Chester County 50plus LIFE - February 2020

Complimentary | Chester County Edition

February 2020 • Vol. 17 No. 2

Fun and Philanthropy page 4

Tax Form Created for Seniors Introduced page 3

Fraud Advisory: Phone Scams page 9

By David J. Hill

Association Found Between Poor Diet, Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Participants who ate a diet high in red and It turns out that a Western dietary pattern, processed meat, fried food, refined grains, and one defined as high in consumption of red and high-fat dairy were three times more likely to processed meat, fried food, refined grains, and develop an eye condition that damages the retina high-fat dairy, may be a risk factor for developing and affects a person’s central vision, according late AMD. to the results of a study from the University at However, a Western diet was not associated Buffalo. with development of early AMD in the study, The condition is called late-stage age-related published recently in the British Journal of macular degeneration. AMD is an irreversible Ophthalmology. condition that affects a person’s central vision, The authors studied the occurrence of taking away their ability to drive, among other early and late AMD over approximately 18 common daily activities. years of follow-up among participants of the “Treatment for late, neovascular AMD Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. is invasive and expensive, and there is no Dighe and colleagues used data on 66 Macular degeneration causes the sufferer’s central vision to deteriorate. treatment for geographic atrophy, the other different foods that participants self-reported form of late AMD that also causes vision loss,” consuming between 1987 and 1995 and February is Age-Related said Shruti Dighe, who conducted the research identified two diet patterns in this cohort — as part of her master’s in epidemiology at UB’s Western and what researchers commonly refer Macular Degeneration Awareness Month School of Public Health and Health Professions. to as “prudent” (healthy) — that best explained “It is in our best interest to catch this the greatest variation between diets. condition early and prevent development of late AMD.” “What we observed in this study was that people who had no AMD or And that’s why the finding that diet plays a role in AMD is so intriguing, early AMD at the start of our study and reported frequently consuming added Dighe.

please see Macular Degeneration page 7

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Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

IRS Introduces a Tax Form Created for Older Taxpayers

Dear Savvy Senior, A couple months back I read that the IRS will be offering a new senior-friendly tax form this tax season that will be easier to use. What can you tell me about this?

– Paper Filer

Form 1040-SR Created by the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act, the new two-page simplified federal income tax form is called the 1040-SR. Similar in style to the old 1040-EZ form that the IRS discontinued last year, the new 1040-SR has larger print and better color contrast that make it easier to read.

It also includes a chart to help older taxpayers calculate their standard deduction, which may help ensure that fewer seniors neglect to take the additional standard deduction they are entitled to.

For 2019, the additional deduction for those 65 or older or the blind is $1,300.

The 1040-SR form also has specific lines for

Dear Filer, It’s true. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has created a new federal income-tax form specifically designed for senior taxpayers, age 65 and older, that should make filing a little easier this year, particularly for those who don’t file electronically.

Here’s what you should know.

please see Tax Form page 8

At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away.

Disasters American Red Cross Greater Brandywine (610) 692-1200

Arthritis Foundation (215) 570-3060

Chester County Emergency Services (610) 344-5000 Salvation Army Coatesville (610) 384-2954 Salvation Army West Chester (610) 696-8746 Emergency Numbers Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (800) 521-6110

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800) 232-4636

Retirement living Ashbridge Manor Senior Living 971 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown (610) 269-8800

Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233

JEWELERS American Gold & Estate Buyers, Inc. 363 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton (484) 872-8216

National Osteoporosis Foundation (800) 223-9994 PACE (800) 225-7223

Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-3676

Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213

American Heart Association (610) 940-9540

Housing Authority of Chester County (610) 436-9200 Housing Authority of Phoenixville (610) 933-8801

Senior Healthlink (610) 431-1852

American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345

Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com

Coatesville VA Medical Center (610) 383-7711

Office of Aging (610) 344-6350/(800) 692-1100

Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900

Housing Assistance Community Impact Legal Services (610) 876-0804

Southeastern Pennsylvania Medical Institute (610) 446-0662 Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY

Legal Services Lawyer Referral Service (610) 429-1500 Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (610) 436-4510 Nutrition Meals on Wheels Chester County Inc. (610) 430-8500 Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (800) 366-3997 Office of Aging Chester County Department of Aging Services (610) 344-6350

Friends Home in Kennett 147 W. State St., Kennett Square (610) 444-2577 Harrison Senior Living 300 Strode Ave., East Fallowfield (610) 384-6310 Providence Place at the Collegeville Inn 4000 Ridge Pike, Collegeville (610) 222-5007 Senior Centers Coatesville Oxford (610) 383-6900 (610) 932-5244 Downingtown Phoenixville (610) 269-3939 (610) 935-1515 Great Valley Wayne (610) 889-2121 (610) 688-6246 Kennett Square West Chester (610) 444-4819 (610) 431-4242

Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

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February 2020

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Cover Story

Fun and Philanthropy

Corporate Office

3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360 Chester County: 610.675.6240 Cumberland County/Dauphin County: 717.770.0140 Berks County/Lancaster County/ Lebanon County/York County: 717.285.1350 Email address: info@onlinepub.com Website address: www.onlinepub.com

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Donna K. Anderson

EDITORIAL

Vice President and Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor, 50plus Publications Megan Joyce

ART DEPARTMENT Project Coordinator Renee McWilliams Production Artists Connie Molitor Lauren Phillips

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Senior Marketing Consultants Joshua Binkley Jennifer Schmalhofer Angie Willis Marketing Consultant Brittney Bonagura Cassidy Galeone Events Manager Kimberly Shaffer

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Awards

50plus LIFE is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc. and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirement communities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets serving the senior community.

On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature.

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By Bart A. Stump Don Shuler knows complete his makeup and how to put a smile on that Buzz-Zee’s character people’s faces. has evolved over time.

For the past 17 years “If you look at the he has been entertaining way I was dressed when I crowds as Buzz-Zee, a first started and the way Zembo Shrine clown.

I dress now, it’s changed, Shuler first became and the makeup has interested in being a changed. Over the years clown while serving I toned some things as the master of his down and accented other Masonic Lodge. He things,” Shuler said. invited a Shriner Shuler shared a clown unit to give a humorous story from presentation about their when he first became history and what they do.

Buzz-Zee. Heading to a The highlight of the park for an outing with meeting occurred when a group of special-needs Three attendees of the Zembo Shrine the clowns made up one children, he realized Children’s Christmas Party stopped for a photo with Buzz-Zee. of the Masons in full he had forgotten the clown makeup. That directions. person was Shuler’s father.

