Lifestyles over 50 December 2016 Lehigh Valley

Lifestyles over 50

™

Encouraging vibrant and healthy living in the greater Lehigh Valley!

FREE - Volume 11 - Issue 9 - December 2016

Seasonal Fun in December Toys from the Past Holidays & Heartburn Games, Puzzles & Events

www.Lifestylesover50.com

Things To Do With Grandkids A Hess’s Christmas: The Best of Everything This year our holiday exhibit will showcase sculptures designed by Patrick Hulse. Each of the sculptures depicts a scene from Hess’s Department Store. He created the sculptures based on pictures, stories, and family mementos. The exhibit will also feature photographs from the personal collection of Wolfgang Otto, Vice President of Visual Merchandising at Hess’s Department Store.

For more info: LibertyBellMuseum.org Winter Lights Spectacular

Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Lehigh Valley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland where children can toss snowballs, have their photos taken in giant snow globes and enjoy milk and cookies with Santa.

Featuring nearly one million energy conserving lights, stateof-the-art musical light shows, distinctly-themed display areas, popular holiday movies, cozy fire pits, a live reindeer and treat stations featuring seasonal favorites s’mores and hot chocolate and more! 5150 Game Preserve Rd. lvzoo.org

Make Memories Last

Community Music School Holiday Recital The annual Community Music School Holiday Student Recital will be held Saturday, December 3 at 3:00 pm on the main stage of Miller Symphony Hall. Students of all ages will perform and a light reception will follow. All are welcome. A free-will offering will benefit CMS programming.

Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th Street, Allentown cmslv.org/recitals.aspx Dec 3, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Gingerbread House Workshop Join us for our 1st Annual Gingerbread House Workshop!

Families and friends are invited to make a gingerbread house together and get in the holiday spirit at Blue Mountain! Each pass includes the gingerbread house kit, our hot chocolate bar, cookies & treats spread, live music, and photos with Santa! The gingerbread house kit can be shared between families and friends. 1660 Blue Mountain Drive Dec 3, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. skibluemt.com/upcoming-events/ gingerbread-house-workshop

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From the Editor ‘Tis the season. This is the time of the year when many of us join members of our family to celebrate the Christmas season. At the same time we should remember those who are not as fortunate as we are. Those might be members of the military who are serving far from home or it may be a family member who is too far away to join us.

To help with your celebration we list several local activities to which you can take the family to enjoy the holidays. Please check out our article - “Lehigh Valley Holiday Celebrations”. It covers a wide area of the Valley so you should be able to find a few events to consider.

Another facet of the holidays are the sumptuous meals that are common around this time of the year. Overeating can be a problem for some of us. To that end we have an article on taking steps to avoid heartburn which often is a result of overindulgence at the dinner table.

A recurring theme found in this magazine is the topic of dementia in its many forms.

Most of us are affected to some degree by this disease. One of the terrifying aspects of this broad range of dementia symptoms is the loss of memory. We have an article on the Valley’s Fleming Memory Center which is helping its patients and their families cope with this difficult situation.

On a lighter note, we have a piece on some of the toys that some of us enjoyed as children. Take a look at the Pogo Stick, Silly Putty and some of the other items described therein. I am sure it will bring a smile to your face.

Lastly, we at Lifestyles over 50 want to wish all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Healthy New Year. We very much appreciate your support throughout the year. Peace.

Art

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Lehigh Valley Holiday Celebrations

By Art Villafane, Lifestyles over 50

The Miracle of Christmas Don’t miss this heartwarming story of Clara, a young girl from New York City who has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Forced to visit relatives in Vermont, Clara’s Christmas vacation turns into an unforgettable adventure.

