b magazine Summer 2015

make room for

angela cartwright

Healthy Aging GETAWAYS with the GRANDKIDS

Reaching baby boomers 1946 – 1964

• Committed to providing a unique and memorable spa experience • Luxurious surroundings and expert staff • Offering: Massage & Body Treatments Facials & Waxing* Pedicures & Natural Nail Services* • Reduce stress and improve your wellbeing 2 Convenient locations: Richmond Square Cocoa Plex Center 608 Richmond Drive 1126 Cocoa Avenue Lancaster, PA 17601 Hershey, PA 17033 717.519.6626 717.533.5991 *not offered at Hershey location

SPECIAL OFFER

$20 OFF

Any 60 minute massage or facial*.

Lancaster 717.519.6626 Hershey 717.533.5991

*where available. Exp. 7/31/15

www.Emer a ldS pr ingsS pa . co m

PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson EDITORIAL V .P. & Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor Megan Joyce Editorial Intern Jason Tabor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Barbara Trainin Blank Claire Yezbak Fadden Michael J. Gelb Rebecca Hanlon Stephen Kopfinger Katie Markey McLaughlin Lori M. Myers Gale Rimbenieks Rochelle A. Shenk Maria V. Snyder Sylvester E. Williams, IV ART DEPARTMENT Production Coordinator Janys Cuffe Production Artist Renee McWilliams SALES Account Executives Christina Cardamone Angie Jacoby Amy Kieffer Ranee Shaub Miller Kristy Neideigh Jennifer Schmalhofer ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer Project Coordinator Loren Gochnauer Sales & Event Coordinator Eileen Culp

Copyright Š 2015 On-Line Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. b magazine is published quarterly. Single copy price $2.95.

Four-issue subscriptions are $6.00. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is strictly prohibited. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. The Publisher will not be responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within five days of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising.

On-Line Publishers, Inc. b magazine 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 717.285.1350 • fax 717.285.1360 www.bmagazinepa.com

2

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

from the editor ...

It was a pleasure working with Angela Cartwright. She is a woman of many talents. Whereas we came to know her through television series like Make Room for Daddy and Lost in Space and her role in The Sound of Music, she is now an artist and author of several books. Cartwright also enjoys many of life’s pleasures just like we do, such as becoming a grandmother for the second time—a granddaughter was just born on March 28.

Family and friends will soon be gathering at your home for picnics and celebrations. Read what a local family had built to bring the party outside. Parents and their kids and grandchildren will be making memories there for years to come.

Many of us will also find unwanted visitors to our homes, however, like termites, bedbugs, roaches, stink bugs, and the new kudzu bug. You thought the stink bug was bad? The kudzu bug can’t even be picked up bare-handed! Find out why and what you can do to keep these unwanted pests from your home.

This region is full of history. From unique towns to museums and mansions, there is a lot to see and learn in our own backyards. We highlighted a few places in this issue to get you started. They’re great places to take the grandkids too!

If you’re thinking about taking a vacation abroad, you might want to consider Italy. This article brought back special memories for me from when my mom and I met my son there a few years ago after he finished a semester of college. I would love to go back. Check out the article and pictures. It’s beautiful!

Many boomers are caregivers, so we always make sure to include information to help you on your journey. Knowing how to interact and communicate with people with memory

impairment goes a long way in reducing stress on both sides.

Read about this, ways to reduce wandering, and more.

Now, grab a beverage and head outside to your comfy spot. Enjoy the day and this issue of b magazine!

Vice president and managing editor

bmagazinepa

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

3

www.bmagazinepa.com summer 2015 volume 8, issue 2

features 20

FEEL THE BREEZE IN AN OPEN-AIR STRUCTURE A local contractor created an outdoor summer kitchen-style building that complemented the barn and farmhouse that were already on site. Constructed out of stone with a rustic look, it is complete with a built-in grill and sink. The built-in fireplace is great for cooking hot dogs or marshmallows or for providing heat on cooler evenings in the spring and fall.

28

TRIP OF A LIFETIME – BELLA ITALIA A touching story of the writer’s trip to Italy, a gift from her and her sister to their parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. Having emigrated from Italy to the United States, it had always been their parents’ dream to go back and visit but a fear of flying kept it from happening. Purchasing non-refundable tickets for all, the 10-day trip of a lifetime was scheduled, with Rome, Florence, and Siena on the itinerary.

64 50

WAXING NOSTALGIC: A TRIBUTE TO THE STATION WAGON The family car for many in the ‘60s and ‘70s was the station wagon. Because they were an integral part of many boomers’ lives, the AACA museum is paying special tribute to them with a new exhibit that starts this month. There will be more than 25 models on display, including the 1962 Stageway Chevrolet Station Wagon Coach, formally a Milton Hershey School vehicle used to transport students in the 1960s and 1970s.

anniversary 46

24

38

STILL FRIENDS AFTER 50 YEARS An eighth-grade class reunion.

cover story 6 ANGELA CARTWRIGHT

60 4

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

The beautiful Angela Cartwright is an actress, artist, author, and a now a grandmother. Although you haven’t seen her on television or the big screen lately, Cartwright is still making a name for herself. She has a love of photography and takes black and white photos and adds color using different medians such as acrylics of oils. But you’ll want to read the article because her talents don’t stop there.

cover photo by Steve Gullion

caregiving 54

PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR CAREGIVERS Insights and strategies to help those with memory impairment.

57

SERVICES TO ADDRESS WANDERING Keeping our loved ones safe.

financial 12

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE A consideration for many boomers.

general 72

GOOD VIBRATIONS Meet a fellow boomer.

health 16

20

REDUCING THE RISK FOR OSTEOPOROSIS Improve bone mass.

home 24

UNWANTED VISITORS Dealing with common household bugs.

lifestyle 60

HEALTHY AGING Important things to know.

people 64

VINTAGE AUTOMOBILES Sharing a passion for cars.

travel 34

GETAWAYS WITH THE GRANDKIDS

34

57

A unique destination.

40

A TALE OF TWO MUSEUMS History in Central Pennsylvania.

veteran 69

STILL SERVING HER COUNTRY Helping veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

volunteerism 38

BOOMERS GIVING BACK A passion for caring.

40 summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

5

photo by Steve Gullion

cover story

make room for angela cartwright Written by LORI M. MYERS

I’M TALKING TO ANGELA CARTWRIGHT, WHO IS AT HER HOME IN California and taking delight in the hustle and bustle going on around her. This former child star, artist, wife, and mother is babysitting her grandchild today ... and loving every minute of it.

She is quick to add that her daughter, Becca, and husband are expecting another. Yes, Cartwright, that darkhaired, sweet-faced, English-born American actress, who has delighted television and film audiences from the age

6

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

of 3, became a grandmother last year.

“I love every moment of my grandson,” she tells me. “I’m so fortunate. My parents are alive and in their 90s. I come from a strong family unit.”

photo by Steve Gullion

cover story ) ) ) angela cartwright

Angela Cartwright, left, and her new book, Styling The Stars–Lost Treasures from the Twentieth Century Fox Archive.

It’s that strong family unit, Cartwright admits, that grounded her in a business known for eating child stars up and spitting them out.

“Show business is brutal,” she says.

“Everything is so public. But I have no regrets. It was never a terrible experience for me. I had a good balance.”

So let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start when it comes to the life and success of Angela Cartwright, who honed her craft with show biz icons like Danny Thomas, Paul Newman, and Lucille Ball.

Born in Cheshire, England, Cartwright was 2 years old when she emigrated with her parents to Canada and then to Los Angeles, Calif.

“We had $63 in our pockets,” Cartwright recalls. “My mother had this dream of living in America. Our nextdoor neighbor in California had a child

who was doing a commercial. I was interviewed for a Sparkletts Water bottle label and got the job. My parents didn’t know anything about show business.”

Once Cartwright started working in the business, she never stopped. She modeled for magazine covers and advertisements and, still 3 years old, she got her first film role as Paul Newman’s daughter in Somebody Up There Likes Me, which was followed by a role in the film Something of Value with Rock Hudson.

But soon she would be well known by television viewers when Danny Thomas signed the then 4-year-old to play his stepdaughter Linda Williams on the show Make Room for Daddy. The show had a successful seven-year run after Cartwright joined the cast. The very young actress learned the discipline and the quick thinking necessary to perform

on a weekly live show.

“On Monday we read through the script, Tuesday we blocked, Wednesday we worked with the cameras, Thursday we did two run-throughs, and Friday we were off,” Cartwright says. “Danny Thomas was quite gregarious and loud.

He taught me about timing, and I adored Marjorie Lord. I learned the importance of being prepared and showing up.”

As the television series neared its end in 1965, Cartwright returned to the big screen playing the role of Brigitta in the award-winning film The Sound of Music. Thousands were interviewed to play the parts of the von Trapp children, and Cartwright was thrilled when she heard she got the role.

Danny Thomas released Cartwright from the final episode of the television show so that she could begin work on The Sound of Music. Along with

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

7

) ) ) angela cartwright

cover story

shooting at the 20th Century Fox Studios, the cast spent three months filming in Salzburg, Austria.

“My note in The Sound of Music is ‘mi’,” she says, referring to the song “Do-Re-Mi.” Several scenes were memorable ones for Cartwright. When the von Trapp children are gathered around the Captain (played by Christopher Plummer) as he sings Edelweiss, Cartwright imagined how heartfelt it was to hear her “father” singing and how music would make her remember her “mother” who had passed away.

Director Robert Wise came up to her while shooting this particular segment and asked Cartwright why she looked so sad, and so she shared with him what was in her mind during the scene. She recalled that he smiled, said “That’s good,” and then walked away.

8

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

Clockwise, from left: With Danny Thomas, Andy Griffith, and Ronny Howard; 5 years old in the Sparkletts ad; Make Room for Daddy family – Marjorie Lord, Rusty Hamer, Danny Thomas; Sound of Music garden scene; as Penny in Lost in Space, the cast of Lost in Space.

cover story ) ) ) angela cartwright

Angela Cartwright’s Artwork “The Arrival” filmed in Cannes.

A watercolor of the picturesque port of Honfleur in northwestern France, titled “Bustling.”

A watercolor piece called “Monk on a Walk.”

Flowers that live forever. Artwork called “Essex Green.”

And do you remember that intricate puppet scene in the movie? Well, many hours of rehearsal went into that sequence, and it is the child actors operating all the strings of the puppets while singing at the same time.

Cartwright’s character was in charge of the Fraulin puppet.

Soon after The Sound of Music, Cartwright was offered the role of Penny Robinson in the television series Lost in Space, which ran for three years. It was

1965, and the space race had captured the world’s imagination; that excitement wasn’t lost on Cartwright, who was fascinated with space exploration and loved starring in the show.

“I had a great time,” Cartwright says. “I became a teenager on that show. Billy Mumy and I are still friends.”

And, she adds, both The Sound of Music and Lost in Space are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

9

) ) ) angela cartwright

cover story 10

Cartwright continued guest starring in television shows, commercials, and films, and then married in 1976 and raised two children, making sure that she was available to her family no matter what artistic or business ventures she pursued.

She began cultivating her passion for art and photography (her father was a photographer), authoring several books on hand-painted photography, collage, and mixed media.

“I’ve always loved photography,” Cartwright says. “I’ve been doing it since I’ve been a teenager. I’d get my friends to model for pizza. I’ve now

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

included art and jewelry. I exhibit my work and have images on my websites (angela-cartwright.com/artography; angelacartwrightstudio.com/magento; acartwrightstudio.com).”

Cartwright’s latest project is the recent publication of Styling the Stars: Lost Treasures from the Twentieth Century Fox Archive, a book she collaborated on with friend and actor Tom McLaren.

The book is a pictorial collection of continuity photographs of stars such as Clark Gable, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and many others. The photos were never meant for public viewing; instead, they were

to assist the costumer, hairstylist, and makeup artists during the filming of a movie. The book is a true glimpse into movie history.

“I was swept away by the beauty of these photos,” Cartwright says. “We spent hours in the archives. There was a lot of red tape, and we were given access. It was a cool project.”

Cartwright’s show-business life, artistic life, and family life have been something akin to a dream. It’s been a life where everything fell perfectly into place.

“I do art,” she says. “I nurture family and I love their company. I count my blessings.” ) ) )

Know that you are the perfect age.

Each year is special and precious for you shall only live it once.

Be comfortable with growing older. ~ Louise Nay

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

11

financial

thinking about long-term care insurance?

Written by SYLVESTER E. WILLIAMS, IV

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE IS something that should be considered and managed as part of an aging adult’s comprehensive strategy for life management. Long-term care insurance is relatively new and an outcome of a population that lives longer, very often into our 80s, 90s, and even 100s.

Long-term care insurance includes a broad range of medical and support services for people with degenerative conditions, a prolonged illness, or a cognitive disorder.

Likewise, long-term care insurance, in most instances, is not just medical care but some form of immediate custodial care. Custodial care involves providing individual assistance with activities of daily living or supervision of someone who is cognitively impaired.

Today, as we age, it is vital to consider the role that this type of insurance will play and what coverage is available to address specific health ailments. Clearly, some confusion exists on the use of Medicare to confront

12

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

financial ) ) ) long-term care insurance

“

It is vital to consider the role that this type of insurance will play and what coverage is available to address specific health ailments.

some of an aging person’s health issues.

The federal Medicare program provides people who are 65 and older or disabled with health coverage but is restricted in the long-term care area.