Spotting a farmer bailing hay, Shuler drove his With his interest now piqued, Shuler took the 4x4 truck out into the middle of the field to ask plunge. for help. Shuler recalled the look of surprise on the “Talking with them and hearing what they do, it farmer’s face when a clown in full makeup and sounded like a lot of fun,” he said. “Of course, you’re costume hopped out of the truck. helping the Shriners, which is the organization for The situation grew even more comedic when the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the burn the farmer, not being sure of the directions, sent centers for burn victims.”

Shuler to the local police station. The officer who Shuler has gone full circle, having always enjoyed responded to Shuler’s knock appeared extremely working with kids. He originally earned a degree in uneasy and would only open the door about 6 elementary education but, due to economic reasons, inches. he ended up working in the trucking industry.

Shuler identified himself and explained that he Now retired, he finds himself spending a lot of needed directions, but the suspicious officer still time with kids while serving a fraternal organization would not open the door any wider or come outside. dedicated to helping children.

He did, however, give Shuler the needed directions “I was very apprehensive about [clowning] at first and sent him on his way. because I’m not that big of a showoff-type person,” Arriving at the park, Shuler, not realizing there Shuler said. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to put this stuff on were two parties, ended up joining a large family and go out there and be in front of people.’ It was a reunion by mistake. Eventually he was directed to little intimidating at first.” the proper group.

Realizing that putting on makeup allowed him Shuler summed up the experience by saying, “… to create a completely different persona, provided I can do anything after this. I was never intimidated a sense of anonymity, and permitted him to just about the makeup or anything after that.” focus on the fun, Shuler soon got over his initial Shuler is now a life clown, having served 15 years reluctance. on active status, which requires 18 makeups per year Buzz-Zee is an auguste clown, with white makeup and attending at least six monthly meetings. applied around the eyes and mouth. Other types Shuler’s clown unit participates in 35-40 events of clowns include whiteface, in which the entire annually, including Four Diamonds events for face is covered in white, and tramp, in which the kids with cancer, private clubs, the Zembo Shrine person appears as a hobo with a beard of stubble and Children’s Christmas Party, and the annual Zembo tattered clothing.

Shrine Circus, held this year March 11-15 in the Shuler said it takes him an hour and a half to Zembo Shrine Auditorium. www.50plusLifePA.com

According to Shuler, the circus runs Wednesday– Sunday for a total of 10 performances.

“The clowns usually do two skits during each circus performance, and we normally get quite a few clowns that show up for that,” he said.

The clowns also visit the children at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia.

Another of their traditions is Rose Day, held the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, when they visit local nursing homes and provide all the ladies with a silk rose.

When asked where he would like to perform if he could perform anywhere, Shuler replied, “The one thing that would have been neat would have been to perform in the Ringling Brothers Circus, and in Hershey because it would be in front of a hometown crowd.”

Shuler is quick to point out that Shriner clowns do

Shuler as Buzz-Zee with a rose recipient at Church of God Home in Carlisle, Pa., during Rose Day, held annually the Sunday before Valentine’s Day.

Shuler, right, teamed up with the Nittany Lion during the Autumn Day at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa.

Shriners are a subgroup within the Freemasons that focuses on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, truth, and relief.

They are easily recognized by the distinctive red fezzes they wear.

The Shriners are best known for their philanthropic support of the Shriners Hospitals, where care is provided free of charge for children in need.

not get paid; it is a strictly volunteer gig. Being a clown is an expensive undertaking, however — Shuler’s first pair of clown shoes cost $395.

Nevertheless, it is a labor of love with the rewards being the smiles on kids’ faces and the opportunity to brighten the days of older people. Shuler also enjoys the comradery shared among the clown unit, a tight-knit group that does a lot together besides clowning.

Shuler said someone thinking about becoming a Shriner clown “will find it very rewarding, giving your time towards something good.

“It gives you a real good feeling inside.”

On the cover: Don Shuler inside the Zembo Shrine Building in Harrisburg, Pa. The historic building, which opened in 1930, is significant for its Moorish Revival architecture.

Pet of the Month

Mystique Mystique is no mystery at all. Rescued in a large hoarding case, Mystique has healed from the associated neglect and has moved past some initial shyness to become a sweet and social girl.

Mystique lives in a freeroaming room with some of the other cats from the case, where she is the first to greet you at the door.

In addition to having experience living with cats, Mystique lived with a dog in her prior home.

This 1-year-old girl is ready for the loving family she deserves. Could it be you?

For more information, contact Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, at (484) 302-0865 or bvspca.org.

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Find out why Ashbridge Manor was voted #1

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Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.

February 2020

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CROSSWORD

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30. Get behind 32. Advanced degree?

33. Rotates a camera 34. Palme ___ (Cannes award) 35. Large lizard 38. Phenom 39. Roman goddess of wisdom 41. Apply gently 42. Church officer 44. Thumbs down 45. Relocate 46. CIA forerunner 47. Web allocator (abbr.)

48. Wheel of Fortune purchase 49. Coats of arms

51. Romulus or Remus 53. Chinese tea 54. Festive time 56. True heath 59. Barbecue fare 61. Maine, for one 64. Guisado cooker 65. BC follower 66. Fleabane 67. Aswan and others 68. Filbert

10. Ecstasy’s opposite 11. Cleave 13. Morality 14. Carpenter’s tool 15. Expressionist Nolde 21. South Seas kingdom 24. Silly Symphony output, briefly 26. Comic Gilliam

27. Pool sites 28. Worry on foot 29. Set in stone 31. Small songbirds 34. Cacophony 35. Wrigley Field flora 36. Place to pray 37. Explorer Tasman

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The Impact of Stress on Your Heart

By James Price Stress can have a substantial effect on your health, especially if it’s chronic or severe.

Unfortunately, it’s an unavoidable part of life. When your job is a struggle, you have a family or aging parents to take care of, and you encounter various challenges on a day-to-day basis, it’s inevitable to start feeling stretched too thin.

Excessive stress contributes to myriad health risk factors and conditions, including asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, and ulcers.

What’s more, stress can also severely impact your heart health, as your response to stress might drive certain behaviors that aren’t good for your heart.

Let’s have a look at how stress impacts your heart and how you can protect it:

the heart, if the state of high agitation is prolonged. An increase in adrenaline allows us to react to an unexpected and stressful chain of events, but with constant stress, the heart is in a steady state of exertion.

There’s also the aspect of unhealthy stress management, such as indulging in alcohol or cigarettes, and even overeating. That’s especially dangerous, considering the harmful effects of these habits on your cardiovascular health, such as increased blood pressure and artery wall damage.

Overeating can also saddle you with high cholesterol, which can escalate the problem further.

Stress Management and Remedies for a Healthy Heart February is American Heart Month Unfortunately, stress isn’t that easy to Stress Response that Affects Heart Health manage. The main issue is that while it’s easy People respond to stress differently, and this response largely determines the to tell yourself that you’ll walk away from stressful situations, sometimes it effect of it on health. Some people might experience tension headaches, a lack isn’t possible. of energy, sleep pattern disruptions, or stomach and digestion issues.

