Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine • Summer 2022

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Summer 2022

Emergency Care Close to Home Also in this Issue...

Step Back into 1947 | Staying Safe in the Summer Senior Profile: J. Kevin McMahon | Secrets to Healthy Joints

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Editorial 6

Ready to Upgrade Your Life? Weaver Homes

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Secrets to Healthy Joints Dr. Joseph Maroon

10 Senior Profile: J. Kevin McMahon, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO, Announces His Retirement 11 The Unpredictability of Life Tim Powers 12 Advertorial: Landing At Your Dream Destination Deb Walton, SRES® 13 Seasonal Weather Safety: Staying Safe in the Summer UPMC Senior Services 14 Swift Audiology – Strong Supporter of Rescue 22 Foundation Swift Audiology 16 Medicare Answers for Vaccines and Immunizations Crystal A. Manning 17 Volunteer Opportunities Abound for Seniors Janice Lane Palko 22 Advertorial: Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Tri-State Neuropathy Centers

In Every Issue...

17 Remember When: Hairstyles Janice Lane Palko 18 The Good Old Days: Step Back Into 1947 Paula Green 20 Pondering Pittsburgh: Coasting Thru Past Amusement Parks in the Pittsburgh Area Paula Green

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PO Box 425 Mars, PA 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444 Email: info@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

President & Publisher Laura Lyn Arnold Publisher Emeritus & Contributor Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive Mary L. Simpson Design & Production Kostilnik & Assoc. Graphics, Inc. Web Master Swanson Publishing, LLC

Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC is to connect the people of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest senior publication, Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, health, and recreational needs of seniors in our area.

The contents of Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

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COVER STORY

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Ready to UPGRADE YOUR LIFE? Then it’s time to experience the Lifestyle Communities of Weaver Homes!

Think of milestones throughout your life. Finishing school. Getting married. Having children and grandchildren. All reminders of how wonderful life can be. For many, the next milestone is often the “is it time to downsize” moment.

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oday’s active adults are redefining what it means to be older. They’re choosing to upgrade their lives by moving to active lifestyle communities, opting for a relaxed, hassle-free way of life. Heritage Crossings and The Villas at Forest Oaks by Weaver Homes are all about that carefree lifestyle. The low-maintenance homes feature open, single-level floorplans, an abundance of natural light, accessible age-inplace design, and plenty of storage. The communities themselves include unique amenities that encourage healthy living, along with a mandate that residents enjoy fun activities and great adventures instead of chores like mowing grass, raking leaves or shoveling snow.

Heritage Crossings is one of Weaver Homes’ most popular lifestyle communities. Located in Sarver, Pa, it is minutes from everything in Butler County. This thoughtfully designed community is adjacent to South Pike Square Plaza, so residents walk to dinner, the hairdresser, or the movies. It has sidewalks, a large furnished clubhouse, a fitness center and a heated outdoor pool. (Perfect for family gatherings, hanging out with neighbors, or just relaxing.). The villa-style homes include an oversized 2.5 car garage, a pull-down storage attic, and additional storage located behind the laundry room. Design-ready homes are available, too!

The Villas at Forest Oaks is Weaver’s new lifestyle community.

Located in Butler, Pa, it is set on one of the area’s most sought-after 18-hole golf courses, Aubrey’s Dubbs Dred. With breathtaking views of rolling hills and manicured greens, this is a great chance to live the good life on a golf course! There is also a heated pool, a clubhouse, and a gym. Homesites facing the greens are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. The one-story villas compliment the easy, carefree lifestyle. Homesites facing the greens are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Weaver Homes specializes in homes designed for the active adult buyer. These unique floorplans are designed to be low-maintenance and support a healthier lifestyle. With more than three decades of design and building experience, Weaver Homes is Greater Pittsburgh’s premier personalized home builder. Family-owned and operated, they take a very hands-on approach to the construction process.