More specifically, Medicare provides limited long-term care benefits, and the scope of coverage is mainly directed toward short-rehabilitation stays in nursing facilities.

Developing a prudent plan to address long-term health issues is not only vital, but necessary given the projected cost for treatment.

When examining long-term care insurance options, you should consider three main factors: the daily benefit amount, length of coverage, and level of inflation protection.

Regarding the daily benefit amount, consider how much of your savings will be used and what, if any, support your family will be able to provide. If you have limited savings and expect limited support from family, most likely your premium will be larger to provide for a higher daily coverage rate.

”

For example, if you select $200 a day for three years, you would have a pool of $219,000. If you opted for a lower daily rate, your benefit would most likely stretch longer than three years.

Without question, inflation protection is probably the most important aspect of long-term care insurance. Since most people make their first claim between the ages of 75-80, it is imperative to have inflation protection built into the policy.

The gold standard is 5 percent, but that option is very expensive.

Alternatively, 3 percent is not bad and still provides a cushion to cover costs for treatment. The percentages provide additional allotments to the coverage.

For instance, if the benefit was $100,000, an inflation protection of 5 percent would effect $5,000 more dollars and 3 percent would result in another $3,000 added on the benefit each year.

There are many ways to make the costs of long-term care insurance affordable.

Each insurer has pricing “sweet spots” based upon your age, when applying, and your health condition. If you’re in great health, don’t use tobacco products, and take no medications—then most likely any insurer will accept you.

Unfortunately, each insurer sets their own health qualifications and they routinely change over time.

Consequently, if you take prescription medications or have a health condition, it might be worthwhile to find out if you can health qualify. You should ask the insurer what health changes might make you ineligible to health qualify.

(That’s why taking out the insurance before those health challenges occur is a smart idea.)

The rates for coverage vary depending on your current life status, marital status, health condition, and age. Also, the daily coverage rate, length of time, and inflation protection also contribute to the coverage costs.

There are some other options available that might be more suitable as opposed to buying long-term care

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

13

) ) ) long-term care insurance

financial 14

insurance. Some people are turning to life-insurance policies packaged with a long-term care benefit rider. Their heirs would still receive a payout even if you don’t use long-term care.

In most instances, people buy the bundled product with a lump-sum payment provision, effectively removing the risk for future premium increases.

One word of caution: If you proceed down this path, combined bundled coverage often costs more.

Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, wartime veterans and their spouses or widows may qualify for long-term care benefits. As with any

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

government agency where you are requesting a benefit, there is much paperwork involved. Finding out about the requirements and filling out the paperwork are key to determining whether you are eligible for this benefit.

Some married couples with savings might want to consider using an immediate annuity that pays a benefit for a set number of years. This arrangement protects the well spouse while the other spouse recuperates.

How does an immediate annuity work? In return for your lump sum, the insurance company promises to make

regular payments to you (or to a payee you specify) for the chosen length of time. In the event that you are using this for long-term care, the annuity would be for a specific number of years and paid directly to provider of service.

It is very common to customize these programs around an event like healthcare coverage.

Using an annuity should not count against them qualifying for assistance through Medicaid. However, one condition to using this arrangement would be that the well spouse would have to live through the entire annuity period. If the well spouse does not live through the annuity period, the state would have the first claim on any remaining payments.

As you plan for ways to cover health conditions in the future, remember that there are four main ways in which to pay for long-term care: cash, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.

Medicare will help pay the costs for short-term nursing home stay if you are hospitalized for at least three days and you require skilled care. If you satisfy that requirement, Medicare will pay all your costs for the first 20 days. After that you are responsible for $148 a day for days 21 through 100. Once you reach 100 days, Medicare runs out and you are responsible for the costs.

If you are in your 50s today, it is probably a good idea now to make a plan around the current Medicare system. It is probably a better idea to examine the private insurance options to cover long-term care health-related issues.

You never know when a life circumstance relating to your health may change everything. ) ) )

health

reducing the risk for osteoporosis improve your bone mass and lower your risk factors

Written by CLAIRE YEZBAK FADDEN

SINCE I FOLLOW AN EXERCISE ROUTINE THAT INCORPORATES strength-building, balance, and cardio at my local YMCA, I walked into the imaging center optimistic that the results of my bone density test would be good.

A week or so later, my doctor’s office called with good news. I didn’t have osteoporosis. Before I could thank the nurse and hang up, she added, “However, you have osteopenia. I’m mailing you some information about the condition.”

By the time the envelope from my physician reached my mailbox, I had researched the term and learned that osteopenia is not a disease, but rather a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. It happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone, or both. As a result, your bones become weak and may break.

My push-ups and weight-bearing exercises may have helped me avoid osteoporosis; however, osteopenia is different. Osteopenia is low bone mass.

This meant my bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not yet low enough to be considered osteoporosis.

16

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

“People used to think that osteoporosis was an inevitable part of aging. Today we know a lot more about how to prevent, detect, and treat the disease,” says Susan Randall, senior director of science and education for the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

“You are never too young or old to take care of your bones. Good lifestyle habits can help you protect your bones and decrease your chance of getting osteoporosis.”

There are a variety of factors that put women over the age of 50 at risk for developing osteoporosis, including menopause, a family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, being of small stature, broken bones, and height loss.

Controllable Risk Factors “People with osteoporosis are at higher risk for suffering bone fractures,”

health ) ) ) osteoporosis

“

Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Calciumrich foods include dairy products, fortified juices, cereals, and other foods and some vegetables like leafy greens.

”

says Andrea Singer, M.D., an internist and director of bone densitometry at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and clinical director of NOF. “Statistics show that only half of people over 50 who suffer a hip fracture ever return to their previous level of functioning, and 25 percent of patients who break their hip die within the first year. So, this is an important disease to find and treat early.”

Risk factors contributing to osteopenia include not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, eating a very high-protein diet, getting too much sodium and caffeine in your diet, having an inactive lifestyle, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and losing significant weight.

“There are also medications and diseases that can cause bone loss and increase your risk of osteoporosis,” Singer adds.

Protect Your Bones Osteoporosis and the broken bones it

health, such as fruits and vegetables.

Positive lifestyle changes. Quit

can cause are not part of normal aging.

smoking. Limit alcohol consumption to

There is a lot you can do to protect your

two to three drinks per day.

bones throughout your life.

Get enough calcium and vitamin D.

“It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk

Calcium-rich foods include dairy

factors for osteoporosis,” Randall adds.

products, fortified juices, cereals, and

“Together you can develop a plan to

other foods and some vegetables like

protect your bones.”

leafy greens.

Engage in regular exercise. Weightbearing and muscle-strengthening exercises also help to strengthen bones.

“Weight-bearing, impact exercises should be done for 30-40 total minutes

Exercise and Osteoporosis Bones get stronger and denser when you make them work. “Work” for bones means handling impact, the weight of your body, or more resistance.

on most days of the week,” recommends

“Currently, we know the most about

Singer, noting that the exercise does not

two types of exercises that are important

all have to be done in one session.

for building and maintaining bone

“Resistance/strengthening exercises

density,” says Singer.

should be done two to three days per week.”

Weight-bearing, impact exercises.

These exercises include activities that

Eat a well-balanced diet. Include

make one move against gravity while

foods that are good for bone and overall

being upright, such as walking, stair

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

17

) ) ) osteoporosis

health

climbing or stair-step machines, elliptical training machines, and lowimpact aerobics.

Resistance/strengthening exercises.

Resistance or strengthening exercises move your body, a weight, or some other resistance against gravity. This can include functional movements, such as standing and rising up on your toes, or resistance/strengthening exercises such as lifting weights, using elastic

exercise bands, weight machines, or lifting your own body weight.

Balance, posture, and functional exercises like tai chi, Pilates, and yoga can be a wonderful complement to your exercise routine.

“Avoid bending forward from the waist or excessive twisting of the spine to circumvent increasing the risk for spine fractures,” Singer recommends.

“If you have low bone mass

(osteopenia), osteoporosis, a fracture, or have a frail stature, discuss any exercises with your healthcare provider or physical therapist first.” ) ) )

Claire Yezbak Fadden, an award-winning freelance writer, builds strength at her weekly yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes.

Follow her on Twitter @claireflaire.

FAST FACTS 1. Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about 8 million, or 80 percent, are women.

2. Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

3. A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

4. If you break a bone over the age of 50, ask your doctor for a bone density test to determine if osteoporosis is the underlying cause.

DAILY CALCIUM REQUIREMENTS Daily calcium requirements differ based on age and gender, but generally the following is recommended from diet and supplements combined: • Women age 50 and younger: 1,000 mg calcium • Men age 71 and over: 1,200 mg calcium • Women age 51 and over: 1,200 mg calcium • Men age 70 and younger: 1,000 mg calcium

• Women and men age 50 and older should get 800-1,000 International Units of vitamin D each day, although some people need more.

– Courtesy of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. www.nof.org

18

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS & DRAPES

FREE INSTALLATION

*

ON CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES, DRAPES & DECORATIVE HARDWARE

Call To Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation

(800) 750-3736

PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE | FAST SERVICE TRUSTED BRAND *For showroom or in-home design consultation orders, this offer must be presented at the time of purchase.

Offer valid on residential base installation of 3 Day Blinds and Hunter Douglas brand products only. Offer excludes Special Orders, outside manufacturer brand Draperies, Window Film and Shutters. Minimum purchase on applicable products of $750 required, excluding sales tax, shipping and handling. Not valid on previous purchase or with any other offer or discount. Offer Code WBTW. Offer Expires 12/31/15. AZ State Contractor’s License ROC 264398. CA State Contractor’s License #943877. OR State Contractor’s License #189332. WA State Contractor’s License #3DAYBDB914PZ. © 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation.

feature 20

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

feature ) ) ) open-air structure

feel the breeze in an open-air structure Written by REBECCA HANLON

HOMEOWNERS WITH A LITTLE extra cash to spend are taking the comforts of home to the great outdoors.

That’s exactly what Fred Heim of Renovations by Garman created for a homeowner in Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County. The summer kitchen-style building is an open-air structure that fits in perfectly with the barn and farmhouse that sit on about 20 acres of land, Heim said.

“We didn’t want something that looked brand new,” Heim said. “When you came up the driveway we wanted it to feel like it fit in seamlessly with the rest of the property.”

The building is about 18 feet deep by 25 feet wide and is highlighted with large windows and an open view of a nearby pond. The outdoor living space, complete with a built-in grill and sink, allows the owners to host family parties or lounge on the rustic-themed furniture while watching grandkids swim just down the hill.

Heim and the rest of the Renovations

by Garman team did everything from the ground up on this project, which took about two months from start to finish last spring.

The owner previously had removed a gazebo that sat nearby but left everything from design to final construction up to the crew.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

21

) ) ) open-air structure

feature

A large, wood-burning brick fireplace can be used for added warmth in the early spring and fall, as well as additional cooking for hot dogs, roasting marshmallows, or even smoking meat.

The addition of the outdoor kitchen means meals and cleanup can be completed with ease.

The architecture of the building pulls in elements from the rest of the property, Heim said. The designers looked for wood and stone that matched the other buildings to help the new structure fit in with the old.

“I’ve been doing stuff like this for Renovations by Garman for seven out of the 10 years I’ve been with the company,” Heim said. “In 200-some

22

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

projects, I’ve never done anything like this.”

A lot of the outdoor living spaces constructed by Renovations by Garman are patios that have an open-air feel.

Some have a small roof or other canopy to block the sun, but nothing has this level of design and detail, he said.

“One of the challenges here was to keep everything very authentic as opposed to some newer, modern elements that we may have been tempted to try to tie in,” Heim said. “This isn’t modern or contemporary in any shape or form. It’s a very traditional farmhouse design.”

While the structure seems very large, it could go on almost any property, he said.

“The design accentuates what is already on this property, such as the pond, but there’s nothing to stop someone with a quarter acre of land from putting something very similar up,” Heim said.

People also have options when it comes to adding additional elements, such as a fire feature, he added. Heim has seen everything from traditional, wood-burning fireplaces to gas flames and fire pits.

“This structure didn’t really allow us to use a fire pit, but the fireplace added a nice, cozy element,” he said.

In addition to the fireplace, the outdoor kitchen serves as a major anchor point.

feature ) ) ) open-air structure

“It’s honestly one of the most popular options for adding a social element where people can gather,” he said. “It can be complicated. It can be expensive.

But many people find it worth the effort.”

Building an outdoor kitchen can vary in price depending on what someone wants, Heim said. He has completed projects that cost from $10,000 up to $100,000.

“When you see it all put together, you see the value in it,” he said. “To get your mind wrapped around it as a blueprint can be difficult, but seeing it helps bring it all together, and you can envision how you’ll use it.”

Outdoor kitchen sinks can be tricky

depending on municipality requirements, Heim said. They sometimes have to be close enough to another building so they can be drained into the sewer system, or they can be flexible enough to be connected to an onsite septic system.

Don’t expect the grill to be average, either. Most of these built-in units come with a 25-year warranty and can cook for huge groups, he said. Putting in an outdoor kitchen can change a homeowner’s social experience, making it easier to host large parties without carting food and supplies in and out of the home, Heim said.

Anyone looking to build a similar structure should consider how they want it to look and how they want to use it,

Heim said.

“Sometimes people build something that fits a table for six people when they [really] wanted something larger than that,” he said. “Plan the space according to how you see yourself and your family using it. Make sure you have room for additional seating if you plan to have company.”

Also plan for any additional features, such as water, fire, or natural lighting that can add to the experience, he said.