What’s more, we tend to fall into a stressful lifestyle and become its Of course, our immediate reaction to a stressful event can also impact please see Stress page 15

Macular Degeneration from page 2 unhealthy foods were more likely to develop vision-threatening, late-stage disease approximately 18 years later,” said study senior author Amy Millen, Ph.D., associate professor and associate chair of epidemiology and environmental health at UB. This U.S.-based study is one of the first examining diet patterns and development of AMD over time. The other studies were conducted in European cohorts.

Early AMD is asymptomatic, meaning that people often don’t know they have it. To catch it, a physician would have to review a photo of the person’s retina, looking for pigmentary changes and development of drusen, or yellow deposits made up of lipids.

With late AMD, there could be either atrophy or a buildup of new blood vessels in the part of the eye known as the macula.

“When people start developing these changes, they will begin to notice visual symptoms. Their vision will start diminishing,” Dighe said. “This is advanced or late-stage AMD.” But not everyone who has early AMD progresses to the more debilitating late stage.

To date, most research has been conducted on specific nutrients — such as high-dose antioxidants — that seem to have a protective effect.

But, Dighe explains, people consume a variety of foods and nutrients, not just one or two, and that’s why looking at diet patterns helps tell more of the story.

“Our work provides additional evidence that that diet matters,” Millen added.

“From a public health standpoint, we can tell people that if you have early AMD, it is likely in your best interest to limit your intake of processed meat, fried food, refined grains, and high-fat dairy to preserve your vision over time.”

David J. Hill is a director of news content at the University at Buffalo.

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! r a e r u o y s u Lend 50plus LIFE and Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania have partnered to bring you weekly audio readings of 50plus LIFE’s editorial content!

Listen to the livestream Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at www.vrocp.org!

The program will repeat 3 times that day and Saturdays from 11-11:30 a.m.

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For more information, call Vision Resources at (717) 238-2531 and listen at visit www.vrocp.org.

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February 2020

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Tax Form from page 3 retirement income streams, such as Social Security benefits, IRA distributions, pensions, and annuities, along with earned income from work wages and tips.

And it allows a child tax credit for seniors who are still taking care of a dependent child or grandchild.

You can report capital gains and losses too, as well as interest and dividends, on this new form. Any of the tax schedules available to those using the standard form 1040 may also be used with the 1040-SR. You should also know that the 1040-SR doesn’t put a limit on interest, dividends, or capital gains, nor does it cap overall income like the old 1040EZ form did.

But, if you have to itemize because of state and local taxes or charitable giving, then you will not be able to use the new Form 1040-SR.

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Need to enroll in VA healthcare?

An enrollment specialist from the Lebanon VA Medical Center will be on hand to enroll veterans in the VA healthcare system during the

York County Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair March 31, 2020 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wyndham Hotel York 2000 Loucks Road, York Veterans wishing to apply for enrollment to VA healthcare should bring three items: • DD-214 • Last year’s federal tax return • A list of medical expenses from the previous year

Paper-Filing Advantage Seniors who use tax-preparation software to file their taxes will be able to generate a 1040-SR, but the new form will provide the most significant benefit to taxpayers who still fill out and file their returns on paper.

Last year, about 88% of the 153 million individual federal tax returns filed to the IRS were filed electronically. About 5% were prepared using tax software and then printed out and mailed to the agency, while about 7% were prepared on paper.

To use the new 1040-SR tax form for the 2019 filing year, taxpayers, including both spouses if filing jointly, must be at least age 65 before Jan. 1, 2020.

You also don’t have to be retired to use the form — older workers can use it too. But early retirees (younger than 65) cannot use 1040-SR. To see the 2019 draft version of the new 1040-SR form, go to www.irs.gov/ pub/irs-dft/f1040s--dft.pdf.

Tax-Preparation Help If you need help filing your tax returns this year, consider contacting the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program.

Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle- and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call (800) 906-9887 or visit www.irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate a service near you.

Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 4,800 sites nationwide.

To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site, call (888) 227-7669 or visit www.

AARP.org/findtaxhelp. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

Toddler Books Needed for Book Drive West Chester-based Laundromat Library League, in conjunction with Miller’s Insurance Agency, is conducting a book drive specifically for toddlers’ board books that will be placed in local laundromats.

The book drive is part of LLL’s ongoing efforts to get children’s books into homes that have few or none.

Until Feb. 15, donations of new or gently used board books can be deposited in a drop-off box located in the lobby of Miller’s Insurance Agency at 255 Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown.

Cash donations will also be accepted. For more information, visit laundromatlibraryleague.org or www.facebook.com/ laundromatlibraryleague or call (610) 696-2282.

For questions or more information, call (717) 272-6621, ext. 4298

Lebanon VA Medical Center 8

February 2020

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Social Security News

Fraud Advisory: New Twist on Phone Scams

By John Johnston

The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public that telephone scammers may send faked documents by email to convince victims to comply with their demands.

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General has received reports of victims who received emails with attached letters and reports that appeared to be from Social Security or Social Security OIG. The letters may use official letterhead and government “jargon” to convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings and grammar mistakes.

This is the latest variation on Social Security phone scams, which continue to be widespread throughout the United States.

Using robocalls or live callers, fraudsters pretend to be government employees and claim there is identity theft or another problem with one’s Social Security number, account, or benefits.

They may threaten arrest or other legal action or may offer to increase

benefits, protect assets, or resolve identity theft.

They often demand payment via retail gift card; cash; wire transfer; internet currency, such as Bitcoin; or prepaid debit card.

Ennis urges continued vigilance against all types of phone scams no matter what “proof” callers may offer.

Social Security will never: • T hreaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee • Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment • Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card • Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email If there is ever a problem with your Social Security number or record, in please see Fraud page 16

On Life and Love after 50

Tom Blake

Hot-Potato Topic: Women Dating Younger Men

A widow named Jackie approached me recently and asked: “Does age matter in dating when it comes to women being older than men?”

I asked Jackie why she asked that question.

She explained that at her 50th high school reunion, she met a classmate.

After a year of dating, they married. Two months later, he was diagnosed with cancer. Five months after that, he passed away.

“I don’t think I could willingly go through that again,” Jackie said. “At my ‘young age’ of 72, I’d want someone younger.”

Older dating younger has always been a hot-potato topic with my readers.

When I’ve written on this subject, I’ve been dragged over the coals by young women, older men, older women, bitter men, and opinionated women.

In society, older men dating younger women seems to be acceptable, whereas women dating younger men raises eyebrows and can bring forth disparaging remarks.

