Cumberland County 50plus LIFE - February 2020

Complimentary | Cumberland County Edition

February 2020 • Vol. 21 No. 2

coverage e r a c i d e Is your M expensive? too ls? th referra i w g n i l a Still de ing aids r a e h r o f erage Need cov or dentures? t see wha o t 9 e g Go to pa do for you. we can

Licensee dependent tion In n a is s eCros socia Capital Blu Cross BlueShield As e of the Blu

Fun and Philanthropy page 4

Tax Form Created for Seniors Introduced page 3

Special Section: Tours and Trips

page 12

! r a e r u o y s u d Len

There’s no bu$ine$$ ... like your bu$ine$$!

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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!

April 4, 2020

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

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hershey Lodge

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325 University Drive, Hershey Please join us this spring as a sponsor or exhibitor for the seventh annual Dauphin County Women’s Expo.

Women of all ages have enjoyed these community events, finding helpful information for all the hats they wear in their everyday lives, including:

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

Health & Wellness • Finance • Home Technology • Beauty • Nutrition Spa Treatments

and more!

Face-to-face in a comfortable environment.

Sponsor an Exhibito d Reserva r tio Now Bei ns ng Accepte d

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Your Choice. Our Privilege.

We believe the care people receive makes a difference in their lives. It is our privilege to care for you and your loved ones.

($5 at the door.)

Brought to you by:

Principal Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsors:

A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

1901 N 5th St., Harrisburg

(717) 770-0140

717-221-7900

HomelandCenter.org

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February 2020

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2300 Vartan Way, Harrisburg

717-857-7400

HomelandatHome.org

Homeland Hospice … A Toast to the 10th … An Encore for More!

Join us on NOV. 10th | HomelandHospice.org/10years

www.50plusLifePA.com

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

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.

Form 1040-SR Created by the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act, the new two-page simplified federal income tax form is called the 1040-SR.

Dear Filer, It’s true. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has created a new federal income-tax form specifically

please see Tax Form page 7

At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away. adult day care Life Time Adult Day Care 3 Crossgate Drive, Mechanicsburg (717) 975-9762 Emergency Numbers American Red Cross (717) 845-2751 Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Cumberland County Assistance (800) 269-0173 Energy Assistance Cumberland County Board of Assistance (800) 269-0173 Eye care services Kilmore Eye Associates 890 Century Drive, Mechanicsburg (717) 697-1414 Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 Arthritis Foundation (717) 763-0900 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 The National Kidney Foundation (800) 697-7007 PACE (800) 225-7223

Healthcare Information PA HealthCare Cost Containment Council (717) 232-6787 Hearing Services Duncan Nulph Hearing Associates 5020 Ritter Road, Suite 10G Mechanicsburg (717) 766-1500 Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Home care Services Homeland at Home Serving all of Cumberland County (717) 221-7892 Hospice Services Homeland at Home Serving all of Cumberland County (717) 221-7890 Housing Assistance Cumberland County Housing Authority 114 N. Hanover St., Carlisle (717) 249-1315 Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937 Salvation Army (717) 249-1411 Insurance Apprise Insurance Counseling (800) 783-7067

Social Security Administration (Medicare) (800) 302-1274

Capital Blue (888) 989-9015 (TTY: 711)

Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (717) 238-2531

Medicare (800) 633-4227

Nursing/Rehab Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7900 Nutrition Meals on Wheels Carlisle (717) 245-0707 Mechanicsburg (717) 697-5011 Newville (717) 776-5251 Shippensburg (717) 532-4904 West Shore (717) 737-3942 Orthopedics OSS Health 856 Century Drive, Mechanicsburg (717) 747-8315 Personal Care Homes Homeland Center 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg (717) 221-7900 Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Services Cumberland County Aging & Community Services (717) 240-6110 Toll-Free Numbers Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555 Cancer Information Service (800) 422-6237 Consumer Information (888) 878-3256

