4440Draw 3 Women's magazine 68 Hearing part Quaker Meeting House Rt. 512 Only speech 1 Open half mile N. of Rt. 22 Twnshp.

4542Illiterate 4 Lacked Pot luck dinner. 6pm. $3.50 Len 43 Every 2 Hayseed 610-709-8984 Answers for puzzles are at www.lifestylesover50.com 44 Draw 3 Women's magazine 45 Illiterate speech 4 Lacked 1

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Wed, Dec 2, 12pm St. John’s Friendly Fifites Christmas party at Hungarian Hall in Northampton.

New officers will be installed.

Entertainment will be provided

by Pat Sobrinski. Italian feat of St. Joseph Wed, Mar 24 at Li Greci’s Staatan, Italian dinner theater in Staten Island, NY. Meal served with Italian comedian and Sinatra imitator $77-$85. 610-767-4881.

Thurs, Dec 3 Alzheimer’s Support Group, Thurs 1-3 PM St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. 1900 Pennsylvania Ave, Allentown.

Thurs, Dec 3, Allentown AARP Chapter #5415 St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church 140 S. Ott Street, Allentown. Social hour 12-1p.m.

Program: Heather Browne from Everyday Life. Business meeting follows. Info: 610-437-4265 Thurs, Dec 3, 1PM. AARP Chapter #3115. Jordan UCC, Walbert Ave, Allentown. 610-432-9442.

Tues Dec 1 & Dec 15, Noon.

Lower Macungie Seniors. Lower Macungie Comm. Ctr 610-395-0782.

Tues, Dec 1, 6 pm. Whitehall Senior Group. Dinner and Entertainment, Whitehall HS Cafeteria $3. Irene 610-264-3721.

Wed Dec 2, 1 pm. Macungie

Do you have old classic records that you want to sell?

Call Julius Vitali of VINYLALLY HEAR at

610-217-1629 (cell) 610-966-6202 (phone)

Buying classical records and collections

Seniors, Macungie Fire Company.

Ruth, 610-965-9584.

Green Meadows of Allentown. Call 610-967-5454.

Thurs, Dec 3 7PM Lower Milford Twnshp Fire Co. 1601 Limeport Pike, spaghetti dinner adults $7 children $4 salad bar, dessert.

Sat, Dec 12 10:30AM Enjoy gardening, interested in peace issues?

Jordan United Church of Christ, Rt 309 and Walbert Ave, Allentown, 2.5 acres dedicated as peace garden, custom peace sculpture, peace pole, worship areas, biblical plant & children’s bed, gazebo, swing, trails.

Wed, Dec 9 5:30-6:30PM. Alzheimer’s Support Group, share, support. Professional advice from caregivers for Alzheimer’s impaired families. Arden Courts of Allentown 610-366-9010.

Thurs, Dec 3 Allentown AARP Chap #5415 St. Timothy’s 140 So. Ott St. annual membership celebration. Social 12-1 followed

by Glen Miller and his 1man band.

Business meeting will follow.

Info: 610-437-4265

Thu, Dec 17 5:30 Alz’s Support Group, Country Meadows of Allentown, Bldg 3. Light dinner served. RSVP 610-395-7160.

Sat, Dec 12 Bethlehem Garden Club, share garden tips with local pros and hobbyists 610-838-1482.

Emmaus Garden Club Mar 1, 2010 bus trip - Philadelphia Garden Show Departs 12:30 PM Weis Market Cedar Crest Blvd. and Chestnut St. Emmaus, leaves Philly 7:30 pm, $50. Diane 610-530-1559 or Sue 610-395-5788 - reservations.

St. John’s Friendly 50’s Apr 15, 2010 bus trip: “Sights and Sounds” production of “Joseph”. $110-$120 pp, lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord.

Mon, Dec 14, 7-8:30 pm. Prayer & Share Together for emotional wholeness, women’s support group struggling, or have family struggling with depression, bi-polar, etc. Ebenezer Bible Fellowship, Bethlehem. Linda 610-395-8756.