Find the low maintenance Lifestyle Community that’s perfect for you!

Visit WeaverHomes.com today and check out their unique homes and lifestyle. n

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YOUR HEALTH

Secrets to Healthy Joints

By Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS What if I were to ask you what part of our body contains the most joints? Most would say either the hands or feet, with the hands in fact having 29 joints each for most people. The fact is the spine with 24 vertebra and two joints each has more joints with a total of 48. As we become more active in the summer weather, joint pain, especially back pain, can be a major disability. For many, back pain is the most common cause of missed days of work other than the common cold.

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s a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon, I am continually advising my patients on how to maintain and improve their joints that make up the spine as well as all other joints in the body. Joints are where the bones that move meet, and in that space is a fluid-filled sac called the synovial sac. Within these sacs is a lubricating fluid. First, I determine their current level of activity. If the joint is active or moves, this fluid should remain plentiful within the sac. Exercise, such as walking and stretching, helps to maintain joint lubrication and improves joint movement.

As we age, or with repetitive movement, joint injury can occur, and the joint can become stiff and inflamed due to less fluid lubrication. We of course know this as painful arthritis due to inflammatory factors, and this can lead to joint deformity and further reduced mobility.

There are other causes of arthritic joint pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune causes. The most common cause is referred to as osteoarthritis. In this condition not only is there reduced joint fluid and pain with movement of the joint, there is also a loss of cartilage tissue between the joints and the development of bone spurs.

Prevention and Treatment of Joint Pain The first secret to better joint health is prevention.

Your joints require a moderate amount of use each day.

Walking 30 minutes and stretching and light weights or bands will generally be sufficient to help prevent more serious joint destruction. Also avoid joint overload by eliminating excessive weight (both what we lift and the weight we carry on our joints), and by avoiding overly repetitive movements. These stressors will accelerate joint decay and lead to joint pain and inflammation.

Additionally, proper hydration will help to maintain adequate levels of synovial fluid levels.

If joint pain does occur, there are numerous overthe-counter (OTC), prescription and dietary supplements available used to treat this condition. With over 46 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis, the market for joint pain supplements and medications is enormous. In my own practice, most patients with spine

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pain are already on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or “NSAID.” NSAIDs are available both as OTC and by prescription, but due to concern over stomach and bleeding side effects, especially with long term use, I encourage them to consider more natural alternatives. Up to 50% of users of NSAIDs will develop heartburn or other types of stomach pain. Almost all who take long-term older generation NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, will have evidence of mild stomach irritation and bleeding, and 8% to 20% more will have ulceration. In addition, 3% of those on NSAIDs will develop serious gastrointestinal side effects, which results in more than 100,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 16,500 deaths annually in the U.S. NSAIDs use is one of the most common causes of drug-related sickness and death reported to the FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world.

Natural anti-inflammatory alternatives should be considered as a potential treatment alternative to reduce inflammation and generally with far fewer side effects.

I personally recommend fish oil (Omega -3) supplements to all my patients with joint pain. In a study done using my own patients we showed a 60% reduction in joint pain using just omega-3 fish oil which resulted in about two-thirds of our patients being able to stop taking NSAIDs for their spine pain.

I have used fish oil myself also with excellent results.

I’ve been so impressed, I have even written a book about the benefits of omega-3, entitled, Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory. Remember, the greatest secret about maintaining joint health is that choices we make now, to preserve and treat joints properly, will have lifelong implications. So, start today. (Always ask you healthcare professional before taking a new medication or dietary supplement.) n

Joseph C. Maroon, MD is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, Nutritional and Sports Medicine Expert. Dr. Maroon has written and lectured extensively on brain health and healthy life choices.

As a competitive Ironman triathlete, Dr. Maroon practices what he preaches and is committed to the promoting healthy choices to his patients and readers.