Disease and Health Risk (888) 232-3228 Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233 Drug Information (800) 729-6686 Flu or Influenza (888) 232-3228 Health and Human Services Discrimination (800) 368-1019 Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 Liberty Program (866) 542-3788 Medicare Hotline (800) 638-6833 National Council on Aging (800) 424-9046 Passport Information (877) 487-2778 (V); (888) 874-7793 (TTY) Social Security Fraud (800) 269-0217 Social Security Office (800) 772-1213 Veterans Services American Legion (717) 730-9100 Governor’s Veterans Outreach (717) 234-1681 Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771 Veterans Affairs (717) 240-6178 or (717) 697-0371

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

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

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

ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Elizabeth Duvall Member of

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.

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.

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By Bart A. Stump Don Shuler, of New Shuler said it takes Cumberland, knows him an hour and a half how to put a smile on to complete his makeup people’s faces. and that Buzz-Zee’s For the past 17 years character has evolved he has been entertaining over time. crowds as Buzz-Zee, a “If you look at the Zembo Shrine clown. way I was dressed when I Shuler first became first started and the way interested in being a I dress now, it’s changed, clown while serving and the makeup has as the master of his changed. Over the years Masonic Lodge. He I toned some things invited a Shriner down and accented other clown unit to give a things,” Shuler said. presentation about their Shuler shared a history and what they humorous story from do. when he first became Three attendees of the Zembo Shrine The highlight of the Buzz-Zee. Heading to a Children’s Christmas Party stopped for a photo with Buzz-Zee. meeting occurred when park for an outing with the clowns made up one a group of special-needs of the Masons in full clown makeup. That person children, he realized he had forgotten the directions. 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 farmer’s face when a clown in full makeup and do, it sounded like a lot of fun,” he said. “Of costume hopped out of the truck. course, you’re helping the Shriners, which is the The situation grew even more comedic when organization for the Shriners Hospitals for Children the farmer, not being sure of the directions, sent and the burn 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 Buzz-Zee is an auguste clown, with white year and attending at least six monthly meetings. makeup applied around the eyes and mouth. Other Shuler’s clown unit participates in 35-40 events types of clowns include whiteface, in which the annually, including Four Diamonds events for entire face is covered in white, and tramp, in which kids with cancer, private clubs, the Zembo Shrine the person appears as a hobo with a beard of stubble Children’s Christmas Party, and the annual Zembo and tattered clothing.

Shrine Circus, held this year March 11-15 in the www.50plusLifePA.com

Zembo Shrine Auditorium.

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 here in Hershey because it would be in front of a hometown crowd.”

Shuler is quick to point out that Shriner clowns do not get

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.

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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.

Tom & Randi LaNasa “MEMORY MUSIC”

Join the 2020 One Book, One Community campaign by reading Heartland by Sarah Smarsh.

40 libraries in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, York, and surrounding counties and their community partners present the regional reading campaign.

Attend free library programs and discussions throughout February and early spring!

Photo credit: Michael Lionstar

Visit www.oboc.org or your library to learn more.

A Compassionate Daily Care Program For Older Adults • Safe Environment • Professional Staff • New Friendships

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(717) 975-9762

3 Crossgate Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Call Or Visit Today!

Open Mon. – Fri., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

www.CPARC.org

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50plus LIFE ›

Attention: RETIREMENT HOMES, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. Looking for entertainment?

Booking shows for any occasion!

We have many variety shows featuring the music from the 1930s to the 60s.

Songs by legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Kay Starr, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, and the Mills Brothers.

Specialty shows include …

Songs from the WWII Years • The Post WWII Years: 1945 – 1955 AMERICA: From Sea to Shining Sea Salute to the Rat Pack (or if you prefer, just Sinatra) Elvis & Patsy • Classic Country

Please contact Memory Music to book your next event!