Tues, Dec 8 Alzheimer’s Support Group, SarahCare Adult Day Service, 610-391-1576 Tues, Dec 8 1pm, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5th & Chestnut Sts, Emmaus. Emmaus Garden Club, Sandi 610.965.2062.

Tue, Dec 8, 7-8:30 pm. Prayer & Share Together for emotional wholeness, women’s support group struggling, or have family, struggling with depression, bi-polar, etc. Asbury Methodist Church, Allentown. Linda 610-395-8756.

Tues, Dec 8 8:30 AM Lehigh Co. TRIAD free continental breakfast.

Wed, Dec 9 Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council – Saucon Manor in Hellertown. 12pm 484-788-0196 or info@lvmac.org to get involved.

Open to all.

Thurs, Dec 17 4:30-6 pm. Alz Support Group, mutual support for those who provide care and deal with Alzheimer’s disease. Adult Day Service Building, Westminster Village. 610-782-8390.

Fri Dec 18, 10 am. People Meeting People Club, PEP. Senior Social Group. Fellowship Hall, Asbury United Methodist Church.

Thurs, Dec 24 - Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers 4-5 PM Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. 267-371-4569 Thurs, Dec 24 7pm. LV Brain Injury Support Group - Good Shepherd Health & Tech Center, 850 S. Fifth Street, Allentown.

Thurs, Dec 24 12PM Caregivers & Professionals Networking Group.

Country Meadows of Allentown, Building 3, 610-395-7160 Thurs, Dec 17 LV Chapter 1371, Nat’l Active & Retired Fed. Employees St. Peters Lutheran Church 1933 Hanover Ave. Allentown, 12PM lunch. Holiday program before brief business meeting. Current and former federal workers invited. First timers and those having lunch call Ken Zeiner 610-837-7246 before Sat. Dec 12.

Lunch $7. Others arrive at 1:00 pm.

Wed Dec 23 Men of Retirement Age Club 1-2;30pm, Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Road, Hanover Township.

Mondays 10 and 1. “Loving Hands Quilting Circle”. Country Meadows. Allentown, Buildings 3 and 1, 610-395-7160.

Mondays 10 am. Hi-Neighbors Group, senior group. 2 guest speakers each meeting. First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem.

Call Jan 610-954-7561.

Mondays 11:30-2. JCC, Allentown Friendship Circle. Open to 50 and over. Programs and lunch. Ruth 610-865-3646, 1 week in advance.

Tuesdays, 1 pm. Trexlertown Area Senior Group. Trexlertown Fire Co. Back entrance. 610-395-5316.

Tuesdays 1:30-4:30. Palmer Senior Group, meet seniors, play cards, share good times. Charles Chrin Community Ctr Palmer Township 610-252-2098 www. palmercommunitycenter.org Wednesdays noon. Fogelsville Senior Group at Fire Company.

Amelia, 610-395-2224.

Wednesdays 1pm St. Stevens Church Franklin & Turner St. Allentown. Cards, bingo & refreshments.

Thursdays at 12. Schnecksville Senior Citizen Group. Schnecksville Fire Co. Peg 610-395-8667.

Fridays 1 pm. Emmaus Senior Group, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emmaus. Erma 610-966-2299.

Exercise Bethlehem YMCA. SilverSneakers 1 M/T/W 10:45AM M/W 3PM. SilverSneakers 2 T 8:30AM & F 10:30AM, YogaStretch Th 10:45AM Sat 8AM, SilverSplash T/Th 9:15am Sat 8:15AM.

Tue Dec 22 Alzheimer’s Support Group 10AM. Old Orchard Health Care Center. Palmer Twp. Jim Baer for info 610-438-1608.

Suburban Family YMCA. Dates and times adult aquatics classes call 610-867-7588. Silver Sneakers I: Mon, Tues, Thurs at 9:00am,Thurs: 10:00am. Silver Sneakers II Mon 10:00am, Fri: 10:00am Silver Sneakers YogaStretch- Wed: 10am.

