50plus LIFE Lancaster County February 2019

Complimentary | Lancaster County Edition

February 2019 • Vol. 25 No. 2

UKES ON THE RISE page 4

Writing to Preserve and Revive Memory page 6

special section: tours and trips page 16

Older But Not Wiser

Does This Heart Monitor Make Me Look Fat? Sy Rosen

I now have a cardiologist. Saying I have a “The doctor wants to talk to you personally,” cardiologist makes my heart race and makes me she replied. want to go see my cardiologist.

“OK, but let me ask you one question, am I Without going into too much detail, my dying?” regular doctor heard an irregular heartbeat and The secretary chuckled and said, “I really sent me to a specialist, who had a heart monitor don’t think so.” attached to my chest.

“I really don’t like the word think,” I replied.

When I got home the first question I asked That night I was very worried and started February is American Heart Month my wife was, “Does this heart monitor make listing all the things I still wanted to do with my me look fat?” She assured me it wasn’t the heart life (besides not dying). Right now, a big night monitor that was causing this impression. on the town is going to the movies with my wife, I don’t know if any of you have ever worn a Wanda. heart monitor, but it’s very annoying. It’s tough to sleep with it on. And if I did Anyway, here’s what I came up with: fall asleep, it would sometimes beep in the middle of the night, saying I needed to change batteries. Why was it always in the middle of the night?

1. I want to make 30 new friends — not Facebook friends, real friends I can This machine was insidious. And it was very painful every time I had to count on to come to my funeral. remove the stickers attached to my chest, tearing away whatever little hair I had 2. I want to run for political office. If you think I’m too old, look at some of left. the politicians in Washington.

But if you’re wearing a heart monitor, the one thing you really don’t want is a call from the cardiologist’s secretary saying he needs to see you first thing in 3. I want to go snowboarding, cliff diving, skateboarding, skydiving, and, of the morning. course, play a heated game of dodgeball (because I loved it in elementary “My appointment isn’t for two weeks. What’s wrong?” I asked. school).

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February 2019

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4. I want to go to plays, and concerts, and art galleries, and the opera (OK, forget the opera).

5. I want to be on the Supreme Court (I may have to go to law school).

6. I want to spend a week rhyming everything I say. Although it may annoy, for some reason it brings me great joy. It makes me elated, as previously stated.

7. Wanda and I should spend a year living in France. And wear no underpants. OK, I’ve got to stop rhyming.

8. I want to find a cure for a disease.

Hopefully the disease I am suffering from.

9. I want to do something completely frivolous, like buying a $4,000 bottle of wine, drinking it, and pretending I like it. Make it a $200 bottle of wine — I may be dying, but I’m not crazy.

The next day I got to the doctor’s office an hour early, and as soon as I saw him, I blurted out, “Am I dying?!”

“Not today,” he chuckled.

“Tomorrow?” I chuckled back.

Yeah, there was way too much chuckling going on.

The doctor explained that my heart rate was a little fast, and while I had the monitor on he just wanted to prescribe some medication to see how I reacted.

“If it were serious, I would have talked to you directly on the phone.”

“So not talking to me directly was a good thing?” I asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Well, I hope you never talk to me directly again,” I said.

And of course we both chuckled.

I left the doctor’s office ecstatic and knew I had to do something to celebrate. I thought of all the things I wrote on my list and decided that tonight Wanda and I were going to the movies.

Witness country icon Tammy Wynette’s journey from the cotton fields of Mississippi to international stardom.

Featuring Til I Can Make It On My Own, Golden Needles, and of course, Stand By Your Man.

Sy Rosen has written for many TV shows, including The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, M.A.S.H., Maude, The Jeffersons, Rhoda, Frasier, Northern Exposure, and The Wonder Years. He now spends much of his time telling jokes to his grandkids and trying to convince his wife that he’s funny.

NOW – FEB 9

Pet of the Month

Gal Gal is a 1-year-old spayed female cattle dog and beagle mix.

She is extremely high energy and will zoom around all day long, making her the perfect companion to help you keep that New Year’s resolution of going out and exercising more.

She would do best in a home with older children, as she tends to jump when excited and may accidentally knock over a little one.

She has never lived with another dog before, so meet and greets are suggested with dogs already in the home. Please stop by the Humane League of Lancaster County and meet Gal! Gal’s ID number is 221484. For more information, please contact the Humane League of Lancaster County at (717) 393-6551.

This murder mystery musical of mistaken identities, millions in diamonds and a wheelchairbound corpse will leave you dying of laughter.

FEB 14 – MAR 16

Lancaster, PA

www.50plusLifePA.com

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50plus LIFE •

February 2019

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Cover Story

Ukes on the Rise

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

By Megan Joyce In America, the ukulele has struggled to attain a cachet of legitimacy since folk musician Tiny Tim employed the petite, stringed instrument to score his kitschy pop single, “Tiptoe through the Tulips,” more than 50 years ago.

Members of Ukulele Uprising!, a community ukulele orchestra based in Lancaster, love that the uke is a simple — but not simplistic — instrument, and know that much of its charm lies in its relative ease of play.

Dana Edsall, a retired postal employee from Washington Boro and integral member of UU!, first picked up a ukulele more than a decade ago while visiting Hawaii. He found the fingering to be similar to that of a traditional guitar, which Edsall had played — “albeit poorly,” he said — for a number of years.

“The uke is easy to learn,” Edsall said.