Phone: (717) 846-6126

E-mail: memrymusic@aol.com

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

February 2020

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CROSSWORD

Puzzle Page

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 18 SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH

The Old West

Across 1. Nabokov novel 4. Part of a process 8. Winston Churchill’s ___ Country 12. Wall socket 16. La Scala area 17. Tympani 18. Vitamin additive 19. Grandma’s word 20. Condo division 22. Cricket wicket 23. Present month 25. Certain print 27. Mace, e.g.

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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February 2020

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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:

February is American Heart Month

Stress Response that Affects Heart Health People respond to stress differently, and this response largely determines the effect of it on health. Some people might experience tension headaches, a lack of energy, sleep pattern disruptions, or stomach and digestion issues.

Of course, our immediate reaction to a stressful event can also impact 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 Unfortunately, stress isn’t that easy to manage. The main issue is that while it’s easy to tell yourself that you’ll walk away from stressful situations, sometimes it isn’t possible.

What’s more, we tend to fall into a stressful lifestyle and become its please see Stress page 8

Tax Form from page 3 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 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. 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 www.50plusLifePA.com

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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.

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

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 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.

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.

Stress from page 7 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.

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February 2020

50plus LIFE ›

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

Association Found Between Poor Diet, Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By David J. Hill Participants who ate a diet high in red added Dighe. and processed meat, fried food, refined It turns out that a Western dietary grains, and high-fat dairy were three times pattern, one defined as high in more likely to develop an eye condition that consumption of red and processed meat, damages the retina and affects a person’s fried food, refined grains, and high-fat central vision, according to the results of a dairy, may be a risk factor for developing study from the University at Buffalo. late AMD. The condition is called late-stage ageHowever, a Western diet was not related macular degeneration. AMD is an associated with development of early AMD irreversible condition that affects a person’s in the study, published recently in the central vision, taking away their ability to British Journal of Ophthalmology. drive, among other common daily activities.

The authors studied the occurrence of “Treatment for late, neovascular AMD early and late AMD over approximately 18 is invasive and expensive, and there is no years of follow-up among participants of treatment for geographic atrophy, the other the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Macular degeneration causes the form of late AMD that also causes vision Study. sufferer’s central vision to deteriorate. loss,” said Shruti Dighe, who conducted Dighe and colleagues used data on the research as part of her master’s in 66 different foods that participants selfFebruary is Age-Related epidemiology at UB’s School of Public Macular Degeneration Awareness Month please see Macular page 15 Health and Health Professions.

“It is in our best interest to catch this BlueJourney Seminar Dates and Locations: condition early and prevent development of late AMD.” Feb. 19, 10 a.m. • Giant, 2300 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg 17110 And that’s why the finding that diet plays a role in AMD is so intriguing, Medicare 101 sessions to learn the basics of Medicare and how it works: March 13, 5 p.m. • Giant Camp Hill, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill 17011

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BlueJourney PPO is offered by Capital Advantage Insurance Company®, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. BlueJourney HMO is offered by Keystone Health Plan® Central, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in BlueJourney PPO and BlueJourney HMO depends on contract renewal. Capital BlueCross and its subsidiaries Capital Advantage Insurance Company, Capital Advantage Assurance Company and Keystone Health Plan Central are independent licensees of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Communications issued by Capital BlueCross in its capacity as administrator of programs and provider relations for all companies. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

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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

25 th

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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February 2020

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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.

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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

GOLD Award

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.

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February 2020

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— Tours and Trips — Traveling Overseas is Only Dangerous Until You Get There For some people, worries about be on your guard for. It’s about crime and terrorism are enough to being street wise; don’t always be a rule out travel outside the U.S. trusting soul.