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SENIOR PROFILE

J. Kevin McMahon, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO, Announces His Retirement

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Kevin McMahon, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, plans to retire at the end of this year. Under McMahon’s two decades of dedicated leadership, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust advanced downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural and economic transformation. In addition, it continued to earn international, national, regional, and local recognition for how a non-profit organization can utilize the arts as a catalyst for urban revitalization.

“It has been an absolute honor to serve Pittsburgh for the past 21 years and be a part of a community that has generously supported and attended tens of thousands of events and programs in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Cultural District,” said McMahon. “The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is in a strong position today because of the incredible collaboration among our amazing team of highly passionate and skilled professionals. Hundreds of loyal volunteers,

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community leaders on our boards, our wonderful arts partners and resident companies, and the visionary philanthropic supporters who have created a solid foundation for arts and culture to continually evolve and thrive for the betterment of Pittsburgh and the region.”

Under McMahon’s guidance, the Cultural Trust has become renowned for attracting over two million people annually to more than 2,000 performing arts events, festivals, visual arts exhibitions, public art installations and education programs. In addition to growing audiences, he has strengthened the organization’s health, setting the stage for long-term success. He nurtured an innovative shared services program that increased efficiencies and created millions of dollars in cost savings among Cultural District arts organizations. McMahon cultivated a loyal base of donors, guiding the increase of annual members to over 15,000 individuals who, along with significant foundation, corporate, and government support, make the work of the Cultural Trust possible. The organization did not incur an annual operating deficit until the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the arts industry nationwide. He was instrumental in securing several multimillion-dollar gifts to support the Trust’s multi-faceted mission. As a result, the Cultural Trust’s annual budget grew from $20 million to $85 million, placing it within the top five performing arts centers in the United States. It helped raise over $400 million in contributions during his tenure at the Cultural Trust.

Highlights during his tenure include starting the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, which brought the Florentijn Hofman’s beloved The Rubber Duck Project to the Allegheny River; the presentation of geographicallytargeted arts and culture festivals including the Quebec, Australia, Distinctively Dutch, and India in Focus festivals. In addition, the Pittsburgh premiere of several internationally-renown theater companies, including the Globe Theatre and Dublin’s Gate Theatre, increased the scope of the Broadway in Pittsburgh series with such blockbuster events as Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton, and the launch of the very popular Cultural District Gallery Crawls.

“The wonderful thing about the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is that it is not only an impactful organization, but it is also a glorious concept that ties directly to Pittsburgh’s DNA,” states McMahon. “With a great idea and a get-it-done spirit, anything is possible. I look forward to the next chapter of the Cultural Trust’s incredible story, and I am forever thankful that I was given the privilege to pen a few pages.”

While retiring from his role at the Cultural Trust, McMahon plans to continue teaching as an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He also intends to continue spending time in the Cultural District. In addition, McMahon looks forward to taking a seat among theatergoers—no longer concerned about how the production on stage came to be, now focused simply on enjoying the show. n

The Unpredictability of Life

by Tim Powers HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

If there’s something we’ve learned over the past year, it’s that life can be very unpredictable. And it’s that unpredictability that has most people in goal-setting mode right now. In addition to enjoying all that life has to offer, we want to be better prepared for the unexpected.

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ecause life has shown us that we don’t always have time, getting our affairs in order is a crucial step as we continue into the New Year. Life insurance should be one of those important steps.

Most people are surprised to learn that life insurance can be very affordable. You don’t have to spend a lot to get the coverage you need. Life insurance can be the difference between your loved ones navigating your passing without the stress the loss of your income represents and being able to focus on their emotional state without the added burden.

But life’s unpredictability isn’t limited to loss of life.

Sometimes the loss of a job can be an unexpected blow, or an injury happens that prevents a person from working. Disability insurance may also be an important addition to your personal preparedness portfolio. And there are options to help you continue your healthcare coverage should you lose your job.