“No matter what you end up building, you’ll find it adds to your life,” Heim said. “Sometimes it’s just something as simple as being able to relax and feel like you’re getting away from it all without ever leaving home.” ) ) )

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

23

home

unwanted visitors: how to deal with common household bug problems Written by KATIE MARKEY MCLAUGHLIN

EVEN THE MOST HOSPITABLE PERSON DOESN’T WANT TO OPEN THEIR home to guests like termites, stink bugs, and roaches. At one time or another, however, most of us will have to deal with bothersome pests invading our personal space.

If you think you might have a bug problem in your home—or if you want to know how to prevent such problems from happening in the first place— here’s what you need to know about six common creepy crawlers.

1. Termites One of the telltale signs that termites are in the vicinity is their mud trails: hollow tubes of mud built by the insects to protect them as they travel to and from their food source.

“No other bugs do it quite like termites do,” explained Andy Tay, regional manager with Orkin. He said you might also see swarms of termites when they are attempting to reproduce and establish a new colony.

While traditional barrier methods are still available to treat termite infestations, newer, more environmentally friendly treatments are

24

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

growing in popularity.

Tay said Orkin began using its Sentricon System—which is considered a sound environmental choice for termite colony elimination—about five years ago, and the feedback has been very positive.

“Customers love that we’re doing something that’s tested and proven to be safe with their family and pets,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep the environment around homes as safe as possible.”

The system is also more proactive than some traditional barrier methods in that it actively deals with termites in the soil outside people’s homes, using only grams of its active ingredient to help control an entire termite colony.

In some cases, however, it can be more expensive than traditional methods and can also take more time to work.

Termite-damaged wood inside a home.

home ) ) ) bug problems

Far left: Installing Baitube™ device with Recruit® IV termite bait.

Photos courtesy of Orkin

Left, top: Tamping the Sentricon® station into the ground.

“But both types of treatments are very effective when done properly,” Tay said.

While the treatments can last for some time, once you know termites are in your area, it’s a good idea to have your house checked regularly, especially since most companies offer checks at little to no cost.

There are also a few steps you can take to help reduce the odds of future termite activity in and around your home.

Tay recommends keeping moisture and drainage away from the foundation walls of your house, since termites thrive in a moist environment. You can also reduce their food supply, which includes old, dead wood and mulch.

Keep log piles at least 10 feet away from your house and consider using small stones or rubber tire mulch in place of traditional mulch directly against your home.

Bottom, left: Sentricon® system installed and providing continuous protection.

2. Ants According to Gregory Pettis of Dominion Pest Control, the most common type of ants to find in Central Pennsylvania homes are odorous house ants, which are often very small.

“They don’t respond well to sprays,” Pettis explained, “so we encourage residents to use bait.”

The type of bait you use is important too; look for a transferable one so that the ant doesn’t simply eat it and die, but rather takes it back to share with the rest of the colony.

“Then you’ll have the domino effect,” Pettis said.

You can also work to prevent ant problems by not installing landscaping directly against your home. “If you have dense vegetation against your house, you are a candidate for odorous house ants,” Pettis said, because the ground underneath will be penetrated by rain but not sunlight—creating a tropical-like

“

Sooner or later, most of us have to deal with some kind of unwanted insect visitor.

”

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

25

) ) ) bug problems

Images courtesy of FMC Agricultural Solutions

home

The Verifi bedbug detector is the first device ever to provide up to 90 days of active detection, at which point its attractants can be replaced and detection can continue.

environment perfect for these ants.

If after a month or two the problem isn’t resolved, it’s time to call a professional, who has access to stronger products than what is available directly to homeowners.

3. Bedbugs Bedbugs are a hot topic right now, which Pettis attributes partially to the fact that the pest-control industry is still catching up after certain categories of pesticides that got rid of bedbugs were eliminated for environmental reasons.

“Some of the tools that used to be used on bedbugs simply are not around anymore,” he explained.

He emphasized that if you think you have a bedbug problem, skip the overthe-counter methods and go straight to a professional. Dealing with these insects effectively requires someone who is trained to know where to find them.

26

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

Additionally, Pettis said that no one is really immune to bedbugs.

“This is a not a rich, poor, clean, or dirty issue,” he said. “It’s a transportation issue.”

Bedbugs can be transported from one location to another through surprising means, including students’ backpacks or even luggage on a coach bus.

Dominion is one of the first pestcontrol companies offering a pretreatment that can actually prevent bedbugs from invading your space— giving you greater peace of mind when you go to sleep at night.

4. Roaches Few pests cause us to shriek the way cockroaches do. And they can be difficult to control because a female roach only has to be impregnated once to be able to lay eggs for the rest of her life—often more than a million eggs in a lifetime.

“The ones you see aren’t the problem,” explained Pettis. “It’s the ones you don’t see. They populate so quickly.”

One of the most effective products used by Dominion Pest Control on roaches is an insect growth regulator (IGR), a substance that actually inhibits young insects from completing metamorphosis and becoming full adults.

“It stifles the population,” said Pettis.

When it comes to roaches, sanitation is key, as they are drawn to any place food or water lingers—like bathrooms or kitchens.

“If you’re using a lot of baits yet you’ve left last night’s dinner on the counter, you can’t compete with that.

They’re going to go for the cookie crumbs,” Pettis said.

He also suggested keeping your home cooler, as roaches love warm temperatures. Anything over 75 degrees is perfect for them.

Pettis don’t recommend handling the bugs with your bare hands.

“We plan on using similar products to those we use on stink bugs,” Pettis said. “But the question is, ‘Are kudzu bugs resistant to those treatments?’

We’re not sure yet.”

) ) ) bug problems

The kudzu bug, which is in the same family as stink bugs, is expected to be a big nuisance in the coming years.

home

6. Kudzu Bug While you may not have heard of the kudzu bug yet, you probably will soon. The bug, which is in the same family as stink bugs, is expected to be a big nuisance in the coming years.

Although kudzu bugs prefer to eat the kudzu plant—which isn’t native to the U.S. but is plentiful in Southern states—they also enjoy soybeans, which are abundant all along the East Coast.

The biggest difference from stink bugs is that the kudzo bug can leave you dealing with more than a terrible odor—when they squirt, it can actually leave a blister or chemical burn on your skin. Therefore, professionals like

Photo by D. R. Suiter, University of Georgia

5. Stink Bugs If you’ve ever squished a stink bug, you know they are appropriately named. And while they probably won’t be as bad this year as in 2010—when they were at their worst—Pettis believes they will be worse than last year.

The best way to shield your home from stink bugs is by blocking all points of entry. This means sealing up holes and repairing or replacing all screens—in windows, doors, vents, and exhaust fans. Pettis also warns against using window-mounted air conditioning units, as stink bugs can come right through them.

In terms of treating a stink bug problem, “we do recommend repellency types of products,” explained Pettis.

But be sure to read the label for the reapplication time frame, as most overthe-counter products won’t last more than a few weeks.

Sooner or later, most of us have to deal with some kind of unwanted insect visitor. While in some cases over-thecounter treatments are effective, it’s always helpful to consult a professional who can help make—and keep—your home pest-free. ) ) )

13th Annual

19th Annual

YORK COUNTY

LANCASTER COUNTY

Sept. 23, 2015

Sept. 30, 2015

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Spooky Nook Sports 2913 Spooky Nook Rd., Manheim

York Expo Center, Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York

16th Annual

Exhibitors • Health Screenings Seminars • Demonstrations

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Oct. 21, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Carlisle Expo Center 100 K St., Carlisle

Entertainment • Door Prizes

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available

(717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240

www.50plusExpoPA.com summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

27

feature

Written by MARIA V. SNYDER

IT WAS THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. LITERALLY. MY MOTHER ALWAYS dreamed of going to Italy. Both her parents were born there and had emigrated to the United States before she was born. However, my mother is a nervous flyer and she talked herself out of the trip dozens of times.

View of the iconic red-tiled dome of the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral).

28

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

feature ) ) ) italy

Bridge over the river Arno in Florence.

Drastic measures needed to be taken, so when my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, my sister and I took them on a 10-day trip to Florence, Siena, and Rome, Italy. I bought nonrefundable airplane tickets so Mom had to go or she’d waste money. Guilt overpowered her fear of flying!

We decided to spend three days in each city. The amazing city of Rome needs its very own article. If you do plan to visit Rome, stay at least a week—three days barely scratched the surface. However, three days was enough time to see all the highlights in Florence and Siena.

Florence, also known as the City of the Lily, is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Even the view from our hotel on the Arno River looked like it had been painted by one of the Renaissance masters just for us.

It was a magical start to our trip, and, in order to further immerse ourselves in the Renaissance, we visited the Uffizi Gallery, the

best place to see a masterpiece-rich Renaissance collection.

The gigantic U-shaped Uffizi is considered the crown jewel of Florence.

Europe’s first museum opened to the public, Uffizi occupies two floors and spans 79 rooms. The gallery houses artwork created by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Titian, and Raphael.

With so much to take in, a visit to Uffizi is best limited to three to four hours at a time. The rooftop café provided a welcome break and has a fantastic view of Florence. The Uffizi Gallery is very popular during high season, so it’s best to arrive in the late afternoon. We were there in early November and had the place to ourselves.

Another highlight of Florence is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), also called the Duomo. An iconic landmark with its red-tiled dome, the Duomo was started

by Sienese architect Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 and wasn’t complete until 140

years later in 1436.

Its pink, white, and green-marble façade is considered neo-Gothic style architecture. However, the real star of the cathedral is Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome. Started in 1420, the dome was an innovative feat of engineering.

Those who are adventurers, in good shape, and not claustrophobic can climb the steep 463 steps to the top of the dome. The brave are rewarded by a 360-degree view of Florence. The day we visited the Duomo was cloudy and rainy, so we stayed on solid ground and stopped in the nearby Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, where most of the original artwork from the cathedral is on display.

A visit to Florence isn’t complete without sightseeing at the Basilica di Santa Croce. This Franciscan basilica has a beautiful neo-Gothic façade of variously colored marble, but it’s what is inside this church that is the biggest draw. Buried inside are the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, and Machiavelli.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

29

) ) ) italy

feature

Far left: The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Florence.

Left: A must-have tourist picture – holding up the tower.

Below: The view of Florence from the bell tower.

During our stay in Florence, we made a side trip to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Only one hour away via train, Pisa is a beautiful city built along the banks of the Arno and is close to the Mediterranean Sea. Its main attraction is the Leaning Tower, which is the bell tower for the cathedral.

Construction on the tower started in 1173, but when they reached the third story, the building began to lean and they stopped. In 1272, work resumed with an attempt to compensate for the lean by making the higher levels taller.

This only made it worse, yet they continued and finished the building despite the lean. By 1993, the tower

30

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

was 14.6 feet (5 degrees) from the vertical.

The tower is open to the public.

Tickets must be reserved in advance.

The 30-minute tour is limited to 40 people. We had to hustle up the approximately 300 steps to the top before the next group arrived.

As those steps corkscrewed around the structure, the lean was apparent and more dramatic the higher we climbed. It was an unsettling feeling. Halfway up, a jokester in our group called out, “Level four, sportswear, household goods, and shoes!”

The view from the top was worth the trip, and the lean wasn’t as noticeable.

Once back on level ground, it was fun to watch tourists attempting to line up the perfect photograph of them “holding up” the tower.

Our next stop was the city of Siena.

Unlike Florence, Siena’s artistic style is Gothic. The walled city has narrow alleys, steep streets, and plenty of historical architecture. It’s known as the “best-preserved medieval city” in Italy.

While Siena is the perfect city to just explore without a destination in mind and with a camera in hand, there are two main attractions that shouldn’t be missed.

feature ) ) ) italy

Clockwise from top left: Siena Cathedral Duomo Nuovo; inside the Duomo Nuovo, ceiling of the library in Duomo Nuovo; dome of Duomo Nuovo.

The Siena Cathedral, called the Duomo Nuovo, is one. Designed by Giovanni Pisano and started in 1215, the façade was constructed with white, green, and red polychrome marble. While beautiful, the interior is amazing. Tall pillars made of black-and-white marble hold up the ceiling and dome.

Work on the Duomo continued well into the 14th century. The 56 inlaid-marble floor panels were decorated by approximately 40 artists over the span of 200 years.

One of the masterpieces of Gothic sculpture can be found inside the Duomo.

The carousel pulpit was intricately carved with realistic crowd scenes by Nicola Pisano, Giovanni’s father.

My favorite part of the Duomo was the Biblioteca Piccolomini (the library) off the left aisle. The frescos on the

Custom-crafted European Vacations

by Krouse Travel

PROVIDING EXPERT GUIDANCE WITH VALUE-PACKED TOURS AND ITINERARIES SINCE 1984.

All Travel, All ll the the Time Time 244-6410 / 1-877-244-6410 77-244-6410 Travel.com www.KrouseTravel.com

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

31

) ) ) italy

feature

A quaint area of Chianti, in the Tuscan region.

walls and ceiling were stunning. But I was fascinated by the old choir books on display. Each page had a handpainted graphic and square music notes.

The other attraction that is worth a visit is the Piazza del Campo. Known as il Campo (The Field), it is the heart of the city. The area is the civic and social center of the city. Restaurants and cafés around the piazza are popular and great places to sit and people watch. The city holds Palio, or horserace days, on July 2 and Aug. 16. On these days, il Compo is packed with locals and tourists.