Featuring all your favorite carols, the Nativity and even Santa Claus, don’t miss “The Miracle of Christmas,” at the Pines Dinner Theater. For more info: pinesdinnertheatre.com/2014/elements/shows/17.html Koziar’s Christmas Village

Koziar’s Christmas Village, Lehigh Valley Driving through the darkened countryside and coming over that last hill on the unlit country road is like driving into a fairyland. You’ll find yourself in a dazzling valley set aglow with more than one million Christmas lights adorning buildings, gift barns, and the scenic landscape. A reflective lake is an added touch to mirror the magical wonderland.

782 Christmas Village Rd. Bernville.

For info: www.koziarschristmasvillage.com/home Winter Lights Spectacular

Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Lehigh Valley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland where children can toss snowballs, have their photos taken in giant snow globes and enjoy milk and cookies with Santa. Featuring nearly one million energy conserving lights, state-of-the-art musical light shows, distinctly-themed display areas, popular holiday movies, cozy fire pits, a live reindeer and treat stations featuring seasonal favorites s’mores and hot chocolate and more! 5150 Game Preserve Rd., Schnecksville For more info: lvzoo.org/

gift ideas, old-world charm and holiday cheer. This dynamic festival celebrates the magic of the holidays with a five-week run that features more than 125 vendors each week. For more info: christmascity.org/christkindlmarkt/event-info/ Lights in the Parkway Lights in the Parkway is a family favorite!

This spectacular drive-through light display transforms more than a mile of one of Allentown’s most beautiful parks – the Lehigh Parkway – into a winter wonderland! Featuring dazzling displays with hundreds of thousands of brilliant lights, this attraction will truly brighten your holiday season!

You can enjoy this holiday spectacular in the comfort of your own vehicle. Don’t forget to stop at the Gift Barn for some holiday shopping, or visit or synthetic ice skating rink up the street at Percy Ruhe Park! For more info: allentownpa.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Recreation/AnnualEvents/Lights-in-the-Parkway.

Peace Candle Lighting

The time honored Lehigh Valley tradition returns to the Civic stage for a 27th year. This timeless and magnificent tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption has allowed thousands of children and adults to share the magic of the brilliant Charles Dickens with their “fellow passengers” on the road of humanity. In the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one.” 527 N. 19th St. Allentown PA civictheatre.com

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

Downtown Allentown Tree Lighting Ceremony The Hamilton District Main Street Program in partnership with the City of Allentown and the Allentown Chamber of Commerce are proud to present The 2016 Downtown Allentown Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

Festivities include musical performances, dance acts, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, a photo booth, and of course, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Clause. This is a free event and is open to the public.

Thursday, December 1st 4 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PPL Plaza, 800 block of Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 Edgeboro Moravian Church Christmas Putz and Christmas Room A view of the Christmas Putz at Edgeboro Moravian Church in Bethlehem At the Edgeboro Moravian Church Christmas Putz, visitors can experience a visual and audio presentation that tells the Christmas story of Christ’s birth. Nestled in live moss, figurines and props illuminate and narrate the story. There are toddler, children’s and adult versions of the story available for viewing. Visitors to the Putz can also visit the Christmas Room to purchase beautiful handmade items and traditional Moravian gifts, such as stars, mints, and beeswax candles. The Putz is open to the public on Thursday – Saturday from 6 – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 3 – 6 p.m. Call 610-866-8793 to schedule your group.!

Old-Fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Dec 3, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Historic Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum, 4229 Reliance St., Whitehall. Travel back to the 1800s as the Steckel family prepares for Christmas! Enjoy holiday games, carols, baking,