The unpredictable nature of life makes it more important than ever before to find coverage that fits your needs. You can schedule a complimentary review with me, a licensed insurance agent, to explore a variety of insurance options at no cost to you. Give me a call, anytime.

HealthMarkets Butler is located at 614 Moraine Pointe Plaza, in Butler. To get started with your free review, call Tim, a licensed insurance agent, directly at (724) 822-0388. n HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 47257-HM-0321

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ADVERTORIAL

Deb Walton, SRES®

YOUR HEALTH

Seasonal Weather Safety: Staying Safe in the Summer UPMC Senior Services

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o matter the season, keep in mind weather and temperature tips when spending time outdoors. Just as hypothermia is linked to winter weather, hyperthermia can occur in the summertime if our body temperature is higher than normal. Because being outside can be helpful for both mental and physical health, we want to make the most of the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), there are changes that occur to our skin as we age. We may experience changes to sweat glands and skin may become thinner. Additionally, the NIA notes that ultraviolet light from the sun also causes changes to the skin that are abnormal, not due to the normal aging process.

Always keep in mind, no matter the season, to stay hydrated (please note suggestion below if a medical professional cautions about too many fluids). The impact that hydration can have on the body and mind cannot be overestimated. Drinking fluids is important. You can also consider fruit and vegetable juices as additional methods to stay hydrated. Hydration is an important component to our skin care too. Not getting enough liquids contributes to dry skin.

Skin cancer is a concern that we could face at any age and affects all skin colors. This type of cancer remains a dangerous matter and is often addressed as we move through warmer weather. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of diagnosis for melanoma, which is one type of skin cancer, is 65. Though individuals at any age can be diagnosed with melanoma, the risk does increase with age.

As we plan out our summer activities, keep these suggestions in mind and make them a regular part of your routine: • Stay hydrated and keep liquids close by in case any symptoms arise. Be cautious with caffeine and alcohol.

• If someone has a fluid restriction or limit, talk with a medical professional about hydration alternatives.

• Review medications with a medical professional in case one or more may be causing heat intolerance.

• Take breaks from the outdoors and go inside or to a cooler place to help the body’s temperature stay regulated.

• Check the air conditioner or fans to make sure they are properly working.

• Consider public places that may have air conditioning if needed, such as a mall, library, community center, etc.

• Monitor the weather forecast in case any preparations are warranted, such as clothing selection, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and/or staying in cool spaces.

• Notify and/or seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of heat-related illnesses include high body temperature, headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, muscle pain, nausea, confusion, blisters, and fainting.

If you have questions about community resources, please reach out to Education and Consultative Services of UPMC Senior Services. Our phone number is 866-4308742, our e-mail is UPMCSeniorServices@UPMC.edu, and our website is SeniorServices.UPMC.com. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/UPMCSeniorServices.

Please note that we are not a crisis or emergency line. n Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute on Aging

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YOUR HEALTH

Swift Audiology – Strong Supporter of Rescue 22 Foundation Providing Service Dogs to Veterans

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n July 2021, Deb Swift of Swift Audiology made a decision to give back to those that have served our country and protected our freedoms. For each hearing aid sold, a portion of the sale was set aside to give to the Rescue 22 Foundation. These funds help to offset the $25,000 cost to train a service dog. With our most recent donation of $4,200, since July 2021, the company has donated nearly $10,000 to support this cause.

Angela Connor, Executive Board Chair, CFO, and Co-Founder of Rescue 22, is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and saw firsthand the effects of war. When asked what the 22 stood

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MULTI-DAY TOURS

for, she replied, “The 22 represents 22 veterans we lose to suicide a day.”

Rescue 22 Foundation provides psychiatric, mobility and medical service dogs to our veterans at no charge and without geographic restrictions. Service dogs meeting the needs of veterans diagnosed with post traumatic stress remain our most requested type of dog.

Currently, the VA does not provide funding for service dogs for PTS, TBI, or other non-mobility diagnoses.