Il Compo’s main structure is the Palazzo Comunale. Built in the late 13th century, the graceful Gothic design has a concave façade. The Torre del Mangia (the Tower) soars above the building, and visitors can climb the approximately 500 steps to get a fantastic view of the city.

Once again, we had a gray, rainy day, but when walking through the streets, we’d be surprised by a pop of color from stores selling fruit and flowers.

Another perk to visiting Siena is that it’s nestled within the Tuscan region of Italy, which is filled with a variety of

32

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

The Black Rooster marks authentic bottles of wines that contain the sangiovese grape, the main ingredient in Chianti and Chianti Classico wines.

sights that can be easily visited. While there, we booked a day trip that included nearby towns of Chianti and San Gimignano.

Chianti is surrounded by picturesque vineyards growing the sangiovese grape, the main ingredient in Chianti and Chianti Classico wines. Authentic bottles of these wines are marked with a Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) trademark.

San Gimignano is a walled hill town that was named after the bishop of Modena, who saved the city from Attila the Hun. While the narrow streets and architecture are typical of a Tuscan city, the 14 medieval towers won’t be found anywhere else.

Originally more than 70 towers were built under the guise of defensive purposes, but the egos of the owners played a part as they competed to build the highest tower in town.

While three days was plenty in Siena, I would love to spend more time in Tuscany, exploring all it has to offer.

However, we were scheduled to depart to Rome and my mother had an appointment to see the Pope and continue her trip of a lifetime. ) ) )

Helpful websites: • www.visitflorence.com • www.uffizi.org • www.visitflorence.com/ florence-churches/duomo.html • www.visitflorence.com/florencechurches/santa-croce.html • www.opapisa.it/ (Leaning Tower of Pisa official site) • www.discovertuscany.com/siena/ • www.discovertuscany.com/siena/ siena-churches/duomo.html • www.chianti.com/travelingthrough-chianti.html • www.discovertuscany.com/sangimignano/duomo-sangimignano.html

ROME AND THE AMALFI COAST April 28 - May 7, 2016 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Rome, Ravello, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Paestum, Pompeii, Naples

INCLUDED FEATURES: »

Free parking with roundtrip transfers to Philadelphia Int’l Airport

»

Roundtrip airfare Philadelphia to Rome, Italy

» »

Eight nights hotel accommodations

» »

Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach AAA Group Leader

STARTING AT

$4,629 pp dbl.* For more information please visit your local AAA Central Penn office or call 800-253-6238. * Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change.

All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 passengers.

travel looking for a unique trip to take with your grandchildren?

Written by GALE RIMBENIEKS

THIS WAS THE QUESTION I ASKED MYSELF A little while back. I read about taking children to a farm to learn the basics of farm life and thought that would be perfect for our yearly Nana and girls’ trip. My girls, Ashley and Brittany, are 8 years old and love all animals. I never stayed on a farm, so I knew I would learn something too.

A farm-stay vacation is a perfect way to relax and enjoy farm life. I found The Olde Fogie Farm Bed and Breakfast, located in Maytown, Pa. It seemed like a great place to take grandchildren but equally someplace that adults could enjoy the peace and quiet of country life. It is a working farm where you can experience the daily life of a farmer.

34

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

travel ) ) ) olde fogie farm

As we pulled up to the farm, Brittany said, “This place is really nice, Nana.� I agreed, as the beautiful gardens that seemed to go on endlessly welcomed us.

Biz Fogie was the first person we saw, and she gave us a hearty welcome. Biz and Tom Fogie are the hosts of The Olde Fogie Farm. The name fits them perfectly.

Biz took us on a tour of the grounds but not before she made sure the girls each had a quarter. We headed directly to the pond as Sheba and Sam, their two black labs, joined us.

This was not your ordinary farm pond, but a swimming garden complete with a waterfall and koi. Biz had the girls get some food for the fish out of a dispensing machine (remember the quarters?). She showed them how to put the food into the water so the fish would come and eat right out of their hand.

At this point, the girls knew this was a place they loved. You cannot fish in this pond, but swimming is hard to resist. Some say the water in this pond has healing energies.

Next to the pond is a screened-in patio, which is a great place to enjoy the pond and cook on the grill. There is also a treehouse for the grandkids to play in and a place to enjoy a fire by the creek.

There are several gardens on the property that beautifully display the love and care put into every detail. The butterfly garden is a perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy some quiet time.

Near the barn is a playhouse for the grandchildren. The interior has a play kitchen and a loft to climb. They can let their imaginations run wild.

A gazebo for the adults, near the playhouse, can be used to read or enjoy the beauty of the gardens while keeping an eye on the children.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

35

) ) ) olde fogie farm

travel

After being introduced to some of the animals, we were off to see our room. The tour had been great so far and we were eager to see what was in store for us in our accommodations.

There are four rooms from which to choose. The Garden Room and The Pig Pen are located in the farmhouse.

The Garden Room has flowers in abundance, a double bed, and room for a little one. The private bathroom has just a shower.

The Pig Pen, the room in which we were staying, not only has an assortment of stuffed pigs, ceramic pigs, and pictures of pigs, but also many other animals. This room has a queen bed and room to put two small mattresses for children. This private bathroom has a claw-foot tub.

Both rooms include a country breakfast cooked with love by Biz and Tom. I must say that having a meal with the family is not only informative, but it is also inspiring. It was absolutely my favorite part of the day.

36

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

The Chicken Coop is on the ground floor with a private entrance and patio.

The quaint, old-fashioned kitchen is a favorite of many. You can cook up a country breakfast with fresh eggs each morning. The bedroom has a double bed for the adults; a trundle bed will accommodate two little peeps; and the bathroom has a shower.

The Hayloft is a third-floor walk-up suite with a covered deck overlooking the gardens and barnyard. This is the most spacious suite. There is a country theme throughout, including a clawfoot tub.

The larger kitchen will make cooking a country breakfast easy with your fresh eggs each morning. The bedroom has a queen bed and the adjoining room has a trundle for two kids.

After the tour, we decided to get a bite to eat and turn in early. The girls insisted I set the alarm for 6:30 a.m. I agreed only because I knew I would be hitting the snooze button more than

once. At 7 a.m. they were both dressed and ready to start their day.

Finally at 7:30 the chore bell rang.

It was a rainy day, but the farm chores still needed to be done. With our rain boots and hoodies, we all gathered at the bell.

Vicki, who is Biz and Tom’s daughter, took us to the barn. First we came to the potbellied pigs, which had been making a lot of noise since the bell rang. Wilbur and Babe were very happy to be the first animals fed.

After feeding the cow, horse, and a goat or two, Noel was brought outside to be milked. She was a very gentle goat and did not mind different hands on her. Everyone, young and old, got to try their milking skills. When finished milking, a small amount went directly to the cat that was patiently waiting close by.

We brought the horse to the barnyard, fed the chickens, and gathered eggs for breakfast.

During our visit, we were fortunate

to feed a 4-day-old calf. Two other calves that were just a few months old also needed feeding.

The barnyard also had goats, sheep, llamas, and a peacock. It’s open to enjoy the animals anytime—just remember to lock the gate!

Now that the chores were finished, it was time to wash up for breakfast. We talked, we listened, we laughed, and we ate a fresh, healthy breakfast.

The rest of the day was ours to enjoy.

Although it was raining, the girls had fun running around, getting muddy, and swimming in the pond.

I asked Ashley what it was like swimming with the fish. She answered, “It is like they are giving me kisses on my legs.” The sound of the rain was rhythmic as I relaxed, read, and enjoyed the peacefulness.

After dinner we again turned in early.

At 7 a.m. the girls were ready to go again.

Same chores, different fun. When breakfast was over, the girls wanted to go for a final swim in the pond.

The time came to say goodbye, and it was like saying goodbye to family. I asked my granddaughters what they liked the best about this trip. Simultaneously the response was, “Everything.” They added, “When can we come back?”

The Fogies have been welcoming guests to their farm since 1987. Many return every year to relax and enjoy a simpler life. Some have come from places all over the world.

If you are looking for a five-star resort, Biz will tell you, this is not for you. The four-pig rating of this farm is perfect for anyone who wants to get away, relax, and have fun. If this is where you go to be an Olde Fogie, sign me up. ) ) )

Lancaster n or u i t a E -thr e v i r D

Sertoma Club’s

Chicken BBQ SATURDAY MAY 16 th

Lancaster’s Long’s Park

10 AM -6 PM Complete Dinner ONLY $ 8 when you buy your tickets IN ADVANCE from any Sertoma Club member, or at ( $ 10 DAY OF BARBECUE )

facebook.com/sertomabbq

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

37

volunteerism

boomers give back Written by KATIE MARKEY MCLAUGHLIN

BABY BOOMER MARY SLEGEL CAN’T IMAGINE HER LIFE without CASA. That’s because she’s spent the past 22 years of her life as a CASA volunteer, advocating on behalf of York County children facing abuse and neglect. interview, and background “It’s the CASA volunteer that really checks—she received training speaks up for the child,” she said. and was given her first case.

CASA—which stands for Court Though she is now retired, Appointed Special Advocates—is a she was working full-time program whose mission is to advocate throughout most of her for what is in the best interest of abused volunteer years, which and neglected children within the legal highlights the strength of her system. commitment.

Pennsylvania currently has CASA Her main responsibility is to programs in 21 counties, 18 of which ensure the safety, permanency, operate as independent, nonprofit and stability of abused or organizations and three of which are neglected children by funded by their county governments, as objectively gathering facts and reporting is the case in York. them to the court.

“The CASA advocate is basically the This can include researching the eyes and ears for the court,” explained case, talking directly with the child, Elyshia Menkin, York County CASA interviewing the parents, observing volunteer coordinator. parent-child visitations, and talking with Mary Slegel – In the Best Interest of anyone else involved in the child’s care, the Child such as psychologists or teachers.

The findings are then presented in a Slegel first became involved when a report for the judge, with the possibility former CASA employee gave a of testifying in court as well. presentation at her church about the “In my experience, the CASA program and its need for volunteers. volunteer seems to be the only person After completing the application—which who really has contact with all the includes an essay, reference checks, an

38

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

parties involved in the child’s situation,” Slegel said.

After more than two decades of volunteering, Slegel stays motivated by focusing on the fact that she’s helping to ensure the child’s best interests are heard.

“You don’t always get what you want out of a case, and that’s very difficult,” she explained, “but you know that you said everything you could say for that child. I think parents should be given the chance to learn how to parent and to enjoy their children.”

She also said that her experience as

volunteerism

photo by Jason Tabor

) ) ) boomers give back

Mary Bates, a York County CASA advocate.

a child advocate has been as helpful to her as it’s been to the children she’s served.

“I’m a much stronger person,” she reflected, “and I can advocate much better for myself and others because of my experience with CASA.”

Mary Bates – Going Above and Beyond Mary Bates, another York County CASA advocate, initially became involved two years ago because she wanted to work with kids and gain some experience in the legal field, both of which the CASA program offers its volunteers.

Today she juggles a full-time job as a flight attendant with her CASA duties.

“It certainly keeps me very busy,” she said with a laugh.

In addition to the research and interviews CASA advocates do on their cases, they also monitor the implementation of services to families to make sure they have the right support to reach their goals.

“I’ll try to see what other services I can find that might help the parent or child,” Bates explained. “For example, if they need food, diapers, appropriate clothing for job interviews, or even help getting to a reading program at the

library, [I’ll help with that].”

In addition to the initial and regular training involved in serving as a CASA volunteer, Bates often attends meet-ups with other child advocates where they can support and motivate one another.

While they don’t discuss the specific details of their cases due to confidentiality issues, they do provide each other with general advice and encouragement.

Bates’ motivation to continue serving comes from seeing firsthand that the children she helps—children who otherwise might languish or suffer—are receiving appropriate help and support.

“It motivates me when I see the kids are happy,” she said, “that they’re safe, doing well, and not slipping through the cracks.”

Getting Involved A study from the Corporation for National & Community Services found that baby boomers volunteer today at higher rates than past generations did at roughly the same age. What’s more, propelled largely by the boomer generation, the number of volunteers age 65 and older is expected to increase 50 percent by the year 2020.

The York County CASA program

currently has 36 active volunteers and is always looking for more. The program provides all of the necessary training and a lot of support for its advocates.

“Both the CASA coordinator and the volunteer coordinator are there for volunteers every step of the way,” said Menkin.

She also stressed that anyone can become a CASA advocate.

“They can be people from many walks of life,” Menkin said, “and they don’t need to have any particular background because we provide all the training.”

While volunteering with CASA specifically might not be the right fit for everyone, it is important for boomers to become involved in their communities, as doing so has been shown to increase health and overall quality of life.

“Once you retire it’s very easy to just sit back and rest on your laurels,” Slegel said,” but I think it’s really good to step out of your comfort zone and do something you never thought you could do, something you find rewarding.”

Bates agreed. “Think about what it is you really like, what really interests you,” she suggested. “There are so many things you can do, organizations you can volunteer for. Figure out what’s the right area for you.” ) ) )

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

39

travel 40

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

travel ) ) ) two museums

a tale of two museums in central pennsylvania Written by BARBARA TRAININ BLANK

AT FIRST GLANCE, THEY’RE QUITE DIFFERENT. One is a small, one-floor museum in a former family home. The other is a large complex, part of Carlisle’s U.S. Army War College.

But the Gettysburg Museum of History and the United States Army Heritage and Education Center both pay tribute to our past and present and what continues to inspire us.