A Canadian dating website is credited with coining the term “cougar,” which describes a woman who dates younger men. I don’t like the term; I think it’s demeaning.

Jackie is not the only widow who feels she doesn’t want to experience widowhood again.

I fixed up a widow, age 60, with a male friend, knowing they had similar interests. www.50plusLifePA.com

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She asked, “How old is he?”

“Late 60s, early 70s,” I guessed.

Two days later, I saw them enjoying a beverage together at a local restaurant.

I thought to myself, “Bingo. A good introduction and possible match.” please see Hot-Potato page 17 Independent Living Supportive Independent Living Personal Care • Skilled Nursing

An Adaptable Approach & a Heart for Community Rather than having residents adapt to Friends Home, we work to adapt our environment to their individual interests and needs.

In addition, residents actively participate in various intergenerational programs throughout the community and enjoy giving back.

147 W. State Street • Kennett Square, PA 19348 • 610-444-8785 • FHKennett.org

Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.

February 2020

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Join us in celebrating our silver anniversary by taking a look back at life over the last 25 years … as well as a blast from one of our covers past!

2013 Top Headlines

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Entertainment

• The U.S. government charged fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden with espionage and theft of government property after Snowden copied and leaked highly classified information from the National Security Agency.

• Streaming-service companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon began creating their own original program content to subscribers.

• Prince George, first child to the Duke and Duchess of Wales, was born in July and made his first public appearance on the steps of St. Mary’s Hospital in London.

• In June, the Supreme Court ruled that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional, meaning the Supreme Court would recognize same-sex marriage as legal.

• 10.3 million viewers watched the series finale of AMC’s Breaking Bad. The series ran five seasons and was nominated for 58 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning 16.

• Detroit became the nation’s largest public sector bankruptcy when it filed in July; the city was $18 billion to $20 billion in debt.

• Inside the apartment of an elderly German man, German investigators discovered more than 1,400 paintings by masters such as Picasso, Dürer, Renoir, Chagall, and Matisse. Many had been seized from museums and Jewish owners during Nazi rule.

• A partial government shutdown lasted 16 days after several failed attempts by the House, Senate, and President Barack Obama to reach a deal.

• Notable entertainment passings included musician Lou Reed; author Tom Clancy; and actors James Gandolfini, Cory Monteith, Peter O’Toole, Jean Stapleton, and Paul Walker.

• The implementation of the Affordable Care Act began Oct. 1 when health insurance exchanges opened online. Technical problems plagued the sites during their initial rollout.

3 February 201

Sports • A Super Bowl blackout energized the game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers after the stadium went dark for 34 minutes.

• After years of denials, cyclist Lance Armstrong confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs during his Tour de France wins. Armstrong was stripped of all seven titles.

• Tennis player Andy Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years. Murray won in three sets against Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

• Two homemade pressure-cooker bombs concealed inside backpacks exploded 12 seconds apart at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, killing three people and injuring more than 250.

• On her fourth attempt, 64-year-old American longdistance swimmer Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Miami without a protective shark cage. Nyad arrived in Key West 53 hours after leaving Havana.

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Science & Technology • Amazon and Google began experimenting with making deliveries using drones, autonomous flight vehicles used to transport packages.

• 3D printing became more widely available to consumers and could be used to create medical devices, art, toys, architecture models, guns, and more.

• Smartwatches began to be released to the public, featuring biofeedback, GPS function, access to email via Bluetooth connection — and, of course, the time.

• The cloud went mainstream in 2013, with more than half of U.S. businesses using the cloud to store data that year. Schools and governments were also signing up for cloud-based computing.

• The olinguito, a carnivorous mammal in the raccoon family, was the first new species discovered in the Western Hemisphere in 35 years. It resides in the Andes cloud forests of western Colombia and Ecuador.

Join us next month to see what was happening in 2010! www.50plusLifePA.com

Since 2000, 50plus LIFE (previously Senior News and 50plus Senior News) has won more than 130 awards for its editorial content and design. Here’s a look at an award-winning article from our archives.

Remembering the Twentieth Century: I Remember Mama

GOL AwarD d

May 2002 issue Mature Media Awards: Gold Award, Personal Essay

By Joe Cacka

This wonderful story begins in the beautiful upper slopes of the thousand-foot Little Carpathian Mountains of western Slovakia.

These actually small, unspoiled rolling hills were known as the Magical Zahorie, a rather remote area covered with orchards, grape vineyards, fish ponds, streams, great cathedrals, old castles in ruins, and small family cemeteries.

The land held gorgeous scenery throughout to rest the eyes — forested peaks with lower slopes of fields and meadows filled with a magnificent profusion of wildflowers: blues, reds, purples, pinks, and yellows; bluebells, daisies, wild geraniums, and delphiniums, even dandelions.

But there was no rest for Andela. As the oldest sibling in a family of 13 children, she had the dubious job of doing all the housework plus outside farm work.

So one day in June, Andela, a beautiful, petite, blue-eyed blonde on her 16th birthday, packed all her worldly possessions into a bundle and left home for America with hopes of a better life, never to return home again.

With a week of mostly foot travel and rides by horse and wagon, sleeping in barns or fields, she covered 475 miles, arriving at Bremen, Germany, for a few more weeks’ ocean voyage in the hold of a vessel, steerage class, under terrifying conditions.

Deaths were disposed of by dumping the bodies overboard.

“A more forlorn party, in more dismal circumstances, would be hard to imagine,” wrote Robert Louis Stevenson after observing life in steerage on the Atlantic crossing.

Andela arrived on July 3, 1907, landing at Ellis Island for more screening and health checks before boarding a train to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she found a job as a housemaid for a dollar a day.

Later she moved to Newark, New Jersey, where, after a few years, Andela, age 18 now, met and married her prince charming: Libor, age 21, also an immigrant who arrived the same year as Andela.

They had four children; I was the youngest. We sure were poor financially for years. The wealthy people Andela worked for eventually called her Ella. From then on, Mom was my Cinderella.

Now, Cinderella worried herself sick over the large family she left behind. Her mother and father both died, leaving the children orphans.

Cinderella worried herself to death when World War II started and Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia in 1938. By 1939, Mom (Cinderella) died of coronary thrombosis at age 47. I was 20 years old. So now, you have the real story of “Cinderella.”

Happy Mother’s Day, “Cinderella,” wherever you may be.

www.Providence-Place.com www.50plusLifePA.com

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Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.

February 2020

11

advertisement

No Need for Disguises.

We’re Pet Friendly!

At Harrison Senior Living, we believe that your four-legged friend can improve your overall health and happiness; that’s why we pride ourselves on being a pet-friendly community.