stories, and tree decorating. The Belsnickel (St. Nicholas in furs), will give treats. FREE to members, non-member adults $8, non-member children $3. Tours last about one hour. Last tour starts at 4:00 p.m. For more info: lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org Christmas at the George Taylor House Get in the Christmas spirit early this year with an old fashioned Christmas at Catasauqua’s George Taylor House. The event will feature special holiday house tours, lighting of Catasauqua’s community Christmas tree, a Revolutionary War militia, festive carolers, crafts for good little kiddies, food and drink for all ages, and Santa Claus! The House will be specially decorated with Christmas trees and trim in every room, and will be staffed by guides who will share 18th century holiday traditions, customs, and stories during the tours. For info: discoverlehighvalley.com/1051/play/george-taylor-house/ Macungie Holiday Celebration This festive event includes family fun, food, music, displays, special events and activities throughout the Borough of Macungie, PA. Featuring: Victorian “Home for the Holidays� Open House & Artisans Show, two free performances of “Nutcracker Highlights,� holiday craft shows, baked goods & cookie sales, horse-drawn surrey rides through Macungie Memorial Park, Festival of Trees contest, farmers market vendors, gingerbread displays in barn at Kalmbach Memorial Park, and much more! Dec 10, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

510 E. Main St. Macungie, PA. macungie.pa.us

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Hundreds of RSVP members – volunteers age 55 and older – are currently making significant contributions in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties. They are helping thousands of people in need. But more help is needed!

Busy lives can make it hard to find time to volunteer. But volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving, in even simple ways, can help others and make a real difference.

Seniors want to stay living in their homes as long as possible. With your help – it’s possible.

Anyone willing and able to give just 2 hours a week or a month can help area seniors who need a bit of assistance. The most valuable skills you can bring to these volunteer efforts are compassion and a willingness to help.

With our increasing senior population comes an increased need for the following volunteers:

Drivers/Escorts - Provide rides to and from appointments for neighbors who can no longer drive.

Grocery Shoppers - Shop with or for someone who can’t get to the store to purchase the nutritional food they need.

Meal Deliverers - Drivers and runners deliver meals along with a friendly smile to homebound neighbors.

Friendly Visitors - Spend quality time with someone who can’t get out to socialize.

If you’re willing and able to help others, contact the Senior Corps RSVP office.

Our staff will work to match your interests and available time to what needs to get done. You’ll receive personalized placement in the volunteer position that best suits you along with insurance protection while you’re volunteering.

Call: 610-625-2290 Email: RSVPLNC@hotmail.com Visit: www.RSVPofLNC.org 6

Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

Seasonal Affective Disorder...

More Than the Winter Blues

By Lori Samer, RPh. Medication Matters,

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in individuals during the same season each year.

Typically, the symptoms of SAD begin in early fall and continue into the winter, but some individuals experience SAD during the spring and summer months.

The symptoms of SAD include: • Feelings of hopelessness • Grumpy, mood or anxious behavior • Oversleeping • Craving carbohydrates • Weight gain • Drop in energy level • Difficulty concentrating • Irritability • Avoidance of social situations These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, please seek an evaluation by a physician. The causes of SAD are not fully known. For some patients, SAD may develop due to the reduced amount of sunlight exposure during the fall and winter months, leading to a disruption in the patient’s circadian rhythm.

positive thoughts and identifying pleasurable activities that can make coping with the seasonal changes a bit easier.

Finally, lifestyle changes may also help in improving the symptoms of SAD, for example: • Getting outside whenever possible but especially early in your day • Brightening your environment by opening blinds or sitting near a window • Exercising to help relieve stress and anxiety.

Lori Samer, RPh. is a consultant pharmacist in the Lehigh Valley and owner of Medication Matters, LLC. We are a consulting service that specializes in addressing the challenges of taking medications correctly and optimizing the effectiveness of your medications. We review your medication list, address concerns about your medications and identify medication related problems in an effort to improve your health and provide peace of mind. To learn more: medicationmattersllc.com, medicationmattersllc@gmail.com or call 484-268-8237.

Wishing you and your family and wonderful holiday season from CareGivers America

An imbalance of serotonin levels or melatonin levels are also thought to play a role in developing SAD. Therapies to treat SAD include phototherapy (light therapy), medication, and psychotherapy (talk therapy). In most cases, patients will begin with light therapy, which requires sitting near a light therapy box in order to be exposed to bright light.