And that’s a shame, says It’s a sad thing to do, but when internationally acclaimed travel out in the streets in some countries expert Chris Herrmann, who points with high levels of known scams, out that when it comes to being avoid eye contact with passersby, fearful, many folks are their own minimizing the opportunity for worst enemies. those looking to take advantage of Herrmann knows full well the easy targets. anxieties that nearly kept him back If a stranger is overly friendly, be from an amazing around-the-world wary and avoid them. “Friendly” backpacking trip he took at age 62. scammers will typically use a The fear of traveling alone with simple greeting to build rapport. the unfamiliarity of unknown The next step is to “help” you destinations can be daunting. with inside information, which is Herrmann had suddenly lost his typically a setup for a scam. wife of 40 years to cancer. Now Engaging with locals offers without a travel partner, he took off great cultural insight, but choose anyway. whom you engage with, use your His message is: You must as well. instincts, and take your time to If another travel partner isn’t build trust. available to travel, don’t be put off All cities have trouble spots. Our — go anyway. Solo traveling has home cities have areas we know many advantages, one of which, all solo travelers say, is you are motivated to and avoid due to their higher risk. When in an unfamiliar city, ask at your socialize more and therefore make friends more readily. accommodation where and when it is safe to go.

Traveling solo means you also need to be extra travel wary. Always avoid Herrmann recalls an example after he had checked into a hotel in Cali, being in places where there are no other people, such as empty streets.

Colombia.

If you are in a street surrounded by other people, even if they are locals, “After traveling all morning I was keen for an afternoon walk up to a there’s a greater possibility of someone coming to your assistance if needed. A lookout. I was told to wait until the morning. The reason, they explained, was more secure option is to buddy up with a fellow traveler you’ve met before you not only would it be cooler, but there will be police presence along the trail. go out.

“Next morning proved that, with hundreds of other walkers and joggers …

Herrmann says most stories where danger was encountered were due to one and police presence. And it felt very safe.” or a combination of three factors: sex, alcohol, and drugs. Used unwisely, you It’s common to feel anxious and fearful in unfamiliar surrounds. But by risk putting yourself under the control of others and therefore dramatically being street smart, using your intuition, and seeking local knowledge, you will increasing your risk of danger. appreciate overseas travel was only dangerous until you got there.

The benefit of being at the more mature stage of life is the need for partying Chris Herrmann is the author of The Youthful Art of Midlife Travel, a speaker, and a is not as great as that of our younger counterparts. travel coach. For a full list of safe travel tips and advice, sign up for Youthful Midlife The advantage of travel, no matter the country, is the many interesting Travel Club at youthfulmidlifetravel.com.

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February 2020

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Lancaster County

— Tours and Trips — Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Great Museums Around the Globe Lori Verderame

Most Americans have a favorite museum or two, and since the world’s museum professionals look to the United States for the best way to exhibit art, natural history, and other objects in museums, there is probably a great museum near your home or work.

There are also some very interesting museums in other parts of the world that make travel and learning about other cultures fun and fascinating.

As a regular traveler and lecturer on art, museums, and culture all around the globe, I feel some museums require a shout-out.

Here are some of my favorite places to view, explore, contemplate, and learn.

with the kids and is known locally as The Dead Zoo. Recent exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland include “The Spanish Flu in Ireland,” “Irish Glass,” and “Mammals of the World.”

Trinidad, Cuba: Guanuhaya Archaeology Museum in the museum city of Trinidad is like most museums in this town, deemed Cuba’s museum city for its number of museums of all types. Trinidad is approximately a one-hour drive from the 19th-century port city of Cienfuegos.

As you navigate the town’s numerous The Guanuhaya Archaeology Museum in Trinidad, Cuba. cobblestone streets and enthusiastic street merchants, you’ll explore the old Spanish Colonial town that now focuses on tourism, which is Cuba’s numero uno Tokyo, Japan: If you want to experience a museum that has been described industry. by words like first, largest, and best … then travel to Tokyo and take in the Housed in a Spanish Colonial building, the Guanuhaya Archaeology newest art museum in the busy, crowded, vibrant Japanese city: the MORI Museum boasts ancient stone tools and weapons, pre-Columbian clay figural TeamLab Digital Art Museum. sculptures, and taxidermy animals. There’s even a 2,500-year-old skeleton on Located in the Odaiba district of Tokyo, the world’s first and largest digital display! art museum combines art, science, and images of the natural world for a visitor experience like no other.