After all, your pets are family too.

www.Harrisonseniorliving.com

H

N

Independent Living Personal Care Respite Care

SilverKey Medicaid Specialists SilverKey Medicaid Experts Provide Peace of Mind “Between worrying about my own kids and my job, I didn’t know how I was going to find the time to gather all the documents and gain the knowledge needed to get my mom on Medicaid. I needed to ensure she was approved in a timely manner to keep her in the long-term care community she was currently in and had adjusted to,” says Sandy from Downingtown, Pa. For those who are in a long-term care community, when funds start running low, families need to think about Medicaid as an option.

Unlike applying for Medicare, they need to ensure they leave enough time, as the Medicaid application process can be long and tedious.

Gathering five years of supporting documents to ensure a timely review can be very stressful.

Those who seek expert advice realize the benefit and peace of mind knowing their loved one will be cared for.

There are solutions out there.

SilverKey Medicaid Specialists comprises expert case workers who have extensive experience working with the Medicaid system. They are up to date on all of the changing Medicaid guidelines to ensure all the correct application criteria are met.

Medicaid is meticulous: One small error or omission will most likely result in a delayed approval, penalty, or worse — a denial.

SilverKey specializes exclusively in partnering with applicants through the Medicaid process to ensure the applicant successfully obtains coverage.

They start with a free consultation and assessment. SilverKey will take the lead and request and gather

all the necessary paperwork and financial statements. Their team is trained to identify and collect each document required for the application to be approved.

Next, the team fills out every line and checks every box so the application can be properly submitted.

Sometimes, sending the application via mail is not enough to get approved for Medicaid coverage.

The state can require a face-to-face meeting with a Medicaid case worker at the Board of Social Services. This can be time consuming and stressful.

A SilverKey team member will represent a person at the meeting if it is required.

SilverKey also acts as a liaison with Medicaid case workers so they can move the application along.

Applications left on their own may not get approved quickly and efficiently.

“When tasked with getting my mom on Medicaid, I was full of anxiety trying to understand all of the current guidelines and figure out all that was needed, as well as how I was going to find the time to gather and fill out all required documentation.

“SilverKey took all of my stress away and provided me with peace of mind. They allowed me to focus on being a daughter again,” concluded Sandy.

SilverKey Medicaid specialists help families and business office managers alike with successfully getting prompt approval in the Medicaid application process.

Contact them for a free consultation or an educational brochure.

300 Strode Avenue East Fallowfield, PA 19320 610.384.6310

SilverKey Medicaid Specialist

See our website for more locations and information.

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February 2020

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477 Oak Glenn Road • Howell, NJ 07731 732-490-6331 • Fax: 732-523-0846 • www.silverkeymedicaid.com

www.50plusLifePA.com

25 th

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Mail your completed survey to: 50plus LIFE Survey — 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 by July 15, 2020.

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4. What topics would you like us to cover? ________________________________________________________________ 5. How often do you pick up your copy of 50plus LIFE?  Monthly  Semi-regularly  Occasionally  Rarely 6. Which of the following actions have you taken in the last 12 months as a result of reading 50plus LIFE?  Requested information offered in an article  Requested information from an advertisement  Visited a specific store  Bought/ordered advertised product or service  Visited a specific travel destination  Attended a local event or meeting  Saved an article for future reference  Other 7. Do you patronize 50plus LIFE? advertisers?  Often  Sometimes  Never 8. How often do you do the puzzles on the Puzzle Page?  Every Issue  Sometimes  Never 9. Number of people (include yourself) who read your copy of 50plus LIFE? ______________________ 10. What percentage of 50plus LIFE do you read?__________________________ 11. Is 50plus LIFE an important source of information for you?  Yes  No 12. Have you visited 50plus LIFE’s website?  Yes  No 13. Do you read 50plus LIFE online?  Often  Sometimes  Never 14. Do you have a computer / smartphone / tablet?  Yes  No 15. Do you use the internet for: • Researching information:  Frequently  Sometimes  Never • Emailing:  Frequently  Sometimes  Never • Social Media (Facebook, etc.):  Frequently  Sometimes  Never • Reading newspapers/magazines:  Frequently  Sometimes  Never • Don’t have/use the internet  16. Do you prefer:  Print  Digital  50/50 17. Have you visited 50plus LIFE on Facebook?  Yes  No 18. I am (check all that apply):  Male  Female  Married  Divorced  Widowed  Single  Never Married 19. My age is:  Under 50  50-59  60-69  70-79  80+ My spouse’s age is:  Under 50  50-59  60-69  70-79  80+ 20. My education level is:  High School Grad  Some College  College Grad  Graduate/Professional Degree  Other

24. Our/my housing status (check all that apply): •  Own:  Single-Family House  Condo  Retirement Community •  Rent:  Single-Family House  Condo  Apartment

 Retirement Community •  Nursing Home  Other _________________________________________ 25. In the next two years, might you consider moving to any of the following?  Smaller House  Apartment  Condo  Retirement Community  None 26. How many times do you dine out each month?  1-3 times  4-6 times  7-9 times  10+ times  None 27. How many times a month do you attend cultural events, plays, concerts, movies, etc.?  1-3 times  4-6 times  7-9 times  10+ times  None 28. How many times a year do you travel?  1-3 times  4-6 times  7-9 times  10+ times  None 29. Have you visited a casino in the past year?  Yes  No If yes, how many times?  1-2 times  3-4 times  5-9 times  10+ times 30. What professional services have you employed in the past year?  Elder Law Attorney  Insurance Broker  Travel Agent  Tax Service  CPA  Financial Planner  Real Estate Agent  Other _________________ 31. What professional services do you foresee using?  Home Health Services  Retirement Living Community:

 50+ Community  Personal Care  CCRC  Assisted Living

 Nursing  Dementia  Insurance Broker  Travel Agency

 Real Estate Agent  Home Improvement 32. Check which purchases you plan to make in the next 12 months:  New Car  Used Car Make? ________________________________________  Motor Home or RV  Computer/Tablet/e-Reader  Furniture  Television  Major Appliance  Eyeglasses  Heater/Air Conditioner  Hearing Aid  Airline Tickets/Travel  Health/Long-Term Care Insurance  Other________________________________ 33. Do you have home care assistance?  Yes  No

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February 2020

13

Chester County

Calendar of Events

Support Groups Free and open to the public

Senior Center Activities

Mondays (except holidays), 10-11:30 a.m.

Sunshine Memory Café United Methodist Church of West Chester 129 S. High St., West Chester (610) 349-3401 adean0413@gmail.com

Feb. 11 and 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

Bereavement Support Group Jennersville Hospital Conference Room B 1015 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove (610) 998-1700, ext. 226

Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

No Longer Alone: Nar-Anon Family Group Church of the Nazarene 424 S. Darlington St., West Chester (610) 692-3120

Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m.