At the heart of USAHEC is “The Soldier Experience,” a 7,000-squarefoot interactive gallery that sees U.S. history in war and peace through the eyes of servicemen and women who lived it. The gallery covers the Spanish-American War through current operations, but nearby is a separate Civil War Imagery Exhibit. “‘The Soldier Experience’ tells the Army story one story at a time,” said Col. Robert A. Harney Jr., who took over USAHEC’s helm in July.

Borrowing from a technique popularized at the Holocaust Museum,

each visitor can take a dog tag representing an individual soldier and follow his or her story.

The gallery is divided into five main sections: the timeline of the development and evolution of the U.S. Army; joining up and leaving home; basic combat training; the American soldier in war; and from soldier to civilian. The stories of 14 individual soldiers are rotated regularly in the gallery.

One story to be featured in 2015 is that of Captain Clifton E. Blackburn, a Pittsburgh native who enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard. During World War II he served with the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, and fought with it through Normandy and several other campaigns. Blackburn’s service history, artifacts, and manuscript material will be presented in the gallery World War II section.

Top left: Vietnam-era gun trucks on display as part of the USAHEC’s annual Army Heritage Days living history event.

Bottom, from left: A Korean War-era M46 “Tiger” Tank is on display on the USAHEC’s outdoor Army Heritage Trail; a member of the USAHEC staff processes materials received as part of a collection recently donated to the USAHEC; and USAHEC Paper Conservator Jordan Ferraro performs delicate conservation work on an item from the USAHEC collection.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

41

) ) ) two museums

travel 42

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

travel ) ) ) two museums

In addition to holograms, dioramas, uniforms, medals, Army art, and other media, the gallery offers simulated experiences such as a shooting range, parachute jump, and a bunker under night attack in Vietnam.

Artifacts include an IED in a cola can, letters between soldiers and their loved ones, and Why We Fight, a World War II-era short film.

But USAHEC is much more than the gallery. Its library encompasses 65,000 artifacts and millions of personal papers, photographs, and audio-visual holdings. Its offerings include a lecture and reading series; oral history programs; a state-of-theart conservation facility; and an event center.

Then there’s the mile-long Army Heritage Trail, comprised of 15 outdoor interactive exhibits from different periods, including a Vietnam War-era helicopter.

“USAHEC is the United States Army’s preeminent museum and research complex,” said Harney. “We

are always reaching out to veterans who have stories to tell.”

The center is also looking for historical materials related to the Army or Army soldiers, including memoirs, flags, weapons, and original artwork. As of last April, AHEC became affiliated with the Smithsonian Institutions in the nation’s capital. It is also a partner with the Library of Congress’s Veteran History Project.

Despite its seemingly specialized focus, USAHEC is actually the “largest tourist attraction in the area,” said Harney. “We’re looking to expand its recognition.”

This past year, 180,000 visitors came to the site, 30,000 more than the previous year. It’s also a popular site for school educational programs.

Last summer, the USAHEC Foundation, which supports the center, sponsored youth programs along the trail and hopes to do so again this summer.

Incidentally, Harney pointed out, since the trail is open 24/7, it often

Top left: Gettysburg Museum of History.

Bottom, from left: Curator Erik Dorr holding a piece of the couch that Hitler killed himself on; shell casing from Jack Ruby's gun (the shot that killed Oswald) and the address book that was in Ruby's pocket when he shot Oswald; President John F. Kennedy’s rocking chair; and Abraham Lincoln's wallet carried during the time he delivered the Gettysburg Address.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

43

) ) ) two museums

travel

Above: Elvis' Rugar Blackhawk .44 Magnum pistol used to shoot his TV screen.

Top, right: Curator Erik Dorr is a "regular reoccurring character" on the hit television show Pawn Stars. Pictured here with Rick Harrison.

Right: Mike Wolfe, Erik Dorr, and Frank Fritz during the filming of American Pickers. The Gettysburg Museum of History was featured on this show.

attracts walkers, runners, and dog walkers.

To most people, Gettysburg means the Civil War. But much more than that conflict is represented in the impressively large holdings (in a small space) of the Gettysburg Museum of History. Some of these artifacts are even for sale.

The museum covers American military and political history, as well as, to some degree, popular culture, noted Erik Dorr, owner and curator, whose family moved to Gettysburg in 1818.

“We have more than 4,000 artifacts in five rooms on one floor,” noted Dorr.

Among the artifacts in this diverse and entertaining museum are General George Patton’s razor; General/ President Dwight Eisenhower’s personal saddle and golf club; a piece of marble from the Twin Towers destroyed in the terrorist attacks of 9/11; World War I helmets; an American flag that flew over Pearl

44

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

“

... you don’t have to have a million dollars to have a milliondollar collection.

”

Harbor; and sand from Omaha Beach (of D-Day fame).

The War Between the States isn’t slighted, either. You can view kepis, swords, cannonballs, a bullet from Pickett’s Charge, uniforms, and a chair from the room where Lincoln stayed in

Gettysburg when he delivered that famous Gettysburg Address.

You can read about the romantic but sad story of Jennie Wade, who was baking bread for the Union soldiers stationed in the city and was then fatally shot by a stray Confederate bullet. Her boyfriend, Jack Skelly, was mortally wounded at the Battle of Winchester. The two died nine days apart.

“We have the largest collection of Gettysburg Battlefield relics,” said Dorr.

There’s also a section of photographs devoted to presidential visits to Gettysburg.

Admittedly, Dorr gets the most raised eyebrows when visitors view certain World War II artifacts. These include a Yellow Star that Jews were forced to wear under Nazi edicts and belongings of Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress, including opera glasses and lingerie.

For him, the presence of these items

travel ) ) ) two museums

reminds people not to forget terrible events.

There are a few lighter-hearted items in the museum, including two sets of Elvis Presley x-rays and daredevil Evel Knievel’s rose-colored glasses.

There are many types of artifacts— from a mannequin bearing the outfit General George Custer wore at the Battle of Gettysburg to JFK political buttons. In fact, there are so many Kennedy memorabilia items that Dorr has developed a separate section devoted to the 35th president, which he calls a “work in progress.” It includes

a photo of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy’s arrival in Houston the day before his assassination and the last photo he signed.

Robert White, a noted JFK artifact collector, became Dorr’s mentor and inspired the museum’s Kennedy collection.

“He taught me that you don’t have to have a million dollars to have a million-dollar collection,” Dorr said.

Everything in the Gettysburg Museum of History must have period documentation, because the objects are only as good as their believability, the curator noted.

Some of the items are much older than others, such as an ancient Egyptian mummy and Columbus’s signature.

A professional dealer for 20 years, Dorr considers the museum a community service. The Gettysburg Museum is a private museum and receives no tax dollars. He has appeared on the History Channel and its American Pickers and Pawn Stars television programs.

“We have no revisionist agenda,” he said. “We’re just showing history, from all eras.”

Road trip, anyone? ) ) )

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

45

anniversary still friends after 50 years Written and photographed by CHRISTINA CARDAMONE

THE PASSING OF TIME CHANGES A PERSON’S LIFE AND THEIR MEMORIES. One thing that hasn’t changed for St. Anthony’s Catholic School’s eighth-grade graduating class of 1964 is the school pride that each one carries with them.

When the classmates gathered in 2006 for the funeral of Skip Quirk, former assistant basketball coach at the Lancaster school, the childhood friends decided to make plans for a happier reunion, a 50th class reunion.

Quirk was someone who had made quite an impact on many of those students.

“He let the underdogs play,” said classmate and basketball team player Bruce Emswiler. “He would always let

46

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

you be part of a team, and when he passed, many of us went to his funeral to pay our respects.”

As plans for the 50th reunion began, various classmates volunteered their time in organizing the event. The committee was largely led by Ron Meikrantz (an eighth-grade alumnus) and his wife, Donna Meikrantz, but Albert Kiely, Paul Nicklaus, Bruce Emswiler, Cathy McCloskey, Tim Kiely, and Sue Palko Stipe also donated

anniversary ) ) ) reunion

larger portions of their time to make sure the event was memorable.

“Bonds were developed [during school] and we didn’t even realize it,” said Stipe.

“We don’t want to lose sight of that,” said Kiely.

With the hope of making the 50th a successful event, the committee set out looking for sponsors and a venue.

American Legion Post 34 became the location, while about 20 local businesses helped to defray costs through their support.

“We wanted to make it memorable. We wanted to make sure everyone had a good time,” said Stipe.

The students of the 1964 eighthgrade graduating class gathered for

an evening of fun and reminiscing.

Attendees flew in from Rhode Island, Colorado, California, and North Carolina to join their local Pennsylvania classmates.

For some, this was the first time in many years that they had seen one another. For others, today’s plethora of technology has allowed them to stay in touch easier and more frequently.

“Many of us still call and talk to one another, but there are also those who use emails and Facebook to keep in touch and find out what’s going on,” said Ron Meikrantz.

When the class of ’64 gathered together on the night of the reunion, everyone was excited and happy to be there. There was also no shortage of

stories to be found.

“It was a different time back then,” said Nicklaus. We were always together running here or there.”

A favorite place for many to gather at was Fuller’s convenience store on the corner of King and Anne streets in Lancaster city.

The 1964 class consisted of 53 students. Of those 53, only five of them needed rides to school each day; 48 students walked to school, many times meeting up along the way with fellow friends.

“It would start out with one of us walking, who then picked up another on their way to school, followed by another, until there were quite a few of us by the time we reached the school,” said Emswiler.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

47

) ) ) reunion

anniversary

“You could never get away with anything,” laughed Stipe. “If you did something bad at school, your parents already knew by the time you got home.

Our parents always knew the nuns and clergy at the school. Some of the moms even worked at the school in the cafeteria.”

Those same 53 also shared one classroom and one nun as their teacher.

With such close quarters, it would come as no surprise that many become close friends.

As tales circulated, it was apparent

that there were some recollections that stood out amongst the group.

Spaghetti and meatballs, pot pie, and SPAM are just some of the memorable lunch meals. The breaking news of Kennedy’s death was sadly remembered by all.

And anyone who went to Catholic school during the ’60s recalls “the clicker,” used by the nuns to get students’ attention in church. Mass was called every morning, with breakfast following.

Keeping the spirit of what they

Enter for your chance to win a $250 gift certificate to Big Bright Bounces!

Do you think your grandkids are the cutest in PA? Now is your chance to prove it!

• Go to www.CutestGrandkidsPA.com to submit your photo through June 15, 2015.

• Entries will appear on our Facebook page within two business days of submission.

• Cast your votes on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/50plusSeniorNews) until June 30, 2015. Be sure to share your photo with your friends and family to receive more votes!

• The grandkid with the most votes will win a $250 gift certificate to Big Bright Bounces!

• Winner will be announced July 15, 2015.

48

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

shared alive, many of the classmates still gather every few months and look forward to seeing one another.

To encourage continuing friendships and good fun, the 1964 eighth-grade class donated a check to the 2014 eighth-grade class at St. Anthony’s Catholic School, now called Resurrection Catholic School. The 2014 eighth-grade class spent a day at Laserdome, thanks to the generosity of their predecessors.

“We were so surprised and excited to receive this gift, as it not only gives an opportunity to have a fun Memorial Day together, but it also shows us how important it is to give back to our community,” said Kim Ingram, a teacher at Resurrection Catholic School.

“The kids each wrote us handmade thank-you cards afterward. It was very nice,” said Kiely. ) ) )

Howard B. Melnick, MD • John J. Moffitt, MD Glen J. Mesaros, MD • Donald Short, M.A., FAAA • Sharon K. Hughes, M.S., CCC-A

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

49

feature

waxing nostalgic: a tribute to station wagons Written by BARBARA TRAININ BLANK

KIDS TYPICALLY LEARN TO DRIVE ON SMALL CARS. JIM BUTLER got his training on a Mercury Comet station wagon.

“My family had several wagons when I was growing up,” Butler said.

With four children, Butler’s parents used their wagon for shopping, social occasions, and family visits.

His paternal grandfather owned a “woodie” wagon, with rear bodywork constructed of a wood framework with infill wood panels. This style emerged from the early-1930s practice of manufacturing cars’ passenger compartments in hardwood.

Eventually, bodies constructed entirely in steel took the place of wood; steel was stronger, less expensive, and more durable.

Merriam-Webster defines a station wagon as a “car that has a large open area behind the backseat instead of a trunk and a door at the back for loading and unloading things.”

For many baby boomers, station

50

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

wagons evoke warm reminiscences.

Hank Hallowell had such fond memories of his mother’s 1959 blueand-white Ford station wagon that as an adult, he bought a duplicate in an auction.

He was an only child, but his mother needed a wagon for her interior decorator business. That started a stream of wagons, eventually a highend Ford Country Squire.

“One of my fond memories is the smell of (the car’s) plastic on a hot summer day coming back from the swim club, with the AM radio and the big, ‘mandatory’ chrome roof rack,” Hallowell said.

The blue-and-white car is part of an exhibit, “A Family Affair: Station Wagons,” May 23 to Oct. 7 at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum.

Beth McIntosh’s family had two station wagons, one a white Ford with a green interior and the other a “huge woodie” in metallic blue. She loved the low beach chairs placed in back of the rear seat; she and her younger brother sat facing backward. Some station wagons had the rear-facing seat, but her car did not.

McIntosh also recalls a trip during which everyone was asleep except her dad, the driver. She had been sitting all the way in the back and crawled to the front.

“So I got to sit with my dad, which was special,” said McIntosh.

The McIntoshes’ station wagon was for her mother’s shopping trips but also but for summer camping trips in Canada.