Reykjavik, Iceland: The Icelandic Phallological Museum — that’s right — The museum opened on June 21, 2018, and the exhibits are naturalis a museum dedicated to all things and some art associated with the science of world simulations generated by 520 computers and 470 high-tech projectors phallology. An unusual museum, the museum displays phalluses from many displayed in five sections: Borderless World, Forest, Future Park, Forest of different species and other related artifacts.

Lamps, and Tea House.

It shows museum goers that the future is now.

A few tips to remember when you are in a museum anywhere in the world: “Hands off the exhibits” is a no-brainer.

Dublin, Ireland: The National Museum of Ireland offers a wide array of Don’t forget that the smaller the purse or backpack, the better chance you objects and exhibitions, ranging from archaeology featuring the winter solstice st have of holding onto it as you tour. It is also good to carry a small bag so you at the Newgrange site to 21 -century craft featuring fashion designer Ib Jorgensen. don’t run the risk of bumping your bag into a precious work of art.

Dublin is an early If your language skills are rusty, keep your smartphone handy to translate Viking city dating back exhibition labels or signage presented in foreign languages. to 841 AD that sits Allow extra time to view the displays and experience the museum to the along the River Liffey fullest. Museums are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and and was named Dubh get a taste of the history as you visit someplace new.

Linn for “black pool.”

Dr. Lori Verderame is the director of www.DrLoriV.com and www.youtube.com/ Dublin’s major museum drloriv. She is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser and artifacts expert on features a fine collection History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island, about the world’s oldest treasure hunt. of taxidermy animals Dr. Lori presents her Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show with free appraisals that is always a winner nationwide. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/events or call (888) 431-1010. www.50plusLifePA.com

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February 2020

13

Sixties Flashback

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

On Nov. 25, 2019, three months before something easy to remember. The Pro Bowl, Super Bowl LIV was to be played on Feb. 2, perhaps, or maybe even The Big One. 2020, Fox TV announced that the game at The name by which it later became known Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was sold out of originated with Lamar Hunt, the owner of available advertising spots. Companies that the Kansas City Chiefs. He had seen his hadn’t already ponied up $5.5 million per young daughter play with a bouncing toy 30-second message were out of luck. called a Super Ball, and Hunt was inspired to The Super Bowl has become a spectacular propose the name Super Bowl for the contest. yearly advertising and entertainment event Rozelle declared the term too informal, … and there’s even a football game thrown but it didn’t take long for Hunt’s in for good measure! Tickets for those who recommendation to take hold with the want to witness the event for themselves now public. cost an average of $2,500 to $3,500 per seat.

That first game was far from being a Over the years, numerous music icons sellout. By kickoff time, about one-third Jan. 15, 1967 have brought a true “wow” factor to the of the seats at the 94,000-seat Los Angeles AFL – NFL World Championship Game halftime performances and included Motown Memorial Coliseum remained unsold, as superstars (Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson), many people grumbled that the $12 ticket price (about $92 in today’s money) several iconic hitmakers (Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Aerosmith, Lady was excessive and refused to cough up the required funds.

Gaga, Prince, Katy Perry, Beyonce), and some legendary UK entertainers (Phil And just how impressive was that first halftime show compared to the Collins, U2, the Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney). budget-busting, jaw-dropping extravaganzas we have come to expect now?

Today’s Super Bowl draws a viewing audience of about 100 million. It’s Judge for yourself. Two men, who each wore hydrogen-peroxide-propelled America’s biggest annual sporting competition (although the World Cup jetpacks (technically termed “rocket belts”), flew around the field — barely off soccer games draw more viewers worldwide). the ground — to show what future travel could look like someday.

But, for many Americans, it’s more a boisterous afternoon of fun and Two college marching bands paraded. Trumpeter Al Hirt performed. Ten friendship than a sports contest. More food — and presumably more drink thousand balloons went airborne. So did 300 pigeons, one of which left a — is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year except deposit on the typewriter of young sportscaster Brent Musburger.