The dogs are an important tool to combat depression, anxiety and other challenges associated with PTSD. There are currently 10 veterans within the Pittsburgh region on the waiting list for a service dog.

Swift Audiology is a proud supporter of the Rescue 22 Foundation. “We have and will continue to commit monies to the organization for each hearing aid sold. We helped fund a service dog for Josh, a local Pittsburgh Veteran. One of the two dogs featured above is being trained will be for another veteran in our area. Our veterans have given so much – it’s time we all do our part to give back,” said Deb. Call 724-222-9010 or visit www.swiftaudiology.com to learn more. n

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ADVERTORIAL

Medicare Answers for Vaccines and Immunizations

By Crystal Manning

A question which I frequently field from my clients is “Are recommended vaccinations and immunizations covered under my Medicare plan?” In this article I hope to address what you need to know regarding a few of the most common shots.

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f you remember how painful getting chickenpox was as a child, then you have just an inkling of how shingles feel. Therefore, many people want to know if Medicare covers the shingles vaccine. The answer is Yes, Medicare does cover the shingles vaccine, but not under Original Medicare Parts A and B. Instead, your Medicare Part D

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(prescription) plan is required to provide coverage for the shingles vaccines.

If your provider recommends that you get a vaccine, in most cases it will be covered by your Part D plan. Part D plans must include most commercially available vaccines on their formularies.

The only exceptions are flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccinations, which are covered by Part B, (medical). The amount you pay for your vaccine may vary depending on where you get vaccinated.

Payment for Part D-covered vaccines and their administration are made solely by the participating prescription drug plan. This includes all preventive vaccines not covered under Medicare Part B. Be sure to check your plan’s coverage rules and see where you can get your vaccine at the lowest cost. Typically, you will pay the

Crystal A. Manning

Medicare Advisor

Call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com 10008 Pine Ridge Drive Wexford, Pa. 15090

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least for your vaccinations at innetwork pharmacies or through your doctor’s office, which either coordinates with a pharmacy to bill your Part D plan or bills your plan directly for the entire cost of the vaccination process (the drug and its injection).

If you have qualified for economic assistance, you may go to any provider or in-network pharmacy to get vaccines.

It is important to understand your Medicare coverage choices and to pick your coverage carefully. How you choose to get your benefits and who you get them from can affect your out-of-pocket costs and where you can get your care. Contact Crystal Manning, Licensed Medicare Advisor for more than 30 years, at 412-716-4942 or crystalmanning33@gmail.com. n

REM EM BER WHEN

Volunteer Opportunities Abound for Seniors

By Janice Lane Palko

Many people when they retire aim to spend some of their newly acquired free time volunteering. But where to volunteer? Two programs— SCORE Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Cares—can help you find the right volunteer opportunity.

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CORE Pittsburgh is a nonprofit association that provides assistance to existing and start-up businesses through free, confidential counseling and mentoring as well as free workshops. Volunteer Mentors share their expertise across many industries.

“If you want to make a lasting impact in your small business community, SCORE is the place to do that.

Since 1964, SCORE has educated and mentored more than 11 million small business owners and entrepreneurs. SCORE Pittsburgh is currently looking for business mentors,” said Kathy Lokay Ellis, Certified Mentor and Chapter Chair. Volunteers advise, guide, share and inspire entrepreneurs. Time commitment is only 15-20 hours per month. To learn more about SCORE Pittsburgh, visit the website at: https:// pittsburgh.score.org/.

While SCORE Pittsburgh is geared to those with more of a business bent, Pittsburgh Cares brings together many agencies needing volunteers with those wishing to offer their services. Opportunities vary from becoming a volunteer firefighter to working a specific event such as “redding-up” after the Arts Festival.

There is a spot for every interest and experience.