Kathie Spacht remembers a green rambler. Because her father was

feature

“My whole childhood was built around the wagon,” Spacht said.

“When I see one of the older ones with wood paneling, my heart is flooded with memories.”

Station wagons are etched in popular culture. There’s Carol Brady’s Plymouth Satellite wagon from TV’s The Brady Bunch, and, more recently,

the wagon used by Don Draper’s first wife in Mad Men. Station wagons are one of the symbols of Americana—picnics and vacations, said Mark Lizewskie, executive director of AACA. “They’re iconic, recalling simpler times when families did things together, like take trips to the mountains.

) ) ) station wagons

permanent Air Force, the family needed a station wagon for storage and traveling to various assignments. That included Labrador, where he shipped the wagon.

“The rambler went all across the United States four times,” said Spacht.

“We went on vacation to every national park, every state, except Hawaii.”

She recalled the time they were headed to see her grandmother but got caught in a “wicked snowstorm” and ended up in the farmhouse of strangers.

And the time when a 5-year-old Spacht saw a tornado coming, and her father “really floored it.” And also the time her dad stopped to photograph a baby cub at Yellowstone, only to be chased all the way to the station wagon by the mother bear he hadn’t noticed.

Above: The infamous back door that became a table for the Schmitt family.

Left: Christianne Rupp’s siblings before oldest brother’s high school graduation.

Picture are, from left: John, Christianne, Greg, Jim, Steve, and Kathy.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

51

) ) ) station wagons

feature

“

We’d pull off on the side of the road at a cutout rest stop, lower the back door/gate of the station wagon, and voila!, a table to spread out the lunch on.

We didn’t have cell phones and video games to distract us during trips.

Station wagons bring back memories of me and my brother making hand gestures through the windows at passing motorists.”

The AACA exhibit has garnered a “phenomenal response,” he said. “If we had room for 200 cars, we could have gotten them. People are really excited.”

The station wagon was the original suburban, a small pickup truck to haul kids and stuff around.

In the late 1960s and early ’70s, practically every manufacturer— Dodge, Ford, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet—offered a wagon.

Lizewskie himself had a few station wagons as an adult.

“They’re starting to make a comeback, by such companies as Volvo, BMW, and Audi,” he said.

“But it is getting harder to find them in the used-car world.”

Christianne Rupp, managing editor of b magazine, vividly remembers her family station wagon.

“It was the only way my family

52

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

could travel together because there were my parents and six kids (within seven years). Sometimes even the family dog would join us,” she said.

It was “always a full car,” Rupp recalled. Vacations were to the shore every summer and to western Pennsylvania and Ohio to visit relatives at other times of year.

“Mom would pack a picnic basket, which always included Dad’s special ham spread sandwiches. We’d pull off on the side of the road at a cutout rest stop, lower the back door/gate of the station wagon, and voila!, a table to spread out the lunch on.”

The backseats of the station wagon folded down and became a bed, replete with blankets and pillows so tired kids could sleep.

“We didn’t go to the drive-in movies often, but they were such fun!

Of course, not all of us kids could stay awake for the whole movie, so the younger kids could sleep while the older ones enjoyed the ending of the movie.”

Although the wagon was essentially

”

“killed” by passenger vans, it lives on in people’s memories, said Butler.

The Antique Automobile Club of America displays vintage automobiles in unique settings. Visitors can “stroll through” eight decades, while traveling from New York City to San Francisco. The museum is a trip down memory lane, as visitors recall the cars their grandparents or parents drove as well as their own.

The museum’s permanent collection now includes the Lakeland bus used in the Academy Award-winning film Forrest Gump, the personal car of actress and television icon Betty White, and the personal car of the late Whitney Houston, the music icon often referred to as “the Rolls-Royce of soul voices.”

The AACA Museum, 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 61 and older, $9 for children 4–12, and free for children ages 3 and under. ) ) )

feature ) ) ) station wagons

Here’s the most current list of confirmed station wagons— subject to change—for the exhibit.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

1928 Chrysler 1961 Willys wagon 1959 Ford Country Sedan wagon 1986 Jeep Grand Wagoner 1970 VW Squareback Powell Sport wagon 1958 Edsel Villager 1985 Peugeot 1984 Dodge Caravan 1963 Chevy Impala 1971 AMC Hornet Sportabout 1980 Ford Pinto Rallye wagon

1953 Mercury 1962 Corvair 1972 Volvo P1800ES Renault 18i 1952 Nash Rambler 1974 Vega 1962 Chevy Impala 1948 Bentley Mark VI 1987 Cadillac wagon 1957 Chevy wagon 1972 Olds Vista cruiser 1968 Mercury Commuter wagon

Treat yourself to a world class automotive experience!

May 23 – October 11

March 14 – October 11

AUTOMOTIVE JEWELRY

by Automotive Photographer MICHAEL FURMAN

May 23 - September 19 Bus Spring Fling – June 6

Open Daily

20th Annual CARnival Car Show – June 20 Matchbox Car Show – September 27

9 AM – 5PM New for 2015 open until 9 PM the first Thursday of each month!

1 mile from HERSHEYPARK just off route 39 West

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

53

caregiving professional techniques help family caregivers FAMILY CAREGIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS OFFERS challenges. But they can glean insights and strategies from those who serve these individuals.

One common challenge is sun downing, associated with increased confusion and restlessness late in the day.

“The cause may be that we’re ‘wired’ to have a rhythm to our day, but people with dementia who are in the same environment all day don’t have a change in rhythm,” said Alison Sprankle, care manager/training specialist of Good News Consulting, Inc., an eldercare management company specializing in dementia care.

“Pent-up energy contributes to the problem, as does anxiety. These individuals can get delusional when trying to make sense of their

54

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

environment, such as a woman asking why her deceased husband isn’t home.”

Good News advocates a structured routine—getting up the same time every day and having structured activities.

“People with dementia can be involved in simple cooking activities, such as mixing or cutting fruit up for a salad,” she added. “It’s important for them to feel useful, that they’ve accomplished something that gives them purpose. Don’t focus on what they can’t do.”

Turn activities into engagements, which fulfill spiritual, intellectual, tactile, physical, or social needs. Even if they’re just watching TV, you can speak

Written by BARBARA TRAININ BLANK

with persons with memory impairment about what they’re seeing. Since they weren’t sedentary in the past, take them for a walk or out with friends, or to exercise.

A distressing, usually end-stage problem is when a person stops eating.

“When you start to notice changes, such as the person can’t eat meat, it may mean the food messages from the brain are interrupted,” said Sprankle. “Talk with your physician. Ask if speech therapy can assess the ability to swallow.

If there is a physical reason, a pureed diet may be recommended.”

If the person seems confused by eating, it might be an occupational

caregiving

the “emotional brain” is protected until late in the disease.

“That’s why the person might not trust a new caregiver or will assert that a daughter ‘threw them’ into a nursing home,” said Sprankle. “A new caregiver needs to make a connection, using the emotional memory to his or her advantage.”

Focusing on a task to be done, like taking a shower, may be less effective than trying to form that connection. For example, if a person has a lot of afghans in his or her room, talk about them.

Draw the person out.

“Get the emotional memory to work for you,” she advised.

Response to baby dolls is not genderbased. Men too will rock a baby and hug it.

“Individuals who aren’t eating or refuse to bathe will—if they think they’re feeding or bathing the baby,” said Sprankle. “It gives them purpose.”

Other comfort activities include rubbing their backs, holding hands, or pet visits.

Tracey Grudi, director of social services at Homewood at Plum Creek, a retirement campus in Hanover, Pa., with a 120-bed healthcare center for skilled and special memory care, collaborated with Karen Coleman, director of nursing, and Nicole Hummel, dementia care social worker, in suggesting solutions to some additional challenges.

What do you do with “problem behaviors” in this population, which could include wandering, disrobing,

hoarding, and restlessness?

“It is difficult to narrow the list down to a few, since every person with memory loss or dementia is different,” said Grudi.

A caregiver should take into account that there can be multiple reasons for such behaviors.

“These behaviors could be related to the person no longer recognizing his environment, family members/friends, and daily care needs,” said Grudi. “Their ‘present’ may not be 2015—but perception of the world during a time that is more familiar to them from past memories, such as caring for children, looking for their parents, housekeeping chores, or getting to work.”

Sometimes it can be a process of trial and error until the caregiver figures out what may be causing the behavior. It is important for caregivers to meet these individuals where they are—providing a safe environment and validating their feelings, while providing appropriate feedback, comfort, and emotional support.

Wandering may not affect every person with memory loss but is certainly cause for concern for the person’s emotional and physical safety.

“Wandering sometimes occurs with a purpose—such as trying to find something or get somewhere—or without a purpose,” Grudi continued.

“Diversionary activity can be helpful, such as engaging the person in brief activities of interest, such as folding laundry, crafts, sorting items, music, and painting.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

) ) ) professional techniques

therapy issue. The therapist may recommend a thick-handled utensil or placing one food in front of the person at a time so he or she isn’t overwhelmed. A physician may recommend supplements.

The way to speak with people with dementia depends on how they speak.

“Early in the disease you may not have to change your communication,” said Sprankle. “Later on, when the person is … grasping at words, you may have to listen harder and fill in the blanks. Speak clearly and slowly in short, simple sentences—using the most important word last.”

If the person has reached the point of “word salad,” where he doesn’t have a lot of words and doesn’t understand yours, try nonverbal communication, such as visual or tactile cues.

“A person with dementia becomes very sensitive to your tone and body language,” she added.

One effective approach to speaking with people with memory loss was proposed by Teepa Snow, a dementia and Alzheimer’s care expert. At first you approach the person from the front to make eye contact and then slowly move to the side so the person doesn’t feel you’re being confrontational, explained Sprankle.

Finally, get low—at eye level—to help the person feel in control, offer your hand to get his or her attention, and call the person by name.

While the loss of short-term memory is typical in the early stages, long-term memory declines later as well. However,

55

) ) ) professional techniques

caregiving

In responding to any problem behavior, it is helpful to determine what the individual might be trying to express through words or actions.

“The ‘problem behavior’— wandering, restlessness, or anxiety, for example—may be related to something in the past [such as] the need to find the bus to get to work or to get home to start supper because one’s children will be coming home from school,” Grudi added.

The reassurance/emotional support may consist of letting the person know he or she is safe.

“Just giving them an opportunity to express their thoughts is helpful,” she

suggested. “At times, asking a few questions, such as, ‘Where do you work?’ ‘What do you do there?’ ‘What are you making for supper?’ and ‘Can you share the recipe?’ can get the person onto another topic and be a good diversion.”

One of the most effective ways to deal with the stresses of caregiving is to join a support group. Homewood has a group on the premises that serves both family members of people at the facility as well as those caring for a loved one in the Hanover community.

“Support groups can be a way to connect with other people who are experiencing similar types of caregiving

Skilled Nursing Care • Memory Care • Medicare/Medicaid Approved Personal Care • Well-designed suites • Private Room Accommodations Active, Independent Living • Modern, Spacious Villas • Cozy, Inviting Cottages • Attractive Luxury Apartments

concerns and questions,” said Grudi. “It provides an opportunity to share/learn about the disease process, care needs, and resources and to receive emotional support.”

If you find yourself losing patience, try to remember the person is not being “difficult or uncooperative,” Sprankle advised. “Someone with dementia has huge holes in the brain. It’s easy to take their behavior personally. This can be very frustrating to a caregiver. One technique is to walk away and take time for yourself.”

Another helpful resource is the Alzheimer’s Association website: www.alz.org ) ) )

Feeling overwhelmed from caregiving for someone with dementia?

Let us help you create a meaningful person centered plan for you and your loved one to have a successful day and many more to come!

Join us for our C.A.R.E. Partner Connections (CPC) program.

Classes forming now in Hanover, Lancaster and York for family caregivers.

Contact our coordinator for more information:

717-577-1480 info@goodnewsconsulting.com

56

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

caregiving

ComfortZone, a program available through the Alzheimer’s Association, allows caregivers to monitor the person with dementia from a secured website and receive alerts when the person leaves a preset safety zone.

services address wandering in those with memory impairment Written by MEGAN JOYCE

FOR CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH MEMORY ISSUES, KEEPING THEIR loved one in a safe space—whether it’s their home or a care facility—is vital to the person’s well-being. But the reality is that six in 10 people with dementia will wander away from that safe space at least once.

Someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may wander as a result of agitation, confusion, anxiety, overstimulation, or the belief that they are searching for something. They may become disoriented and attempt to relive the past or revive past habits, such as going to work or returning to a familiar neighborhood.

While wandering, the person might not recall their name or address, making it difficult for those who encounter the person to assess their needs and return them to safety.

Clay Jacobs, vice president of programs and services for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter, said anyone who has memory problems and is able to walk is at risk for wandering, even in the early stages of

dementia. There are certain behaviors, however, that are red flags indicating wandering is more likely to occur.

“It’s important to plan ahead for this type of situation,” Jacobs said. “Be on the lookout for the following warning signs: [your loved one] returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual; tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work; has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom, or dining room; or appears lost in a new or changed environment.”

There are some steps caregivers can take to reduce the likelihood of wandering, such as creating a daily routine for their loved one, which reduces his or her anxiety. Identify the times of day when agitation is highest— these are the times when wandering is

likelier to occur—and plan activities and exercise for those times.

“It’s also important to understand how the stress experienced by families and caregivers when a person with dementia wanders and becomes lost is significant,” Jacobs added. “Have a plan in place beforehand so you know what to do in case of emergency.”