Thanksgiving.

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 It wasn’t always this way. The first such game wasn’t even called the Super Starr was named MVP. Bowl. Played on Jan. 15, 1967, it was officially termed the AFL – NFL World Although Randal C. Hill’s heart lives in the past, the rest of him resides in Bandon, Championship Game.

Ore. He can be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

But NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle wanted something a bit punchier,

Awards Recognize Fitness and Community-Service Leaders The third annual GRIND Awards, held recently at Susquehanna View Apartments in Camp Hill, recognized individuals who participate in fitness and community service.

Organized by the apartment community’s SilverSneakers instructor, Jesse Swoyer, the GRIND Awards honor those who “give more than they take” and “go unrecognized” for their ongoing contributions to the success of the community.

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February 2020

From left, GRIND Award nominees Glenna McClure, Nicole Wachter (award winner), Brittany Chisolm, and Brenda Light with Katy Delves and Gretel Laughery with sponsor PPC Lubricants.

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From left, Jesse Swoyer, fitness instructor and event sponsor, with Newcomer Award recipient Doris Henry.

Awards are presented for Highmark Senior Fitness, Attendance, Newcomer, SilverSneakers FLEX, Longevity, Best Nickname, Best Homemade Cookie, and the GRIND Award.

Supporting the GRIND Awards were community sponsors A.P. Williams General Contracting, Café Magnolia, Complete Homecare, PPC Lubricants, Two Cousins Pizza, and RSR Realtors (Team Koury).

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The Beauty in Nature

Diverging Weasels Clyde McMillan-Gamber

All members of the weasel family demonstrate that species in any family of wildlife diverge into a variety of habitats to take advantage of foods and shelter in each one.

That diversion created the many kinds of weasels found throughout much of the world.

Black-footed ferret All weasel species descended from a single ancestor, which is why they all have characteristics in common, including long, lean bodies; short legs; canine teeth; and being ruthless, secretive, and mostly nocturnal predators.

Weasel species are more common than most people know because those lithe creatures are seldom seen, though they are active all year around.

Each kind of weasel has unique traits, caused by adapting, over time, to a particular niche, apart from its relatives. Those characteristics identify the different members of the weasel family.

Long-tailed weasels inhabit woods, thickets, and farmland across much of the United States. They take shelter in crevices in rock walls, wood piles, and brush piles. And they prey mostly on mice, rats, small birds, and other small creatures on land, sometimes around barns.

Black-footed ferrets are a rare species of weasel in the remaining grasslands of the American Great Plains and prairie. This type of ferret feeds mostly on prairie dogs and other rodents in the grasslands and lives down prairie dog burrows in the ground. Some prairie dog tunnels were abandoned by the ferrets’ killing and eating the prairie dogs that lived in them.

Pine martens live in trees in Canada’s mixed coniferous and deciduous

forests. There they hunt red squirrels, flying squirrels, and small birds among the trees.

Martens live in tree cavities, some of which they obtained by killing the squirrels that lived in them.

Mink are semiaquatic. They live along River otter streams and creeks in woodlands and thickets in much of the northern hemisphere. There they prey on crayfish, frogs, small fish, mice, muskrats, and other small wildlife. Many mink live in muskrat burrows in stream banks, after those large rodents were dispatched and consumed by the mink.

River otters live along creeks, rivers, and lakes, where they mostly catch fish.

Otters are naturally streamlined in the water and are speedy swimmers in it, which helps them catch fish.

Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean, near shore. Probably close relatives of river otters, sea otters’ ancestors gradually adapted to living in the ocean and diving to the bottom to bring up sea urchins, mollusks, and other sea critters to ingest.

Sea otters learned to float on their backs on the ocean surface and use their front paws to hold small rocks to hammer open their sea-critter cuisine, which the otters balance on their furry bellies. What a distinction between pine martens and sea otters.