Tues, Dec 22 LV Parkinson’s Support Group, Gerry Haines (Chair). Banko Bldg. 10-12PM.

Allentown YMCA & YWCA Senior Fit M-W-F 9:00 am, Silver Circuit M-W-F 9:00 am, Silver Sneakers

YMCA - Easton, P’burg & Vicinity.

Silver Sneakers Cardio Mon1pm Tues 11:00am, Wed. & Fri. 12:00pm Silver Sneakers 1 Tues. & Thurs. 12:30pm. Silver Sneakers Yoga Wed. 12:50pm. Low Impact Aerobics Tues. & Thurs. 8:00am.

Aqua Aerobics M-F 9:15am, Tues. & Thurs. 7:00pm. Arthritis Aquatics M-W-F 10:30am, Tues. & Thurs. 1:00pm FREE seminars Dec 14: 5 Keys to Permanent Weight Loss. www.familyymca.org Arthritis Aquatics Mon, Wed, and Fri 11:00-11:45 AM or 11:4512:30PM. 3rd St. Alliance for Women & Children. Monthly: $38.00 Drop-in: $6.00. Other programs, memberships available.

610-258-6271. Aqua Pilates, Arthritis Aquatics, Aqua Aerobics.

Many days and times available for classes. Rodale Aquatic Center Allentown 610-606-4670.

Tai Chi and Qigong classes in Lehigh Valley, experienced instructor, reasonable rates. Hilary Smith, RN 610-751-6090 or smith. hilarym@gmail.com

Dances Wednesday Afternoon Dances at Lehigh County Senior Ctr: 1-4 pm.

1st & 3rd Wed of month. $7.00 pp includes refreshments. 610-4373700 www.lehighseniors.org.

Saturday Evening Dances at Lehigh County Senior Ctr: 8-11 pm. $7.00 pp. 610-437-3700.

Allentown Area Swing Dance.

Fearless Fire Co. 1221 S Front St. 610-390-7550. $7 includes lesson 7pm - 8:30, no partner needed.

Dec 1 Hustle, Dec 8 Hustle, Dec 15 Salsa Dec 22 Salsa, Dec 29 Night Club Two Step.

Wednesdays 7:30. N. Penn Elks Club, Colmar, Pa West Coast Swing.

Third Fridays Peppermint Dance Club. Church on the Mall, Plymouth Meeting. www.

peppermintdanceclub.com Third Friday of month – Easton Dance Party at Third St. Alliance, N. 3rd St., Easton. 610-330-9950.

Ballroom Dance Sundays at Fearless Fire Company in Allentown, Carol 610-398-8312 schedule and info.

Ballroom on High, Swing, Kat. www.swingkat.com

Bingo Mon & Thurs 5 PM, game at 7 PM. Memorial Hall, Liberty Fire Co., Stockertown. 610-759-6811 Wednesdays 5 PM game starts 6:45 PM Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Co. Fogelsville Ladies Auxiliary. Cash Prizes. Call 610-395-5479 Wednesdays 6 PM game starts 7 PM Lehigh County Senior Center Bingo. Free coffee and snacks. $15 includes 4 double cards and 1 pack of specials. Call 610-437-3700

Classes and Lectures Chelation therapy fully explained.

Free lectures. Maulfair Medical Ctr, Topton. 610-682-2104. Free. www. drmaulfair.com.

Seniors Who Wish to Re-Enter Workforce. Lehigh County Senior Ctr 1633 Elm Street Allentown: practical computer classes. Basic Computer I and II, Digital Camera, Digital Photos, Intro to Internet.

Classes limited to 8. Classes at the center and Whitehall Library. Eight 1.5 hour classes $40 members $80 nonmembers. Annual membership $20. Info 610-437-3700 or Diane Nolan dndod@aol.com.