Individuals may begin to see improvements in symptoms within several days or a few weeks. An antidepressant drug, such as the extended-release formulation of bupropion or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI ), may be prescribed, especially for those with severe symptoms.

Your physician may recommend that you start taking one of these antidepressants prior to the onset of your symptoms each year or taking the medication even beyond the season that you experience symptoms.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) may also be beneficial.

This may include replacing negative thoughts with

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

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Toys and Other Memories From the Past

By Art Villafane, Lifestyles over 50

Pogo Stick

Who can forget the pogo stick. When you saw someone bounding up and down it looked so easy. But when you tried it the first few times it was nothing but frustration.

You would take two bounces before you went flying one way and the stick would fly away in another direction. It could not be that hard, could it? Of course not. So you went back on and tried again and again and again. Eventually you got the hang of it and were able to go a few rounds with it.

I bet you tried it again many years later and thought again “how hard can it be?” If you tried it again you probably had a good laugh at your own expense.

View-Master

View-Master was introduced to the public at the 1939-1940 World’s Fair in New York, where it was sold as a souvenir of the event.

During the ‘50s, when 3-D movies were all the rage, View-Masters would be placed in movietheater lobbies, loaded with preview reels of upcoming features. In 1999, the View-Master was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame. At this point, more than 1.5 billion View-Master reels have been produced. The delightful thing about View-Master is that the size and shape of the reels have never changed, nor has the basic function of the viewer. Each paper reel has 14 slides that create seven images, so any reel in decent condition, no matter how old it is, can be viewed through any View-Master.

Silly Putty

As a bouncing putty, Silly Putty is noted for its unusual characteristics: it bounces, but breaks when given a sharp blow; it can also float in a liquid and will form a puddle given enough time. Silly Putty and most other retail putty products have viscoelastic agents added to reduce the flow and enable the putty to hold its shape. Crayola’s history of Silly Putty states that James Wright first invented it in 1943. By 1955 the majority of its customers were aged 6 to 12. In 1957, we saw the first televised commercial for Silly Putty, which aired during the Howdy Doody Show. As of 2005, annual Silly Putty sales exceeded six million eggs. Silly Putty was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame on May 28, 2001.

Pez

The name came from the first, middle and last letters of the German word for peppermint: “pfefferminz”. Pez is a combination candy dispenser and toy. Pez (trademarked PEZ in capitals) is the brand name of an Austrian candy and their famous mechanical pocket dispensers. The candy itself takes the shape of pressed, dry, straightedged, curved-corner blocks (15 mm (5/8 inch) long, 8 mm (5/16 inch) wide, and 5 mm (3/16 inch) high), with Pez dispensers holding 12 Pez pieces.

Pez was originally introduced in Austria, later exported, notably to the U.S., and eventually became available worldwide. The all-uppercase spelling of the logo echoes the trademark’s style on the packaging and the dispensers themselves, with the logo drawn in perspective and giving the appearance that the letters are built out of 44 brick-like Pez candies (14 bricks in the P and 15 in each of the E and Z). There are hundreds of PEZ dispensers shaped like famous characters from real life and cinema.

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

Holidays, Heartburn and Aging

By Noel Martins, MD, St. Luke’s University Health Network St. Luke’s Gastroenterologist Noel Martins, MD, Offers Five Tips to Reduce Heartburn Turkey with a crispy golden skin, cranberry sauce, stuffing, creamy and buttery mashed potatoes, green bean casserole covered with onions, eggnog, coffee, pecan pie topped with whipped cream and just a sliver of chocolate cake with peppermint sauce – sounds the perfect holiday dinner, right? Actually, it’s the recipe for a terrible case of heartburn.

Although it might taste great going down, a meal like that is a gift that keeps on giving – pain, discomfort and a burning sensation for hours after eating. It may even keep you awake at night. And, as you age, the likelihood of experiencing heartburn increases.