Family Caregiver Support Group Sarah Care 425 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Malvern (610) 251-0801

Coatesville Area Senior Center – (610) 383-6900 250 Harmony St., Coatesville www.coatesvilleseniorcenter.org Weekdays, 9-10:30 a.m. breakfast, noon lunch – Nostalgia Kitchen Feb. 7, 1 p.m. – Wear Red with the Red Hat Ladies: Lunch and Presentation

Feb. 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Grief Support Group Phoenixville Senior Center 153 Church St., Phoenixville (610) 327-7216

Feb. 12, 7-8:30 p.m.

Hearing Loss Support Group Christ Community Church, Second Floor 1190 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester (484) 402-4907 hlaaachesco@gmail.com www.hearinglosschesco.com

Feb. 4 and 18, 6:30-8 p.m.

Bereavement Support Group Brandywine Hospital Conference Room 2N 201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville (610) 998-1700, ext. 226 Feb. 4 and 18, 5-6:30 p.m.

Bereavement Support Group Main Line Unitarian Church 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon 610) 585-6604 phoenixbereavement@yahoo.com Nondenominational; all are welcome.

Feb. 18, 6 p.m.

Family Caregiver Support Group Sunrise of Westtown 501 Skiles Blvd., West Chester (610) 399-4464 Feb. 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

To Live Again … Support and Socialization for Widows and Widowers Surrey East Goshen 1201 N. Chester Road, West Chester (610) 389-1124

Feb. 5, 6 p.m.

Memory Loss and Dementia Support Group Sunrise Assisted Living of Paoli 324 W. Lancaster Ave., Malvern (610) 251-9994

Feb. 26, 6 p.m.

Living with Cancer Support Group Paoli Hospital Cancer Center 255 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli (484) 565-1253

Feb. 10 and 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon Caregiver Coffee Break/Support Group Active Day of Exton 201 Sharp Lane, Exton (610) 363-8044

Feb. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Elder Care Support Group Ruggiero Law Offices Paoli Corporate Center 16 Industrial Blvd., Suite 211, Paoli (610) 889-0288 beth@paolilaw.com

Community Programs Free and open to the public Feb. 1 and 15, 5-10 p.m.

Bingo Night Marine Corps League Detachment 430 Chestnut St., Downingtown (610) 429-8174 Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m.

West Chester University Retirees Luncheon Call for location (610) 269-1503

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Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Compassionate Friends Valley Forge Chapter Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 132 E. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia (484) 919-0820 www.tcfvalleyforge.org Feb. 18, noon AARP Valley Forge Chapter Meeting St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church 203 N. Valley Forge Road, Devon (610) 647-1823

Downingtown Senior Center – (610) 269-3939 983 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown www.downingtownseniors.org Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – Yoga Wednesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. – Wake Up! Cardio Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Poker Great Valley Senior Center – (610) 889-2121 47 Church Road, Malvern Kennett Area Senior Center – (610) 444-4819 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square http://kennettseniorcenter.org Oxford Senior Center – (610) 932-5244 12 E. Locust St., Oxford – www.oxfordseniors.org Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Paint Class Phoenixville Area Senior Center – (610) 935-1515 153 Church St., Phoenixville http://phoenixvilleseniorcenter.org West Chester Area Senior Center – (610) 431-4242 530 E. Union St., West Chester http://wcseniors.org Thursdays, 1 p.m. – WCASC Chorus

Library Programs Avon Grove Library, 117 Rose Hill Ave. West Grove, (610) 869-2004 Feb. 3 and 17, 3 p.m. – Sit & Knit Feb. 5 and 19, 6 p.m. – The Write Stuff Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m. – Book Club Downingtown Library, 330 E. Lancaster Ave. Downingtown, (610) 269-2741 Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. – Fantasy Book Club Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. – Film Forum Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m. – Downingtown Library Writers Group Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road Paoli, (610) 296-7996 Mystery Book Club – Call for dates/times West Chester Public Library, 415 N. Church St. West Chester, (610) 696-1721 If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

www.50plusLifePA.com

Sixties Flashback

It’s Just a Game! (Or Is It?) Randal C. Hill

On Nov. 25, 2019, three months before Today’s Super Bowl draws a viewing Super Bowl LIV was to be played on Feb. 2, audience of about 100 million. It’s America’s 2020, Fox TV announced that the game at biggest annual sporting competition Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was sold out of (although the World Cup soccer games draw available advertising spots. Companies that more viewers worldwide). hadn’t already ponied up $5.5 million per But, for many Americans, it’s more a 30-second message were out of luck. boisterous afternoon of fun and friendship The Super Bowl has become a spectacular than a sports contest. More food — and yearly advertising and entertainment event presumably more drink — is consumed on … and there’s even a football game thrown Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of in for good measure! Tickets for those who the year except Thanksgiving. want to witness the event for themselves now — cost an average of $2,500 to $3,500 per seat.

It wasn’t always this way. The first such Over the years, numerous music icons game wasn’t even called the Super Bowl.

Jan. 15, 1967 have brought a true “wow” factor to the Played on Jan. 15, 1967, it was officially AFL – NFL World Championship Game halftime performances and included Motown termed the AFL – NFL World superstars (Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson),

Championship Game. several iconic hitmakers (Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Aerosmith, Lady But NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle wanted something a bit punchier, Gaga, Prince, Katy Perry, Beyonce), and some legendary UK entertainers (Phil Collins, U2, the Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney).

please see Game page 19

Stress from page 7

Please join us for these FREE events!

Becoming aware of stress is the first step in defeating it and decreasing its harmful impact on your health. Even though active relaxation and taking time for yourself might seem like a luxury you can’t afford, your heart will thank you for it.

Staying healthy requires us to regularly and conscientiously make good decisions for ourselves. Only this can keep the numerous harmful influences at bay.

It’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect your heart, both from the stress and its physical manifestations. It’s an effort, but it will be worth it.

James Price is the CEO of Cholesterade, an all-natural drink mix and fiber supplement designed to help lower bad cholesterol and improve digestive, colon, and kidney health. www.cholesterade.com

www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE u

21st Annual

April 22, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LANCASTER COUNTY

Shady Maple Conference Center Smorgasbord Building 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl

21st Annual

May 6, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

DAUPHIN COUNTY

Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey

June 10, 2020

17th Annual

hostages, so even replacing a bad habit with a relaxing one, such as yoga, can seem like too much work.

However, there are a couple of techniques you can try out when you find yourself in a high-stress situation or environment.

For example, take a few deep breaths to settle down, as this slows down the racing of your heart by decreasing the influx of adrenaline.

Alternatively, you could try to count to five or 10 before you speak.

If you’re facing a problem that’s difficult to solve, try changing your approach and coming up with ways to break it down into manageable tasks.