Pittsburgh Cares, the only organization in Southwestern Pennsylvania to focus solely on volunteering, has been serving the greater Pittsburgh area for over 30 years. “Our mission is simple- To make volunteering easy, accessible, and fun for people of all ages and backgrounds,” says Nina Zappa, Project Director of the organization’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). “The work volunteers provide not only offers crucial support for nonprofit organizations but volunteering also has numerous benefits for the individual.” For more information about volunteer opportunities with Pittsburgh Cares, visit the website at: www.pittsburghcares.org. n

Hairstyles

By Janice Lane Palko

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ith the warmer weather comes proms, graduations and wedding season, and for those big events, people pay more attention to their hairstyles. Hair trends come and go. When I was a kid in the 60s, the Flip, such as Marlo Thomas wore in That Girl was quite popular. For a more sophisticated look, women went for the Beehive, a pile of curls sitting atop the head. Most Beehives were more stylish than cartoon character Marge Simpson’s.

Dippity-do was an essential hair product back then as was Aqua Net to set that teased hairdo. I remember teens saving empty Pepsi cans to use as large hair rollers.

When I entered school in 1966, I got a haircut called a Sassoon, named after the inventor of the look, hairdresser Vidal Sassoon. It looked like an early Beatles bob but with pointed sideburns-think Mr. Spock in Star Trek.

Hair appliances were more primitive then. There were no curling irons or blow dryers. Most women set their hair in rollers or pink sponge curlers if you found sleeping on metal logs annoying. Pin curls fastened with bobby pins also helped to achieve the desired curl. You either sat under a bonnet dryer or just waited for your hair to dry naturally. It was considered a major fashion faux pas to appear in public in rollers. When the hot roller was introduced, Clairol Kindness hot rollers used this jingle, “Curlers in your hair. Shame on you!” to “curler shame” women and sell the hot rollers.

With the 70s and the Hippies came long, straight hair, parted down the middle and the Shag. Marsha and Jan Brady of The Brady Bunch wore the classic long hair but their mom, Carol Brady sported a Shag. The emphasis on hair products then was natural. Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific and Wella Balsam and Herbal Essence were introduced. The Instant Dry Shampoo, Psssssst was also introduced as well as Body on Tap beer shampoo, which was one-third Budweiser beer. Some misguided people actually drank the hair product.

Two celebrities revolutionized hairstyles in the latter half of the 1970s: Dorothy Hammill and Farrah Fawcett. In the 1976 Olympics, skater Dorothy Hamill became America’s sweetheart and girls gave up their long tresses to sport Hamill’s short wedge haircut. That same year, Charlie’s Angels star Farrah Fawcett posed for a swimsuit poster, which became the best-selling poster to date. Guys hung that poster in their rooms and girls ditched their straight hair for Farrah’s long-layered feathered curls achieved with the use of an electric curling iron.

The 1980s took those Farrrah curls to the max as big hair came into style. Perms were brought back and mullets, short hair in the front and long in the back, or as it was known as “business up front and party in the back” were sported by men and women. Crimping, making your tresses look like a crinkle-cut fry, was also an option as well as long spiral perms. Not since the 60s beehives had hair been this big, and you needed a lot of styling aids to construct these over-blown hairstyles. Mousse originated in France and came to the U.S. back then and was introduced to the market by L’Oreal.

Other than the Rachel hairstyle inspired by Jennifer Aniston, in the 90s, the next few decades haven’t had one unifying hairstyle. Perhaps the neon hair colors that are currently in fashion in some places will be most remembered as the signature look for our times. n

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THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Step Back Into...1947 UFO crashes in Roswell The Dead Sea Scrolls are discovered in Qumran

By Paula Green

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n July 7, an unknown object crashed in the general vicinity of Roswell, New Mexico. The United States Armed Forces insists it was a highaltitude surveillance balloon. Hollywood “Black List” is created by HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee).

Average The average income was $3,500.