Exploiting different habitats and food sources, over time, created the various weasel species throughout the world. And they are just one example of divergence causing new species on Earth.

Macular from page 9 reported consuming between 1987 and 1995 and identified two diet patterns in this cohort — Western and what researchers commonly refer to as “prudent” (healthy) — that best explained the greatest variation between diets.

“What we observed in this study was that people who had no AMD or early AMD at the start of our study and reported frequently consuming 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. www.50plusLifePA.com

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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.

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

February 2020

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Cumberland County

Calendar of Events

Support Groups Free and open to the public Sundays, 7:15 p.m.

Outreach Al-Anon Family Group Meeting Chapel Hill United Church of Christ 701 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill (717) 448-7881 Other meeting times/locations at https://pa-al-anon.org Mondays, 7 p.m.

Hope on Simpson Al-Anon Family Group Meeting First United Methodist Church 135 W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg (717) 448-7881 Other meeting times/locations at https://pa-al-anon.org Tuesdays, noon Anchor Al-Anon Family Group Meeting The Harbor 55 W. King St., Shippensburg (717) 448-7881 Other meeting times/locations at https://pa-al-anon.org Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1480 Jerusalem Road, Mechanicsburg (781) 932-6300 Saturdays, noon Greater than Ourselves: Nar-Anon Family Group Grace United Methodist Church – Lower Level 309 Herman Ave., Lemoyne (717) 763-7632 Feb. 3, 4-5 p.m.

Caregivers Support Group Messiah Lifeways Meetinghouse 1155 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle (717) 243-0447 Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

CanSurmount Cancer Support Group Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Mechanicsburg 175 Lancaster Blvd., Mechanicsburg (717) 691-6786 Feb. 4, 6-7 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Senior Helpers 3806 Market St., Suite 3, Camp Hill (717) 920-0707 Feb. 5, 1:30 p.m.

The Bridges Support Group for the Alzheimer’s Association The Bridges at Bent Creek 2100 Bent Creek Blvd., Mechanicsburg (717) 795-1100 Feb. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Caregivers Support Group Cumberland County Aging & Community Services 1100 Claremont Road, Carlisle (717) 240-6110 Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m.

Better Breathers Chronic Lung Disease Support Group Ortenzio Heart Clinic at Geisinger Holy Spirit 503 N. 21st St., Camp Hill (717) 763-2775

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February 2020

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Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m.

Smoking Cessation Support Group Ortenzio Heart Clinic at Geisinger Holy Spirit 503 N. 21st St., Camp Hill (717) 763-2775 Feb. 10, 1:30-3 p.m.

Caregivers Support Group St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 310 Hertzler Road, Upper Allen Township (717) 766-8806 Feb. 10, 6-7 p.m.

A Touch of Sugar: Diabetes Support Group Wegmans, 6416 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg (717) 763-2466 https://events.geisinger.org Feb. 11, 6:30-8 p.m.

Carlisle Area Men’s Cancer Support Group The Live Well Center, 3 Alexandria Court, Carlisle (717) 877-7561 sirbrady12@gmail.com Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m.

Life Enrichment Group for Blind or Low-Vision Adults Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania Penn Apartments 1 West St., Carlisle (717) 238-2531 Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren 501 Gale St., Mechanicsburg (717) 766-8880 Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group Cumberland Crossings 1 Longsdorf Way, Carlisle (717) 243-0113 Feb. 25, 6 p.m.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Mechanicsburg 175 Lancaster Blvd., Mechanicsburg (717) 486-3596 apcoulson@comcast.net

Community Programs Free and open to the public

Mondays and Wednesdays, noon SilverSneakers Exercise Class Susquehanna View Apartments Community Room 208 Senate Ave., Camp Hill (717) 439-4070 jesseswoyer.com@gmail.com Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m.