Stress is a significant health concern and can cause major changes in the gut and in the brain, which can cause changes in behavior. Eating high-fiber foods may reduce the effects of stress on our gut and behavior, according to new research published in The Journal of Physiology.

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CHESTER COUNTY

Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton

Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available (717) 285-1350 (717) 770-0140 (610) 675-6240

www.50plusExpoPA.com

Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.

February 2020

15

CCRC Continuing Care

Retirement Communities Designed with their residents’ changing needs in mind, CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)/Life Plan Communities offer a tiered approach to the aging process.

Healthy adults entering these communities can live independently. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can transition to personal care, assisted living, rehabilitation, or nursing care facilities.

Some CCRCs/Life Plan Communities have designated dementia areas that address the progressing needs of people who have any form of dementia. In addition, some communities have sought out and earned accreditation from CARF International, signifying they have met CARF’s stringent set of quality standards. CCRCs Life Plan Communities enable older adults to remain in one care system for the duration of their lives, with much of their future care already figured out—creating both comfort and peace of mind.

The listings with a shaded background have additional information about their center in a display advertisement in this edition.

Bethany Village

Cornwall Manor

Homeland Center

Homestead Village

Landis Homes

Willow Valley Communities

325 Wesley Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Stephanie Lightfoot Director of Sales & Marketing (717) 766-0279 www.bethanyvillage.org

Enhanced Senior Living 1800 Marietta Avenue P.O. Box 3227 Lancaster, PA 17604-3227 Christina Gallagher Director of Marketing (717) 397-4831, ext. 158 www.homesteadvillage.org

Woodcrest Villa Mennonite Home Communities

1 Boyd Street, P.O. Box 125 Cornwall, PA 17016 Jennifer Margut Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (717) 274-8092 info@cornwallmanor.org www.cornwallmanor.org

1001 East Oregon Road Lititz, PA 17543 Sarah Short Director of Residency Planning (717) 381-3549 sshort@landishomes.org www.landishomes.org

1901 North Fifth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-1598 Barry S. Ramper II, N.H.A. President/CEO (717) 221-7902 www.homelandcenter.org

600 Willow Valley Square Lancaster, PA 17602 Richard Myers Director of Sales (717) 464-6800 info@willowvalley.org www.WillowValleyCommunities.org

If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your account representative or call (717) 285-1350.

2001 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Connie Buckwalter Director of Marketing (717) 390-4126 www.woodcrestvilla.org

The CCRCs listed are sponsoring this message. This is not an all-inclusive list.

Fraud from page 9 most cases Social Security will mail you a letter. If you do need to submit payments to Social Security, the agency will send a letter with instructions and payment options.

You should never pay a government fee or fine using retail gift cards, cash, internet currency, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards. The scammers ask for payment this way because it is very difficult to trace and recover.

If you receive a suspicious call or email about a problem with your Social Security number or account, hang up or do not respond.

16

February 2020

50plus LIFE u

We encourage the public to report Social Security phone scams using our dedicated online form at https://oig.ssa.gov.

Other ways to report fraud including calling (800) 269-0271 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or (866) 501-2101 for TTY; or by sending mail to Social Security Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17785, Baltimore, MD 21235.

For more information, please visit https://oig.ssa.gov/scam.

John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.

www.50plusLifePA.com

It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Rainy Night in Georgia’ Randal Hill

“Rainy Night in Georgia” was a comeback hit for No. 1 on the soul lists. Other versions followed by singer Brook Benton. country icons (Conway Twitty, Hank Williams Jr.) and Born Benjamin Franklin Peay in South Carolina in soul superstars (Ray Charles, Sam Moore of Sam and 1931, Benton cut his gospel chops in the local Methodist Dave). church, where his father was the choirmaster.

Although Benton released five Cotillion albums and 14 Later, Brook’s deep, mellifluous voice powered nearly more singles, he never had another hit. two dozen Mercury Records 45s into the Top 40 between — 1959 and 1964. Then, overnight, Beatlemania swept One thing Tony Joe White knew about was about many an American artist — including Benton — off the rainy nights. charts.

“When I got out of high school, I went to Marietta, By the late 1960s, he was recording for Cotillion, a Georgia. I had a sister living there,” he said in a 2014 subsidiary of Atlantic Records. It was there that he cut interview with music journalist Ray Sasho.

“Rainy Night in Georgia” “Rainy Night in Georgia,” arguably the best-remembered “I drove a dump truck for the highway department.

Brook Benton February 1970 song of his career.

When it would rain, you didn’t have to go to work. You When Benton’s producer had played Benton the could stay home and play your guitar … I spent a lot of original 1968 version by Tony Joe White, Benton thought that White’s rainy nights in Marietta, Georgia.” unpolished “Rainy Night in Georgia” was merely a demo (demonstration) White signed with Tennessee’s Monument Records and found one special record rather than a finished product. groove that would bring him some recognition. In his only solo success — Benton realized that this was a good song that could become great, if done “Polk Salad Annie” — the deep-voiced White described a tough-as-nails girl right. named Annie out picking an edible plant called pokeweed, which grows in And it was. Released just after the onset of the 1970s, Benton’s haunting, Southern woods and fields. melancholy “Rainy Night in Georgia” became a mainstay on Top 40 radio. It Many thought polk salad was code for something else. painted a dreary, poignant picture of a man — we assumed he was homeless “A lot of the hippie festivals, flower children and everybody, they would — both alone and lonely in a train rumbling through a rain-swept night. bring deep bags of grass (marijuana) back to the dressing room or back to my For a moment of comfort, the man held a lady’s photograph against his tent,” White recalled, undoubtedly with a chuckle and an eyeroll. chest. Perhaps, in his mind, they were together again, briefly …

“And they said, ‘We brought you a little polk.’ And I was like, ‘That’s not White was never pleased with his own version but, once he heard Benton’s, the kind I’m talking about.’”

White knew that the newly released soulful rendition would be the one to find Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be success. reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

Benton’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” reached No. 4 on the pop charts and

Hot-Potato from page 9 Not so. The following week, she told me she found out he was 75, and she didn’t want to take the chance of becoming a widow again.

I asked four other senior women their opinions about dating younger men.

Ann said: “If I were to date men my age, 72-82, I’d be taking my life into my own hands every time one of them drives. Also, some men that age can’t drive at night.”

Lisa wrote, “Age is less important than someone’s level of maturity, outlook on life, and health and activity level. I have dated men older and younger. I will be 72 in February and am dating a man 60.

“When I’m on dating websites, men who are older than I seem so ‘old.’”

Greta commented, “Age has nothing to do with it. Compatibility is what’s important.”