Statistics show that 94 percent of people who wander are found within just 1.5 miles of their home, so Jacobs recommends caregivers ask neighbors to call if they ever see the person with memory issues alone; keep a recent, close-up photo and updated medical information handy to give to police; provide the person with ID jewelry; and keep a list of places where the person may wander (former homes or jobs,

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

57

) ) ) wandering services

caregiving

A person enrolled in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® will wear this jewelry, right, which gives a toll-free number to call when the person is found.

Project Lifesaver® participants wear a personalized wristband (transmitter), shown above, which emits a tracking signal.

restaurants, places of worship).

Another interesting note to make is whether the person with dementia is right- or left-handed, as wandering tends to follow the direction of the dominant hand.

Once it is determined that a loved one is missing, caregivers should call 911 and file a “missing report” for a person with dementia, a “vulnerable adult.” Police will then begin to search for the individual.

58

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

In addition, Jacobs encourages caregivers to enroll their loved one in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®, a 24-hour, nationwide emergency-response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency.

When a caregiver calls the emergency-response line to report a missing person, a community network will be activated, including local Alzheimer’s Association chapters and law enforcement agencies, Jacobs said.

Critical medical information will also be provided to emergency responders if needed.

A person enrolled in the program will be wearing MedicAlert® + Safe Return® ID jewelry, so that whoever locates the individual can call the tollfree number listed on the jewelry.

MedicAlert® + Safe Return® then notifies the listed contacts to make sure they are returned home.

ComfortZone, another program available through the Alzheimer’s Association, allows caregivers to monitor the person with dementia from a secured website and receive alerts when the person leaves a preset safety zone. “[ComfortZone] provides peace of mind and allows independence for the person living with Alzheimer’s,” Jacobs said. The service includes enrollment in MedicAlert® + Safe Return® as well as 24/7 access to a monitoring center.

“Both services can be in place concurrently but have different aims,” said Jacobs. “ComfortZone is meant for daily use … It can be changed depending on the progression of the disease and can range from a device placed in a vehicle to something directly on the person.”

Another safety option for caregivers in Lancaster County is Project Lifesaver®, a rapid-response, public safety program protecting individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive challenges.

Project Lifesaver® participants wear a personalized wristband (a transmitter) on their wrist or ankle, which emits a tracking signal on an individually assigned FM radio frequency, explained Gail Monteleone of the Pilot Club of Lancaster, a community-service club that worked in conjunction with local police departments to bring Project Lifesaver® to the area.

When a caregiver calls 911 to report that someone enrolled in Project Lifesaver® has wandered, a search team uses a handheld mobile receiver to locate the tracking signal of the individual.

According to its website, Project Lifesaver has more than 1,200 participating agencies throughout 47 states in the U.S. and in Canada and Australia.

“The local Pilot Club members realized there was a need to have this

caregiving

Hempfield Township, West Lampeter Township, Elizabethtown Borough, Columbia Borough, Manheim Borough, Mount Joy Borough, Northwest Regional, Susquehanna Regional, Millersville Borough, Manor Township, and East Hempfield Township.

Monteleone said that, on average, the individual who wandered is usually found within 30 minutes of notifying law enforcement.

“Parents/caregivers of the enrollees feel a sense of relief knowing that this safety net is ‘around’ their family member,” she said.

Services such as these have been created with a primary goal of returning people with memory issues who have wandered to their safe spaces and to their caregivers.

But also essential in their design is peace of mind for those caregivers, who should not blame themselves if their loved one wanders and can instead count on the support of these programs to help bring the person home.

“Wandering can happen, even if you are the most diligent of caregivers,” Jacobs said. ) ) )

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

) ) ) wandering services

emergency-response program in the county,” Monteleone said.

The Pilot Club manages much of the behind-the-scenes work for Project Lifesaver, such as enrollment, transmitter maintenance, public relations efforts, police training support, and ordering equipment. The club also hosts fundraisers and seeks monetary support for the program through donations and grants.

In Lancaster County, police departments currently collaborating with the Pilot Club to make Project Lifesaver available include West

59

lifestyle the most important things to know about healthy aging Written by MICHAEL J. GELB

EXERCISE AND DIET ARE IMPORTANT, AND SO ARE CONTINUOUS learning and lively social engagement, but the single most important piece of advice for healthy aging is: Adopt a positive attitude toward getting older!

According to a study by Dr. Becca Levy, people with a positive attitude toward getting older outlive those with a negative attitude by about seven years.

Why? Your attitude affects your immune system moment-to-moment.

When you focus on adversity, problems, and negative thoughts, you depress your immune system. When you focus on solutions, gratitude, and positive

60

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

thoughts, you strengthen your immune system.

If you add up all those moments, you can see how your choice of attitude will influence your longevity. Many people are challenged, however, by the belief that aging brings inevitable decline in memory, creativity, learning ability, and vitality.

The neuroscience of the 1950s posited that your intelligence is fixed at

age 7, that your brain degrades yearly after age 30, and that your creativity, memory, and learning ability can’t be improved and will inevitably decline with age.

More recent research demonstrates that these assumptions are incorrect.

We now know the following: Our mental abilities can improve throughout life. Neuroscientists call this neuroplasticity. (Neuro refers to

lifestyle ) ) ) healthy aging

neurons, otherwise known as brain cells, and plasticity is the quality of being changeable.)

Although some brain cells die as we age, we can generate new cells.

Neuroscientists call this neurogenesis.

I’ve coined two new words to help you understand the significance of this research and translate it into your life now: neurostatic (static means “fixed”) and neuronecrotic (necrotic from the Greek root nekroun, meaning “to make dead”).

The neurostatic mindset was based on the belief that your mental potential was fixed at age 7 and that there was nothing you could do to develop it.

Neuroplasticity replaces neurostasis.

The neuronecrotic mindset was based on the belief that your brain cells inevitably degrade after age 30, and that creativity and learning ability will therefore inevitably decline with age.

Neurogenesis replaces neuronecrosis.

So, when you understand the implications of this research, you will recognize that your brain is designed to improve with use. The critical question then becomes: What’s the best way to use it?

I celebrated my 60th birthday by writing a book on the researchvalidated, simple, practical things that

we all can do to improve as we get older.

The most important is to adopt a positive attitude. You can facilitate this by taking a daily dose of GFH. Is that a new anti-aging serum? No. It stands for Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Humor.

Make a list of five things that inspire gratitude and then spend 30 seconds just feeling grateful. You’ll boost your immune system and your mood.

Detoxify your body and mind by releasing grudges and resentments.

Remember the words of Oscar Wilde, who counseled, “Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them more.”

Seek out people who make you laugh and avoid taking yourself too seriously. As G.K. Chesterton advised: “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”

As you cultivate a positive attitude you’ll discover that it’s much easier to do the other research-validated practices for improving with age. (Why would you bother if you didn’t think that improvement was possible?)

So what are the most effective practices to improve as you age?

Learn something new and challenging every day. In a study published in the New England Journal

of Medicine, researchers concluded that playing chess or bridge, learning a new language, or taking up a musical instrument were among the most effective ways for older adults to strengthen their brains and prevent dementia.

Further study suggests that it takes about 15 minutes a day of learning something new and challenging to keep your brain in good shape as you age.

Exercise daily. As 82-year-old gerontologist and marathoner Walter Bortz, M.D., emphasizes, “Exercise is a 30-year age offset.”

Find activities you like—such as walking, dancing, yoga, biking—and do some movement daily. Regular exercise

) ) ) healthy aging

lifestyle

prevents depression, elevates mood, stimulates circulation, and oxygenates your brain and body.

Much of what we call “senility” is a function of oxygen depletion in the brain caused by poor circulation.

Moreover, regular exercise also helps tune your body so that it becomes easier to choose a healthy diet.

Choose a healthy diet. Enjoy dining on fresh, wholesome food. Eat more vegetables. Limit sugar and other

high-glycemic foods. Avoid processed, fried, junk, or GMO foods. Keep hydrated. Enjoy wine, coffee, tea, and dark chocolate in moderation.

Expose yourself to beauty every day. In addition to a healthy diet at mealtimes, you also want to feed your brain with beautiful, positive impressions whenever possible.

Walk in nature. Listen to beautiful music. Think creatively. Browse through books of great art.

Now Available! One and Two Bedroom Cottages

Discover

Schedule a tour and receive a

Free Gift!

an easier lifestyle...

Security & peace of mind • Freedom from home upkeep & maintenance 24-hour emergency support • Indoor heated pool • Restaurant & Café Schedule your tour and complimentary lunch today! Contact Melanie Moore at (717) 718-0937 or Melanie.Moore@AlbrightCare.org 1700 Normandie Drive, York, PA (717) 764-6262 | NormandieRidge.org 62

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

Invest in your social wealth.

Older people who are lonely are much more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Regular, positive social engagement helps keep you young, so make friends, join clubs, and spend time with loved ones. If humans aren’t your cup of tea, then get the benefits of loving interaction by caring for pets and plants.

Learn to relax. What is the major cause of the ailments associated with aging? Stress! Overcome stress by learning a relaxation technique and practicing it daily.

There are many methods, including a variety of meditation and yoga forms.

And, the method that I have found to be most beneficial is the ancient Chinese art for cultivating vital energy known as qigong (pronounced “chee gung”).

As Dr. Mehmet Oz commented to Oprah Winfrey on national television: “If you want to be healthy and live to 100, then do qigong.”

So, adopt a positive attitude, learn something new every day, exercise, enjoy a healthy diet, make friends, celebrate beauty, relax, and learn qigong and you’ll improve every day! ) ) ) Michael Gelb is the author of 14 books, including Brain Power: Improve Your Mind As You Age and Creativity On Demand: How to Ignite and Sustain the Fire of Genius. He offers links to free video of qigong exercises on his website: www.michaelgelb.com

S W I M AT H O M E

ENDLESS POOLS

®

“I’ve had my Endless Pool for 14 years now and still love it!” – Ann T., San Anselmo, CA

90% of Endless Pool owners surveyed told us that they still dip in at least once a week … even after 10 years!

For swimming, exercise, therapy, and family fun, the Endless Pool is simple to maintain and economical to run. Plus, it fits almost anywhere – indoors or out, in new or existing spaces – for year-round convenience.

Call Today For your Free Idea Kit.

800-867-5105

20,000+ Installations since 1988!

people a place to share their passion for cars Written by ROCHELLE A. SHENK

CARLISLE EVENTS HAS BECOME A MECCA FOR AUTO ENTHUSIASTS AND their families. Mike Garland estimates that the business’s annual events pump $100 million into the area’s economy.

The events have made Carlisle a destination for auto enthusiasts and car collectors worldwide. Carlisle Events is a family-owned company established in 1974 by Chip Miller and his friend, Bill Miller Jr. In addition to sharing the same last name, the two shared a passion for what we now call “classic cars.” Garland says that at that time, today’s

64

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

“classics” were 15-year-old vehicles and were not viewed as “collector cars.”

Seeing a need to provide a venue to connect other likeminded enthusiasts and those seeking parts to restore their cars, the Millers organized Carlisle Events. Their first event was held at Carlisle Fairgrounds in September 1974 and was later called Fall Carlisle.

Spring Carlisle was established in

spring 1977.

That first event was the springboard for additional events. Today, Carlisle Events hosts 13 events, nine of which are held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Two of the largest are Spring Carlisle and Fall Carlisle, each of which Garland says attracts about 100,000 people.

Both are multi-day events that feature a collector and classic car swap meet, car

people ) ) ) passion for cars

Opposite and this page: A sampling of the autos and trucks that can be seen at Carlisle Events.

corral, and auction.

There’s also an import show that focuses on cars from seven or eight countries; each year a different country takes the spotlight.

“People can travel the automotive world in this small footprint,” Garland says.

Fans of one of Detroit’s “Big Three” automakers will also find an event geared toward their interest.

“We have great relationships with Ford, Chrysler, and GM,” Garland says.

This year’s Ford Nationals will have a special focus on the Ford GT and GT-

40. Ford unveiled the latest version of the GT in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It will be available next year (2016) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this exotic-looking supercar.

Garland said that he’s anticipating more than 200 vintage Ford GTs and GT-40s at this year’s Carlisle event, and there may even be a 2016 prototype.

Classic T-birds and Shelby GT-500s may also be found on display. As in the past, Ford will offer free test-drive opportunities of select vehicles.

The Chrysler Nationals features a

collector car appreciation day, a Dodge swap meet, and a Mopar Garage. This year’s GM Nationals will focus on the 50th anniversary of the IROC Camaro and will also include a “Fabulous Fins of the ’50s” display and a Nitro Fest with 1989 NHRA Funny Car champion and Camp Hill native Bruce Larson.

This year there is a new date for the annual Performance and Style show.

Formerly held on Mother’s Day weekend, it will move to July, when the kids are out of school.

Truck lovers, take heart—there’s a special show dedicated to trucks.

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

65

) ) ) passion for cars

people

Bob Hamblin of Carlisle’s 1973 ‘Cuda.

66

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

“We do offer a little something for every member of the family at all of our events, but this one is probably our most family-friendly event.

There are rides and games for the kids, and they’re often enthralled by the monster trucks on display. We want to embrace the future of the hobby, and what better way to do that than by reaching out to the entire family?” he says with a smile.

The massive Corvette Show is what Garland says put “Carlisle on the map. Both the Ford and the Corvette shows also include a parade of vehicles through downtown Carlisle.