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle opens at the wrong time or fails to close properly. This allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Frequent or constant reflux could signal that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Difficulty swallowing is another common symptom of GERD. “As we age, the muscles in the digestive tract become weaker, less flexible and less efficient,” says Noel Martins, MD. “In addition, many older adults are overweight and live more sedentary lifestyles, all of which can increase your risk of GERD.” If you suspect you might have GERD, talk to your family doctor who will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist to evaluate, treat and help you manage your condition, he advises.

“At St. Luke’s Gastroenterology Specialists, we are able to perform all of the major diagnostic tests for GERD symptoms, including upper endoscopy (EGD), ambulatory pH testing (BRAVO), pH with impedance testing, and esophageal manometry,” he says “After diagnosing the extent of the problem, we commonly use medications to treat

GERD, and we have endoscopic treatments and surgery options to address the problem.”

In the meantime, Dr. Martins recommends the following five tips to get you through the holidays more comfortably: 1. Know what foods cause you discomfort and avoid or eat them in small portions. Common heartburn triggers are: • High fat foods like gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, turkey skin, stuffing, heavy salad dressings and eggnog. Bake, broil or grill meats and vegetables rather than frying • High sugar foods like sugary drinks cookies, puddings, cakes and pies. Most desserts are also high in fat.

• Acidic foods, such as citrusy fruits and sauces, tomato sauces and cranberry sauce.

• Spices or other flavor enhancers like pepper, onion and garlic.

• Chocolate.

• Peppermint.

• Carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

2. Slow down. Eating quickly can increase acid reflux.

3. Don’t lie down too soon after eating a big meal.

Standing or sitting up after a large meal will give your stomach time to digest and empty, leading to less acid reflux.

4. Stop eating three hours before bedtime.

5. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks. Alcohol both increases stomach acid and relaxes the sphincter allowing more acid to be released into the esophagus. If you drink, try diluting mixed drinks with water or club soda. If you prefer wine, choose white over red.

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Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

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A Center to Help Individuals and Families Living with Dementia

By Jeff Tintle, Lifestyles over 50

“Its very clear that people worry about memory loss,” confirms Dr. Catherine Glew with an empathetic look, eyes gazing into the distance and seemingly recalling the hundreds of patients and families that she has seen. Dr. Catherine Glew, a physician at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), is the Chief of Geriatric Medicine at the 17th Street hospital.

Dr. Glew’s anecdotal evidence confirms what I have known for years as publisher of Lifestyles over 50. Generally speaking, baby boomers do not spend much time thinking or learning about diseases that they could be susceptible to like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and others.

The attitude seems to be ambivalent and accepting of an unfortunate but inevitable fact of life. The only health topic that consistently incites fear and grabs attention, as evidenced by reader feedback and engagement with our articles and online content, is the thought of losing one’s memory.

Fortunately, local families have a resource in the Fleming Memory Center located at LVHN’s 17th and Chew location, formerly known as the Center for Healthy Aging.

Recently renovated, the Fleming Memory Center provides comprehensive Geriatric assessments to people over the age of sixty five and specialize in the care and treatment of memory impairment, dementia, depression and anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. Additionally we evaluate conditions specific to the 65+ population such as falls and dizziness, frailty, medication management and provide preventive care recommendations.

Normal Aging vs. Dementia “Finding memory loss early in the process is key, but only half of dementia is diagnosed recognized by medical professionals,” reveals Glew. This is attributed to the lack of training and awareness in the medical community about dementia. As memory issues become more common and research unfolds, physicians are more proactive about dementia screening in patients.

Identifying memory loss can be difficult, as it does not manifest itself in the outward symptoms that other diseases and physical ailments do. Fortunately, Medicare now includes a new cognitive screening for seniors. This said, Dr. Glew explains that not all memory loss is attributed to dementia.

In typical aging, the cognitive function that tends to fail is the retrieval process.