Margaret shared, “I’ve dated men 15 years older and 20 years younger. Some younger men were more mature than older men — a few who behaved childishly. If you enjoy each other’s company and have fun together, age doesn’t matter.”

At what age difference do critics of older women dating younger men start rolling their eyes and making snide comments? Five years, 10, 15, 20, and 25www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE u

plus; it doesn’t seem to matter.

I see nothing wrong with women dating younger men. The women should be aware, however, that there may be challenges, especially if the age difference is 10 or more years. If either person has children, that may muddy the water as well.

And there could be negative comments from nosy acquaintances. Imagine a friend seeing you in a restaurant with your younger man. The friend might say, “Hi, Ellen. I didn’t know you had a grandson!”

Ellen smiles, her stomach churns; she mumbles something like, “Yes, isn’t he darling!”

Everybody’s different. There’s no right or wrong. Mature singles must enjoy life while they can. It’s nobody’s business what the respective ages are, except the two people involved.

So, go for it, Jackie. Check out those younger men.

For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to www.findingloveafter50.com.

Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.

February 2020

17

Classifieds

Education/Career Training COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train at home to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now!

Call CTI for details! 888-449-1713 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial Aid for qualified students Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704.

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Train at home for a career as a Medical Office Professional at CTI! 1-833-766-4511 AskCTI.com Notice Miscellaneous Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-995-2490 ATTENTION DIABETICS! Save money on your diabetic supplies! Convenient home shipping for monitors, test strips, insulin pumps, catheters and more! To learn more, call now! 844-698-4858 DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 888-623-3036 or http://www.dental50plus.com/58 Ad# 6118 Orlando + Daytona Beach Florida Vacation! Enjoy 7 Days and 6 Nights with Hertz, Enterprise or Alamo Car Rental Included - Only $298.00. 12 months to use. Call Now! 855-403-8409 (24/7) Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-855-534-6198.

A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 855-741-7459 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 888-912-4745 ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds.

FREE information kit. Call 877-929-9587 CATHETER SUPPLIES. We offer a complete line of popular and lesser known product to fit your needs. Even the discreet “pocket catheter.” To learn more or get free samples, Call 844-540-2092 DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. 1-833-872-2545.

WANTED Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Call 1-855-440-4001. Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment!

BBB Rated A+ www.TestStripSearch.com.

Automobiles Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! 2002 and Newer! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing!

We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

CASH FOR CARS - We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer. Nationwide Free Pick Up! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960

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February 2020

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Game from page 15 something easy to remember. The Pro Bowl, perhaps, or maybe even The Big One. The name by which it later became known originated with Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. He had seen his young daughter play with a bouncing toy called a Super Ball, and Hunt was inspired to propose the name Super Bowl for the contest.

Rozelle declared the term too informal, but it didn’t take long for Hunt’s recommendation to take hold with the public.

That first game was far from being a sellout. By kickoff time, about one-third of the seats at the 94,000-seat Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum remained unsold, as many people grumbled that the $12 ticket price (about $92 in today’s money) was excessive and refused to cough up the required funds.

And just how impressive was that first halftime show compared to the budget-busting, jaw-dropping extravaganzas we have come to expect now?

Judge for yourself. Two men, who each wore hydrogen-peroxide-propelled jetpacks (technically termed “rocket belts”), flew around the field — barely off the ground — to show what future travel could look like someday.

Two college marching bands paraded. Trumpeter Al Hirt performed. Ten thousand balloons went airborne. So did 300 pigeons, one of which left a deposit on the typewriter of young sportscaster Brent Musburger.

In that initial contest, by the way, the NFL’s Green Bay Packers walloped the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs 35-10, and Green Bay quarterback legend Bart Starr was named MVP. Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the rest of him resides in Bandon, Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

March 31, 2020 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wyndham Hotel York 2000 Loucks Road, York

This event is FREE to attend.

Veterans (of all ages), the military community, and their families are invited to join us!

The Expo brings federal, state, and local agencies together with area businesses to provide information and resources to veterans and their families.

The Job Fair brings veterans and spouses who need jobs together with employers who can benefit from this rich source of talent to aid their organizations.

25 th

Arthritis Corns Heel Spurs Gout Warts

Diabetic Neuropathy Plantar Fasciitis Ingrown Toenails Fungal Infections

At the Expo

Veterans Benefits & Services Medical/Nonmedical Resources Products and Services Available Support/Assistance Programs Education/Training Services

At the Job Fair

Employers Job Counseling Workshops Employment Seminars Resume Writing Assistance

Many adults don’t give their feet the attention they deserve!

The April issue of 50plus LIFE will include a special focus on foot health in recognition of

National Foot Health Awareness Month.

Hosted by:

Advertisers in 50plus LIFE’s National Foot Health Awareness Month feature are eligible for a promotional advertising discount!

Reach up to 150,000+ monthly readers—let them know about the services and products you provide that can treat their foot conditions and improve their quality of life!

Space Reservation Deadline: March 6, 2020

Contact your marketing consultant today, call (717) 285-1350, or email info@onlinepub.com

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

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Serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50plus community for 25 years.

February 2020

19

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Discover Hawaii on this island-hopping cruise tour. Spend 7 nights aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s renovated Pride of America and enjoy freestyle cruising at its finest. Experience the lush Iao Valley on Maui, the beauty and charm of Hilo, Kona’s coffee-rich “Gold Coast,” and Kauai’s spectacular Na Pali coast and Waimea Canyon. Your land tour includes Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city tours, and time to relax on world-famous Waikiki Beach. Guided on Oahu by our friendly Tour Directors—your local experts.

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10 days, departs May - September 2020 Prepare to be awed as you experience the stunningly red rocks of these 6 iconic southwestern national parks. Formed by the elements over countless centuries, these natural treasures are still grand enough to make our jaws drop.

Experience several of the most popular National Parks in America, traveling through deserts, forests, mountains, and to the very edge of one of the natural wonders of the world.

GRAND ALASKAN CRUISE & TOUR Seattle • Vancouver • Ketchikan • Juneau • Skagway • Glacier Bay National Park • Anchorage • and more 12 days, departs May - September 2020 Enjoy a cruise & tour between Seattle and Alaska including 7 nights aboard Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam and 4 nights on land. You’ll cruise the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage—a sea lane teeming with marine wildlife, where you’ll pass glaciers, mountains, and lush forests, with stops in Ketchikan, Skagway and magnificent Glacier Bay. On land, you’ll go deep into Denali National Park, tour Anchorage, and see the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

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For Hawaiian Islands Cruise & Tour, Free Internet and Free Beverage Package offers vary based on cabin category purchased. Additional service charges are required and payable to YMT with final balance for select Set Sail offers. For full Set Sail terms and conditions ask your Travel Consultant. Offers apply to new bookings only made by 11/30/19. Other terms & conditions may apply.