NARFE West Shore Chapter 1465 VFW Post 7530 4545 Westport Drive, Mechanicsburg (717) 774-4031 www.narfe1465.org Visitors welcome; meeting is free but fee for food.

Senior Center Activities Big Spring Senior Center – (717) 776-4478 91 Doubling Gap Road, Suite 1, Newville Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – Tai Chi for Arthritis Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. – Creative Aging Art Classes Feb. 7 to April 3, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – AARP Tax Prep Help by Appointment Branch Creek Place – (717) 300-3563 115 N. Fayette St., Shippensburg Carlisle Senior Action Center – (717) 249-5007 20 E. Pomfret St., Carlisle Mary Schaner Senior Citizens Center (717) 732-3915 98 S. Enola Drive, Enola Mechanicsburg Place – (717) 697-5947 97 W. Portland St., Mechanicsburg West Shore Senior Citizens Center (717) 774-0409 122 Geary St., New Cumberland

Library Programs Amelia Givin Library, 114 N. Baltimore Ave. Mt. Holly Springs, (717) 486-3688 Bosler Memorial Library, 158 W. High St. Carlisle, (717) 243-4642 Feb. 3, 7:30-8:45 p.m. – Monday Bosler Book Discussion Group Feb. 7, 7 p.m. – Music at Bosler Feb. 28, 1-2 p.m. – Just Mysteries! Book Discussion Group Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St. Camp Hill, (717) 761-3900 Feb. 6 and 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m. – Lincoln’s Tour for the Right General Feb. 24, 7 p.m. – Fredricksen Reads: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens East Pennsboro Branch Library, 98 S. Enola Drive Enola, (717) 732-4274 John Graham Public Library, 9 Parsonage St. Newville, (717) 776-5900 Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 N. Walnut St. Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-0171 New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza New Cumberland, (717) 774-7820 Feb. 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Book Review: Our Founding Fathers in Pennsylvania Cemeteries Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. – Adult Fall Craft: Origami Flower Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon – Couponing for Extreme Savings Shippensburg Public Library, 73 W. King St. Shippensburg, (717) 532-4508

Submit senior center events to mjoyce@onlinepub.com. www.50plusLifePA.com

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3. If you could make one change to 50plus LIFE, what would it be? ________________________________________________________________

23. Our/my household networth is (includes home, pensions, investments, etc.):  Under $50,000  $50,000-$99,999  $100,000-$249,999  $250,000-$349,999  $350,000-$499,999  $500,000-$999,999  $1 million or more

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

The results are for 50plus LIFE’s use only. Thank you for participating and good luck in the drawing! www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE ›

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

February 2020

17

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 marketing consultant 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.

Puzzle Solutions Puzzles shown on page 6

18

February 2020

50plus LIFE ›

www.50plusLifePA.com

25 th

Arthritis Corns Heel Spurs Gout Warts

Diabetic Neuropathy Plantar Fasciitis Ingrown Toenails Fungal Infections

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.

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 On-Line Publishers, Inc. • 717.285.1350 • 717.770.0140 • info@onlinepub.com

Need to enroll in VA healthcare?

SHARE THE LOVE FEBRUARY CONTEST

TO ENTER, SHARE THIS POST ON FACEBOOK OR LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE,

A GREAT WAY TO SPEND MY DAY.

A winner will be chosen at random for a $50 Bella Voi Salon gift card

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

FEBRUARY 10TH-27TH Full rules & details on Facebook Rules: [NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; must be 18 or over and a legal US resident to enter. Only 1 entry per person.

All entries must be received by 2/27/20 at 11:59 pm ET.]

www.50plusLifePA.com

50plus LIFE ›

Lebanon VA Medical Center

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

February 2020

19

This is who we focus on.

Helping our neighbors get the care they need.

This is why we’re out in our community providing health screenings and resources, like the vision test that helped Gabriella get the glasses she needed. Because this is the health we need to live the way we want.

This is Penn State Health. thisispennstatehealth.org/stories/Gabriella

HEA-15142-20-128998-1219