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The ability to recall information can be quick one moment and delayed in the next. The information is still available but just not accessible ‘on-demand.’ This is commonly referred to as a “senior moment”. Another natural memory failure is forgetting the details about repetitive actions or routines.

Losing keys is normal as an individual frequently comes and goes and forgets where they set their keys down.

Dr. Glew also shares that, “Some forms of memory dysfunction or delirium are reversible. These are typically attributed to cognition being altered by medication, stress, and depression.” On occasion these symptoms can persist over weeks and even months and masquerade as dementia, but with a change in medication, lifting of depression or reduction of stress levels cognition may return to normal.

True dementia cannot be reversed.

If you or a loved is struggling with memory loss, identifying its cause is best done by medical experts, like those at the Fleming Memory Center.

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Who Comes to Fleming Memory Center?

Dr. Glew states that many individuals who come to the Center notice that their memory is “not quite right”, but more common is the case where individuals are brought in by families who noticed changes.

The change may be in cognition, depression, mood swings and other such issues. “Common behavioral issues may include anything from excessive sleep, disengagement from social activities, general apathy, and the piling up of mail, dirty dishes and other accumulation around the house,” shares Dr. Glew. “Behavior issues are typically strong indications of the onset of dementia.”

It is not only family that notices the changes, it is common for an individual’s doctor to take note of the changes and refer the individual to the Center.

Helping Families The Fleming Memory Center prides itself in treating both the patient and caregiver. Those with dementia will experience dramatic changes and limitations in their life, many of which require the assistance of family members to step in and address on a daily basis. “Caregiving is a vital role for a loved one with dementia,” reveals Cara Scheetz, director of Fleming Memory Center. “It is also a tiresome, frustrating and unrelenting task. We do what we can to educate caregivers and give them the resources that they need to provide the best care for their loved one.”

Caring for the patient and the family means that there are always four out of fourteen physicians and nurse practitioners at the Center during the week. They also perform nursing home and hospital visits. There is also a memory support team that includes a social worker and patient liaison. Consultations, one on one and family sessions, are available as well as access to the resource center of books, videos, information, support groups and education sessions.

Advice Dealing with dementia is physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Scheetz advises families to “embrace the person that their loved one has become and not mourn the person whom they lost.” Scheetz also encourages people to plan for their health care and aging issues early while they are still healthy to have a contingency plan in place for the “what-ifs” of life. This makes everything easier for all. Things like executing the power of attorney cannot be done once there is a dementia diagnosis.

Need to Sell a Home to Move to Senior Living?

By Elissa Clausnitzer,SRS, CMRS

Need to Sell a Home to Move to Senior Living?

You made the decision to move to senior living. For some this would seem like a daunting task – and it can be. But there is help available so that the transition can be smooth and relatively stress free. I can help you sell your home, guide you through the process and connect you with the resources that you will need to make your move successful.

Checklist. There are innumerable things to consider when you move. I provide a checklist to help make sure nothing is missed when you make your move.

Renovations. Sometimes you need to make improvements or fixes to your current home. I have the personnel who can make needed changes to get your home ready for sale.

Downsizing. You have accumulated a lot in your home over the years. Now is the time to downsize. We aid you in determining what will move with you and what will not. We can arrange to remove those items that will not go with you to your new home.

Staging. We know what prospective home buyers like to see when checking out a home. We will arrange items in your home so that your home looks its best.

When your current home is ready for sale, the next step is your move to your new home. I work with several services that help seniors identify the items that they need to take with them and then the remaining items are given to family, friends or donated. Additionally, there are services that pack up and move your personal effects to the new home and even unpack and decorate. I will help you get ready for your move and be there every step of the way as you transition from one home to the next. Elissa Clausnitzer has been a real estate professional since 1979. Her key to success is listening to what her clients want, and then working diligently to achieve those goals. This especially comes in handy when working with seniors, something that she enjoys. If you are looking to buy and/or sell a home, tell Elissa your goals. She can be reached at 610-573-0386.