Community Events First and Third Tues, 8 pm. Tickle Me Tuesday, Allentown Brew Works.

Lehigh County Senior Center Dec 6 Shop Till You Drop trip. Lunch and gratuities included. 610-3955105 Janet.

Instructor needed to teach 1hour per week math class to women in a Community Reentry Program.

(6th grade level curriculum in place ). Info on this and interesting

assignments - Karen Nielson, Senior Corps RSVP, 610-391-8219, nielsonk@diakon.org.

Thurs, Dec 3 at 10 a.m. ManorCare Bethlehem presentation: “It’s the season for Flu and Pneumonia: How to Reduce Your Chances of Getting Sick.” Presentation at Medbridge at ManorCare – Bethlehem, 2029 Westgate Drive, Bethlehem, PA. Speaker is Barbara Reall, CRNP, Clinical Services Manager, Evercare.

Thurs, Dec 10 10 a.m.

Presentation: “Diabetes 101.” at Medbridge at ManorCare Bethlehem, 2029 Westgate Drive, Bethlehem. Speaker is Lauren Wiley, Dir., Northeastern Pennsylvania, American Diabetes Association.

On Thursday, December 17 at 10 a.m. ManorCare – Bethlehem will offer a presentation titled “Why Vitamin D Might Just Be the Next Wonder Drug: Falls, Fractures and Fitness.” The presentation will be held at Medbridge at ManorCare – Bethlehem, 2021 Westgate Drive, Bethlehem, PA. The speaker will be Barbara Reall, CRNP, Clinical Services Manager, Evercare.

Refreshments will be provided at each event. RSVP or for info, (610) 865-6077.

Needed - Medicare Fraud Educator: help identify and educate consumers about Medicare and Medicaid abuse and fraud. Regular training sessions and updates by a supportive staff. Ask about the travel stipend.

Concerned about Your Local Environment? Help monitor the water quality in the Little Lehigh.

Training supplied and a once a month commitment needed.

For more information about these and other interesting assignments, contact Karen Nielson, Senior Corps RSVP 610-391-8219, nielsonk@diakon.org.

Thurs. Dec 3 Community forum presents key findings of disability community needs assessment.

How can the Valley’s resources be expanded to include more people with disabilities? How engaged in are area residents with disabilities?

Are there barriers keeping people with disabilities from community and social involvement? Those questions will be addressed at a free forum 2-4 p.m. Northampton Comm. College, Gates Center, Alumni Hall, Room 130 A-D, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem.

Registration 610-778-9290 or at dsweeney@gsrh.org.

“The Christmas Offering” Join Bethany’s orchestra, choir and drama team for unique family Christmas. Fri, Dec 4, 7:00 p.m.

Sat, Dec 5, 3p.m. and 7p.m., Sun, Dec 6, 3p.m. Free, a good will offering will be received. Bethany United Methodist Church 1208 Brookside Rd, Allentown, PA 610-395-3613 www. bethanyumchurch.com Adoption- cats & kittens, Sat, Dec 5, 11AM - 2:30PM Superpetz, 2920 Easton Ave., Bethlehem. Info: - www. furryfeetrescue.com or call 610-438-5645 Adoption cats & kittens, Sat, Dec 19, 11AM-2:30PM Superpetz, 2920 Easton Ave., Bethlehem, www.furryfeetrescue. com or call 610-438-5645

Don’t Let Your Memories Fade Away Transfer your VHS movies to DVD

I

1 Mon & Thurs 11:30 am, Silver Sneakers 2 Mon, Tues, Thurs. 1:30 pm, Silver Splash Mon, Wed 9:30 am, Fri 2 pm, YogaStretch Wed 1:30 pm. Dates & times of adult aquatic classes available. 610-434-9333

$18.95 per VHS tape, quantity discounts We convert 8mm Film, Super8 Film, 16mm Film, Camcorder Tape and 35mm Slides $pecial Pricing for Lifestyles over 50 readers Call 610-774-0919 ask for Art