Minimum wage was 40 cents per hour. Cost of a new home $13,000. The average cost of a new car is $1,500. Gasoline was 23 cents per gallon. A loaf of bread sold for 12 cents. A gallon of milk was 63 cents. The price of a first-class stamp was 3 cents.

Firsts The microwave oven is invented

by Percy Spencer.

Edward Lowe invented Kitty Litter®.

Wham-O introduced its first product – a slingshot. The company name came from the sound of a slingshot hitting a target.

The Igloo portable cooler was introduced.

We saw the first appearance of these popular toys - Steel Pogo Sticks, John Deere Die-Cast Tractor, Lionel Trains Milk Car and Tonka Trucks.

U.S. events The U.S. Air Force is made a separate branch of the military.

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Chuck Yeager, a United States Air Force Captain and World War II veteran, becomes the first person to break the sound barrier.

U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall announces the “Marshall Plan.”

World News The start of the Cold War begins and lasts until the collapse of East European and Soviet state communism in the late 1980s.

Princess Elizabeth of England announces her engagement to Philip Mountbatten on July 10.

Television Meet the Press debuts on NBC. The first news show will become television’s longest-running program. The Howdy Doody Show appeared on NBC and ran until 1960. Popular TV shows: Kraft Theatre; Queen for a Day; Stump the Stars; Kukla, Fran and Ollie; Mary Kay and Johnny; Little Audrey; Public Prosecutor; Memory Lane; The Army Hour and Look Upon a Star.

Songs

India and Pakistan gain independence from Great Britain.

Among My Souvenirs; Anniversary Song; Ballerina; Managua, Nicaragua; Near You; The Old MapLighter; Open The Door; Richard; Smoke, Smoke, Smoke; Tea For Two; There’s No Business Like Show Business; and When You Were Sweet Sixteen.

Entertainment

Publishing

The first Cannes Film Festival was held in Cannes, France.

Academy awardwinning Tom and Jerry cartoon, The Cat Concerto, is released to theaters on April 26. Movies releases: Gentleman’s Agreement, Great Expectations, The Bishop’s Wife and Miracle on 34th Street. A Streetcar Named Desire, a play written by Tennessee Williams is first performed on Broadway on December 3.

Spring 2022 | www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Time Magazine’s Man of the Year: George Marshall. Popular books: The Diary of a Young Girl (aka The Diary of Anne Frank) by Anne Frank; A Streetcar Named Desire; East Side, West Side; Gentleman’s Agreement; Goodnight Moon; House Divided; Kingsblood Royal; The Miracle of the Bells; The Moneyman; Prince of Foxes; The Vixens and The Wayward Bus.

Sports NFL Champions: Chicago Cardinals; World Series: New York Yankees over Brooklyn, 4-3 (first televised World Series); Stanley Cup Champs: Toronto Maple Leafs; NBA Champions: Philadelphia Warriors.

Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American player in a major league baseball team (Brooklyn Dodgers).

Politics President: Harry S Truman, Vice President: none. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, limiting the number of terms a president may serve, is ratified on Feb. 27.

Quotes: “One ought to be just before one is generous.”

– Winston Churchill “When you want to know about a woman, ask the old men. They know.”

– Prof. Wutheridge (Monty Woolley) in The Bishop’s Wife “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”

– Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) – Miracle on 34th Street Sources: www.thepeoplehistory.com/1947. html, www.infoplease.com/year/1947, www.babyboomers.com/1947, www.tvhistory.tv/1947, popculturemadness.com/ PCM/1947/1947-history-fun-facts-trivia/, https://www.historic-newspapers.com/oldnewspapers/1947-newspapers/

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| Spring 2022

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PONDERING PITTSBURGH

Coasting Thru Past Amusement Parks in the Pittsburgh Area

By Paula Green

S

ummer is packed with excitement and recreation. One place that draws gigantic crowds and offers tons of thrills is an amusement park. We have some in the area that have endured the passage of time and are still thriving today.