Specializing in working with Seniors Elissa Clausnitzer, SRS, CMRS 610-573-0386 elissaclaus@gmail.com

To learn about Fleming Memory Center call 610-969-3390 or visit LVHN.org

Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

Allentown 4124 West Tilghman Street ALLENTOWN, PA 18104 610-395-4500 x5435

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The objective of Sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, so each horizontal row contains each digit once, and each column contains each digit exactly once.

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Crossword puzzle answer on page 15

Lifestyles over 50 December 2016

Unto You is Born….a Savior!

By Pastor Jake Susek, Fellowship Community Do you remember the American Motors’ Rambler?

Our next door neighbor, Mrs. Liggett, used to pile us kids in her 1959 grey, three-speed shift on the column Rambler and transport us to and from P.S. 22 in Yonkers, N.Y. For added fun, she’d intermittently push the clutch in and out, thrilling us youngsters in the back seat – and we didn’t even have seat belts!

The reason I bring this up is because of the Christmas Season.

Not seeing the connection?

My Dad was one who loved to give gifts – but due to his desire for creativity and uniqueness, some of them were, quite frankly, a bit puzzling as to their use and purpose. Such was the case when he brought home a small box filled with American Motors’ “Rambler” name plates! A more talented and inventive child, to be sure, would have found some creative use for them, but for me, they ‘went the way of all the earth’ rather quickly. It wasn’t that I wasn’t thankful – I just didn’t see the purpose or the use for them.

In a similar, but on a much more tragic level, some hear the great proclamation of the Christmas Gift, the Lord Jesus, and are similarly puzzled. What’s the purpose? What ‘kind’ of gift is this?

Let me explain.

We know the story. Without prior warning or notice – though foretold of old - the Angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night, and in a dazzling display of unfettered heavenly glory, the Angel told the shepherds that he brought news of great joy which will be for all the peoples of the world - for unto them was born this night in the city of David....a Savior.

neighborhood counselor and work through some of the challenges living in a sinful world. But there is only one Savior! The united theme of Scripture is that Jesus is the Savior of the World because there is no other! Hence the reason why the Angel’s proclamation is a source of great joy and hope for all peoples.

God doesn’t give superfluous gifts. He gave the world a Savior because it is impossible for us to save ourselves.

Out of His love for all peoples, God sent His Son to be an atoning sacrifice for the sins of all who would believe. St. Paul wrote “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This gift is a Person, and He is received by faith. We don’t deserve it, we can’t pay for it, nor can we earn it. The forgiveness of sins and a new life birthed by God Himself is an act of His loving grace. Our joy is to respond in faith, trusting the Lord Jesus to save us, for after all, this is what Christmas is all about.

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The Angel didn’t say unto us is born a “Teacher”, as though we just needed someone who would tell us how to ‘get our act together’, nor a “Life Coach”, who would come Do you have alongside of us and untangle the old classic complex maze of psychological records that problems so we could have ‘our best life ever’. you want

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Jesus is, of course, a marvelous teacher and a great source of counsel. But he is so much more than that! You can go to any library and feast on selfhelp books. You can visit your

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Volunteers Needed

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Teams of 2 deliver on 33 routes in Lehigh County. Drive a Phoebe Allentown seeks route or ride along as a visitor. individuals to assist 610-398-2563 or dstillwagen@ with memory support mealsonwheelslc.org. neighborhoods. You train in Montessori principles to create Lutheran Home - Topton invites volunteers to share meaningful experiences by practicing person-centered care. musical talent, voice or instrument with residents. Flex For a rewarding experience 610-794-5362 jwickel@phoebe. hours, days, eves, weekends.

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support and presence to those facing terminal illness. Training, flex hours. Robin Trexler, 610-266-0134 Are you a “people person”? Have skills and talents to use to “give back”? Compassionate Care has a variety of volunteer opportunities with a training and support programs. Call Carolyn at 610-770-6500.