“Owners of classic vehicles love to show them off and share them with others. The parades are not only fun for the owners, but a lot of people line the streets to see the cars as well. It’s a way to reach out to the community at large,” he says.

For a number of automotive enthusiasts, an event at Carlisle is a “must do.” One of those enthusiasts is Bob Hamblin. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Hamblin and his family—daughter, Shannon, and son, Brennan—moved to Carlisle in 2009 to be “closer to events at Carlisle” among other things.

“We’ve been going to the Chrysler Show at Carlisle for years. There’s a great family atmosphere, and it’s become a meeting place for friends from around the country,” he explains.

1970 AAR ‘Cuda.

people ) ) ) passion for cars

Above: Bob Cole winning second place for full-size Pontiac at the 2013 Carlisle GM Nationals.

Top and right: Cole’s 1967 Bonneville convertible.

A dedicated enthusiast, his part-time business of selling parts and restoring cars “supports my hobby financially.”

He’s currently the proud owner of eight Plymouth or Dodge vehicles, including a ’67 Dodge Dart convertible that Shannon, a college freshman, drives, and three Plymouth Barracudas, or Cudas as they are known to enthusiasts.

A ’69 Cuda is earmarked for 13-yearold Brennan, who’s been cleaning and detailing it for more than four years.

“I had cars before I was old enough to drive. As soon as I had my driver’s license, I headed to Florida for spring break and picked up a car along the way. Cars from the South don’t tend to rust as much as those back home. In Buffalo, the tough winters and the chemicals that are used on the roads really impact cars—cars don’t rust in

Buffalo; they dissolve,” Hamblin explains.

The first Cuda that he restored was a ’73 Cuda. He proudly proclaims that the restoration effort included every nut and bolt.

“I’ve always driven it to shows; it’s never been trailered. It may be a 20year-old restoration, but I still win awards at shows with it,” he states.

The ’70 AAR Cuda is perhaps his favorite. It took him two years to find the AAR, which is one of about 2,700 AARs produced. AAR stands for AllAmerican Racers. The factory-built racer was Chrysler’s attempt to enter the Trans Am Racing circuit.

Hamblin purchased his AAR Cuda in 1987 from the car’s second owner, who had the paperwork and history on the car—an important item to collectors of

these rare vehicles.

Not only is this a rare vehicle, but there’s some sentimental attachment to it as well—after Shannon’s birth, Hamblin and his late wife, Diane, brought their new baby home from the hospital in this car. It saw another milestone, when Shannon drove it to school on her last day of high school.

Shannon and her brother have not only grown up going to Carlisle events, but for the past few years Shannon has worked there too. Her first job was in the kids’ area, and then she interned there last year.

While Hamblin is a Dodge or Chrysler fan, Bill Cole is a dedicated GM enthusiast. With two older brothers who were “into” cars, his love of cars began at the age of 7 in 1960.

“Even at 7 years old, I could call out

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

67

) ) ) passion for cars

people

the names of cars. I’ve always been into classic American cars and muscle cars. I grew up pumping gas in the 1960s. I did anything I could—including washing their cars—to ride in my brothers’ cars and pal around with them,” he recalls.

The first car he owned was a ’56 Chevy, and that was followed by a ’55 Chevy that was bought in California. He says that he used to be “in the hot rod scene.” In the late 1970s, he raced the ’55 Chevy at South Mountain Raceway, Boiling Springs.

Prior to taking it to the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) track himself, he was a crew member for another racer.

“That was fun back then. I still go to the track today, but as a spectator,” he quips.

Among his current collection are a ’67 Bonneville convertible, a 2007 Buick Lucerne, a 1993 Cadillac Brougham that he describes as “the last of the really big Cadillacs,” a 1991 Olds Custom Cruiser wagon, and a 1994 Corvette that was bought new.

“That was my 40th birthday present to myself. I think the Corvette is the greatest sports car of all time,” Cole says.

It’s a good-looking and goodsounding car, but when it comes to fun— the Bonneville convertible that he’s

owned for 24 years is his choice. The vinyl interior and other interior items, except for the carpet, are original.

“It rides well and looks good. At 18.5 feet long, it inspired the term ‘land yacht,’” he explains.

Cole says that he’s been attending shows at Carlisle since 2001. He generally attends four to six shows annually and puts the Bonneville in the show field at the GM Nationals, where he’s also a vendor. His Bonneville is pretty easy to spot since he displays the GM Nationals badges across the top of the windshield.

“Carlisle is a great place to share your love of cars,” he says. ) ) )

E R O M H T I W R E M M U S YOUR

CarlisleEvents.com

J U N E 5 -7, 2 0 1 5 68

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

JUNE 26-28, 2015

JULY 10-12, 2015

veteran

she still supports the call to service Written by STEPHEN KOPFINGER

A UDREY BERGSTRESSER KNEW THAT SERVING HER COUNTRY would be a given. It was one that took her to the Vietnam War. It didn’t faze Bergstresser, a Harrisburg-area resident born in Fleetwood, Berks County. Military duty had proved to be a calling of four of the five Bergstresser siblings; two older brothers, Leon and Charles, had joined the Navy Reserve program; Charles would go on to serve 36 years in the reserves. Brothers Bruce and Keith would serve in the Army, and sister Sandra would marry a Marine.

“They were my heroes,” she says.

“In my high school yearbook, I said I would join the Navy.”

But fate had a way of intervening, especially during the turbulent days of Vietnam.

“We waited and we waited” for

word of her Navy prospects, recalls Bergstresser, who today serves as assistant department service officer, Department of Pennsylvania, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Harrisburg.

“I ended up joining the Army,” Bergstresser said.

It was a path that would take her to Long Binh military base in South Vietnam from November 1969 until Jan. 25, 1972. When Bergstresser started her Vietnam service, it was the day after Thanksgiving.

She stayed 26 months, at one point serving the same time as one of her brothers, Bruce. He was one of the reasons Bergstresser signed on for those extra months. She didn’t want

him to go to Vietnam.

“I volunteered to keep him out of Vietnam,” Bergstresser says. “It didn’t work.”

Bruce, an Army medic, thankfully, survived the war. He would go on to work as an assistant director at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, N.C., before retiring due to an illness associated with Agent Orange, a defoliant used in Vietnam.

As a member of the former Women’s Army Corp, Bergstresser’s job was as a non-commissioned officer at a classified repository, accompanying documents that were flown from Long Binh to Saigon.

“All of those documents were highly

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

69

) ) ) audrey bergstresser

Right: Bergstresser in uniform.

veteran

Below: Assisting a veteran at her job today.

classified. I got to fly in a helicopter.

They would (attach) the briefcase to my wrist,” says Bergstresser.

Her duties at one point earned her a bronze star, but when asked why, she replies with an amused smile: “I don’t know. Special project. Classified!”

Bergstresser did reveal some of the military technology she got to work on at the time, technology that was new then but commonplace now in both the military and civilian police forces. It was her job to type reports on success and failure rates for such experimental components as night vision binoculars and Kevlar vests. Such things fascinated Bergstresser.

“I got to slow down and read it,” she remembers.

70

b)

(

((

))

magazine | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

Long Binh was like a medium-sized city, Bergstresser remembers.

“It was the largest military complex outside the continental United States, with 68,000 personnel,” 100 of which were women.

Its size didn’t make it immune from attacks, though.

“Of course, we would come under fire,” says Bergstresser, who recalled “a terrible feeling of helplessness” because the women of the corps were not issued weapons.

“We grabbed our helmets and we grabbed our canteens and we went to the bunker. It was a punishable offense to leave the bunker early.”

Another close call came when a bus Bergstresser was riding in with military

personnel came under small arms fire. It was a transport vehicle that was returning to Long Binh from Saigon, and while those onboard heard the shots, they didn’t realize the bus had been actually hit until all aboard were safely back at the base.

Bergstresser did enjoy more confident moments, such as when she got to handle ordinance, including an M79 grenade launcher.

“I hit the long target and the short target,” she says with pride.

“The long target was a pond of water, and when you hit it, a spray of water went up. The short target was a tree.” Bergstresser nailed it, attributing it to “dumb luck.”

There were lighter moments in

veteran ) ) ) audrey bergstresser

Above: Bergstresser at work in the classified repository.

Left: Firing an M79 grenade launcher while stationed in Long Binh, Vietnam, 1970-71.

Vietnam. Bergstresser remembers seeing Bob Hope’s famous USO shows in 1969 and 1971.

And Vietnam itself, despite the conflict, was a beautiful country.

Bergstresser recalls “crystal-clear water and the white beaches.”

By 1972, President Richard Nixon’s policy of “Vietnamization,” in which U.S. forces would be withdrawn over time from Vietnam, was underway.

Bergstresser would be on her way home in January 1972. Long Binh itself would be turned over to the South Vietnamese later that year, ironically, on Veterans Day. Bergstresser retired with the rank of sergeant major. The war was technically over, but conflict was not. The war was unpopular with many Americans back home.

“I remember people asking me how many babies I had killed,” Bergstresser says. “I had someone whom I considered a good friend and because she had marched against the war, she thought we

couldn’t be friends anymore.” The two women eventually reconciled.

Bergstresser also remembers the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the controversy that surrounded it.

Some criticized the black-walled design; others were upset that the memorial had been designed by an Asian-American architectural student.

Bergstresser has visited what has since come to be known as “The Wall” and finds it a compelling place. Yet her brother Bruce still has not visited it.

She expresses empathy with the men—and women—who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. As unpredictable as Vietnam could be, Bergstresser says, today’s soldiers “have to be hypervigilant 24 hours a day.”

Military service and home ties remain strong links in Bergstresser’s family. Leon and Charles live in Fleetwood; Bruce remains retired in North Carolina. Younger brother Keith, who served in the Army Security Agency

as a cryptologist and at one point was stationed in Germany, passed away in 1998. He is buried in Fleetwood near the Bergstresser siblings’ parents.

Sister Sandra, who married Marine Robert “Bob” Eidle, lives in the Oley/Boyertown area of Berks County.

“She’s part of the club!”

Bergstresser says proudly of Sandra being part of a military family, even if by marriage.

Bergstresser’s only complaint about her country these days is that, apart from military families, many Americans seem detached from war and sacrifice.

“The American people have become complacent,” she says. “It drives me crazy. Unfortunately, they need a wakeup call.”

Bergstresser has a solution for that, and one that doesn’t necessarily have to involve combat. It does, however, require discipline.

“I still believe,” she says, “that every American should have compulsory service.” ) ) )

summer 2015 |

b)

(

((

))

magazine

71

Monique Stief ))) Birthday: May 14, 1960 ))) Resides in: Lancaster, Pa. ))) Profession: Radiation Therapist ))) Hobbies: Travel, Shopping, and Gardening

WHAT IS THE BEST MEMORY YOU HAVE FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? My best memory from childhood is my grandparents. We spent a lot of time with them growing up, both maternal and paternal sets. There are so many good memories that still inspire me to this day. They were magical relationships filled with the best love. I remember the many sleepovers, market day on Fridays, and playing baby dolls and jacks with Nanny.

Sunday was spent with my mother’s family on her mother’s (my maternal grandmother) farm working in the garden, picking strawberries, and husking corn, with a big dinner to bring the day to an end.

And don’t forget Lassie, Flipper, and The Wonderful World of Disney on the black-andwhite TV. WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOUR PARENT/S EVER GAVE YOU? The best advice I received was: “Life is not a bowl of ripe, sweet cherries. There will be days when they are rotten, mushy, and sour, it will all come down to how you divide the two. You are blessed to be a woman living in the United States of America.” How very true that statement is today.

My parents reminded us that we will need flexibility in life. It’s a long and winding road and we will have to bend, jump, skip, and hop along its path.

)))

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY? My favorite holiday was and is Thanksgiving by far. I always wait all year for this big spread. It’s not like I can’t make this meal throughout the year, but somehow it just does not taste the same as when November rolls around. My grandmother’s coleslaw is a must for the table to be complete.

Monique at 3 months

WHERE WAS THE BEST VACATION SPOT YOU REMEMBER GOING TO AS A KID? The best vacation spot ever was Ocean City, N.J. We would all go as a family, grandparents and all.

My grandfather loved to ride the waves, and we would be in that ocean for hours. I remember staying on the second floor of a family friend’s house that had no air conditioning (common in those days) and coming back from the beach to my grandmother’s Italian cooking.

Somehow I didn’t mind the heat in those days; it’s a whole different story now! Gilligan’s Fun Deck was the entertainment on the boardwalk at night; cotton candy and waffle ice cream sandwiches were treats.

Even to this day summer is not complete without a trip to the beach with family. However, it’s me, MiMi, who does the Italian cooking now.

In third grade

During a recent family trip to Disney World

Read more of Monique Stief’s story online at www.bmagazinepa.com/goodvibrations.

What memories would you share? To be considered for a future good vibrations column, please visit www.bmagazinepa.com.

Won’t You Join Us?

omen’s Expo Lancaster County

May 30, 2015

Brick Lego ® tastic -Bui Conte lding s For Kids t!

5–12.

Top P riz $75! e

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

See website for details

Millersville University Marauder Court 21 S. George St., Millersville

New for 2015

Call a spon bout sor a nd exhib i t o oppo r rtuni t toda ies y!

Health & Wellness Finance Home Nutrition Beauty ... plus Shopping Fashion Show Demonstrations Wine Tasting Show & Tell and more!

717.285.1350

Be our guest and register today!

FREE online guest registration! ($5 at the door)

aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com