Idlewild Park, in Ligonier, was founded in 1878. This historical, recreational gem is the oldest amusement park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Another Pittsburgh treasure is Kennywood Park in West Mifflin. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this actionpacked park has been around since 1878.

Amusement parks have drastically changed over the past 150+ years.

Today, most parks feature French Fries, funnel cakes, and other tasty delights. Additionally, they have numerous roller coasters and other thrill rides. Picnic groves, boat rides, theaters, dance halls, and swimming pools were the norm years ago.

A few memorable amusement parks that have since closed include – Cascade Amusement Park, New

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Castle, which began operations in 1897. The park had a dance pavilion, outdoor theater, roller rink, and funfilled rides. Unfortunately, the rides eventually met their demise, and they were permanently closed. Today, Cascade Park is a nature park used for concerts, events, weddings, and leisurely strolls.

Luna Park was a 16-acre hilly site in North Oakland that opened in 1905. This was a period in our history when Pittsburgh was spelled without the “h.” So the facility was known as Pittsburg’s Luna Park.

The area showcased a roller coaster, a chute-the-chutes boat ride, a dance hall and picnic areas. Unfortunately, the novelty of the place wore off, and Luna Park closed for good in 1909.

Kennywood pays tribute to Luna Park with their “Lost Kennywood” section.

This park region features an area modeled after Luna and other “world’s fair” style parks.

Burke’s Glenn Park in Monroeville was a hot spot from 1927 to 1974.

Rainbow Gardens in McKeesport welcomed patrons from 1924 thru 1968.

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In addition to rides, this amusement park showcased a swimming pool, roller rink, and drive-in theater.

West View Park was a trolley park that started in 1906 in West View Borough. The park featured two unique roller coasters – the Big Dips and the Racing Whippet; it also had a walk-thru funhouse called Boot Hill. West View Park was a popular place for school picnics. In addition, it featured a huge dance hall.

Unfortunately, the park closed in 1977. The borough erected a shopping plaza in its place.

White Swan was a small amusement park on the border of Moon and Findley townships that ran from 1955 to 1989. The area had rides and a miniature golf course.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation purchased the park to relocate Route 60 to make it more accessible to the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport.

A few other amusement parks that closed include – Aladema Park, Butler, 1901-1935; Belvedere Park, Tarentum – 1927-1939; Coney Island, Neville Island, 1906-1909; Dream City/White City Park, Wilkinsburg, 1906-1908; Eldora Park, Carroll Township, 1901-1946; Junction Park, New Brighton, 1904-1946; Oakford Park, Jeanette, 1901-1930; Oakwood Park, Crafton, 1902-1906; Olympia Park, McKeesport, 1901-1935; and

Southern Avenue Park, Carrick/ Baldwin 1902-1910.

If you visited any of these parks, treasure those memories. If you get the opportunity to visit an amusement park, it will make you feel like a kid again. So have a happy and safe summer! n Sources: onlyinyourstate.com, phlf.org, amusementparklives.com, lostamusementparks.napha.org/, pennlive.com

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| Spring 2022

21

ADVERTORIAL

HOPE

Frank S.

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

Ten years ago I hurt my foot and it continued to get worse over the years.

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Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. A specialized treatment protocol utilizing brand new technologies is available at the TRI-STATE NEUROPATHY CENTERS. It includes the combination of very specific, noninvasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to get rid of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

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Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Take o • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands PREQUA ur LIFYING • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch SU www.M RVEY at aryDan • Loss of Balance or Coordination cedIn.c om • Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles • Weakness in the Arms and Legs • Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

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Five Locations: Sewickley

2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd., Suite 207

Monroeville

4314 Old William Penn Hwy, Suite 105

Washington, PA

1385 Washington Rd., #100

Poland, OH

70 W McKinley Way, Poland, OH 44514

Weirton, WV

3350 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite A, Weirton, WV 26062

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