Center for Vision Loss seeks volunteers to assist blind and visually impaired people as companions, transportation drivers and Mall Walk helpers.

Office assistants and vision screeners are needed. Training

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Lehigh Valley Hospice provides volunteer opportunities for individuals who believe that life is a journey. Join us and discover how enriching it is to spend meaningful time with our patients. Call Janet Barber, 610-969-0127.

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Dances LV Active Life Sat. Dance 7:30-11pm. 610-437-3700 $7 refreshments. lehighseniors. org.

“Dancing on the Odds” on odd numbered Fridays at 3rd Third Street Alliance, 41 N. 3rd St. Easton. Lessons 7-8pm, Dancing 8-10pm. $10 at door. Instructor Con Gallagher (610) 433-7804.

Allentown Area Swing Dance. Fearless Fire Co. 1221 S Front St. 610390-7550. $10 includes lesson 7pm - 8:30, no partner needed. Info: allentownswingdance.org.

Wed 6:30 LV Active Life (Lehigh County Senior Ctr.) Free coffee, snacks. $15 includes 4 double cards & 1 pack of specials.610-437-3700

Alz. Support Groups Alzheimer’s Respite Program Hope Community Church 7974 Clausville Rd. Fogelsville, For those in early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Respite time, support for caregivers. Free, Wed - 1-5 PM 484-619-0330 bowerdav@gmail.com.

1st Thurs 11:00 am Arden Courts 5151 Hamilton Blvd.

Allentown 3rd Sat 1pm 410 Krocks Rd. Social Ballroom/Latin Swing Country Meadows, Bldg 1 Dance Saturday, 2nd Sat. @ Allentown 7pm TC Dance Club 6623 3rd Wed 3pm Phoebe Sullivan Trail Wind Gap Terrace 1925 Turner St. 610-881-1000 Allentown, learnballroomlatin.com 2nd Wed 5:30 pm Sarah Care Refreshments & BYOB. Adult Day Care 7010 Snow Lesson at 8:00pm $12, no Drift Rd. Allentown, reservations, all welcome 1st Thurs 1:00pm St. with or without partner.

Andrew’s Church 1900 Pennsylvania Ave. Allentown Bingo 3rd Thurs 4:30 Westminster Village 2156 Hanover St. Wed 5PM game at 6:30PM Allentown, Volunteer Fire Co Fogelsville 3rd Tues 5:00 pm Kirkland Ladies Auxiliary Cash Prizes Village 1 Kirkland Village 484-350-1388 Circle Bethlehem, 4th Mon 2:30pm Moravian HTCC hosts monthly Bingo- Village 526 Wood St. 1st Thurs of month at 6:30 Bethlehem, Last Monday pm! Prizes range from $40 to 6:30 pm Traditions of $125. 610-317-8701.

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Bethlehem, 3rd Wed 1:00 pm Third Street Alliance 41 North Third St Easton, 1st Wed 9:30am Moravian Hall Square 175 W. North St. Nazareth.

1st Thurs (except Dec.) Whitehall Manor 6-7:30pm.

1177 6th Street, Whitehall 3rd Thurs (except Dec.) Saucon Valley Manor 6-7:30pm. 1050 Main St. Hellertown Phoebe’s Alzheimer’s Support Grp 3-4:30 PM 3rd Wed. Phoebe Terrace, 1940 Turner St, Allentown. For those with loved ones with Alz. or other dementias. 610794-5273.

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Misc.

St. John’s Friendly Fifties annual Christmas dinner on Wed., December 7th, at the Northampton Banquet and Event Center (Community Center). DOORS WILL OPEN AT 11:00 AM. Entertainment will be provided by Emmaus Baptist Academy “Ring the Bells”.

Trexlertown Senior Group St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Breinigsville, PA Fellowship Hall Meetings every Tuesday at 12;45. We have snacks, cards games, bingo and a singalong and many more, for info call Betty 610-706-0267

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