“It only has four strings, and these are generally made of nylon, which is easier on the fingers than guitar strings. That ease of playing and the sweetness of sound are what attract so many people.”

Fellow Lancastrian Steve Patterson founded Ukulele Uprising! in 2012, and since its inception, the group has grown from just four attendees at the group’s first weekly meeting to now more than 75, about 20 of whom are “regulars.”

UU! is open to anyone interested, and membership is free. Novices can learn on loaner ukuleles, funded through the group’s collaboration with Music for Everyone, a nonprofit charitable organization that raises awareness and resources to strengthen the role music plays in local schools and communities, according to its website (musicforeveryone. org).

UU! players’ skill levels range from complete beginner to intermediate; membership age also spans a wide range.

“Right now, our youngest regular is 14, and on any given week, at least a couple of Medicare-eligible players are there,” Edsall said. “We also have one family represented by three generations: a father, daughter, and granddaughter.”

The club’s weekly strum sessions feature a variety of musical genres, from folk, standards, and Hawaiian and Latin songs

Photo credit: Eric Max

Dana Edsall, right, with wife Sherry Getz at the 2017 Ukulele Harmonic Convergence.

Uke players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to attend the group’s Tuesday-evening practices in the lobby of VisionCorps in downtown Lancaster.

Photo credit: Eric Max

Members of Ukulele Uprising! perform on stage during the 2018 Ukulele Harmonic Convergence held at Tellus360 in Lancaster.

www.50plusLifePA.com

to Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and the Beatles. as performances at Barnstormers games, the Ware “Rock ’n’ roll is well represented,” Edsall said.

Center, and the Red Rose Run. “We’ve added a ukulele version of Guns N’ Roses’ Summertime is usually busiest, when the demand ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ that’s really pretty. A couple of for luau-themed parties is higher. our members become ‘Axlettes’ in the chorus on that “Our favorite venue, though, is playing on the one.” street for one of MFE’s Music Fridays,” Edsall said.

Edsall said the group is eager to expand the “Those are vibrant evenings in downtown Lancaster, diversity of its members; Music for Everyone has with lots of people wandering around and lots of undertaken targeted outreach programs to connect energy in the air. We play for others those nights, but with the rich cultural diversity in Lancaster city. we play for ourselves, too.”

“Every new member brings their own tastes, The group will also be participating in its fourth expressed through song,” he said. “Expanding our annual Ukulele Harmonic Convergence on March cultural base would help us grow and improve as 2 from noon to 6 p.m. at Tellus360 in Lancaster. musicians and people.”

UU! co-hosts the event with Hummelstown’s Central Bringing authentic culture to Ukulele Uprising Pennsylvania Ukulele Club and the Philadelphia is Hawaiian native Mika Cox McDougall, now a Main Line Ukulele Group. longtime UU! member who adds hula dancing to “Everyone is welcome, it’s free, and you’ll hear over some of the group’s performances.

100 ukuleles from across Pennsylvania and nearby McDougall, now of Peach Bottom, moved to states playing together,” Edsall said.

Philadelphia in 1997 and then to Lancaster in 2002.

Ukulele Uprising! meets at 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday “When I moved … I was missing home, and going in the lobby of VisionCorps at 244 N. Queen St., back to hula dance and Hawaiian music really kind Lancaster. The group pays VisionCorps a lease of $1 Photo credit: Eric Max of helped me with my homesickness and made me per year and, in return, teaches ukulele classes to kids Native Hawaiian Mika Cox McDougall adds hula dancing to some of the feel more in touch with back home,” McDougall, a who are part of the VisionCorps community. group’s performances.

Hawaiian hula dance instructor and mother of two “You can’t help smiling when you play a ukulele,” daughters, said.

Edsall said. “Being around so many people, singing, Although the instrument originated on the playing, and smiling together is just wonderful.” islands, its appeal has extended beyond Hawaiian music, McDougall said, For more information on Ukulele Uprising!, email uke.rise@gmail.com, call with many millennials being drawn to the “bright, happy instrument.” Each (717) 872-7991, or visit sites.google.com/site/ukeuplanc or www.facebook.com/ year, McDougall teaches a master class on the ukulele at Franklin & Marshall ukuleleuprising.

College.

“Of course, [people] don’t take it seriously; they think it’s a toy,” she said of the ukulele. “But it has a really rich history to the islands, and it’s really changed Hawaiian music through the years.”

McDougall joined Ukulele Uprising! several years ago, bringing not only her cultural heritage, but also her musical chops to the burgeoning group of uke players. In addition to playing her six ukuleles of varying shapes and sizes, McDougall has played the violin since childhood.

“I’m able to easily play music [on the ukulele] without being such a trained musician like you kind of have to do on the violin,” she said. “It’s just more casual and inviting.”

A welcome side effect of the group’s visibility is the increased interest and “legitimization” of the ukulele in the local community.

Read it online, in print, and UU! contributes to a summer arts program run by the YWCA, and they on mobile/tablet devices. have “started getting requests for ukuleles in schools,” McDougall said. “Even onlinepub.com some of our members — a lot are elementary school music teachers — now teach the ukulele to their students.”

Ukulele Uprising!’s performance schedule is busy and includes regular gigs at parties, fundraisers, senior centers, retirement homes, and weddings, as well

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February 2019

5

Writing to Preserve and Revive Memory

By Beth N. Carvin If you’re old enough to remember the John F. Kennedy assassination or the Cuban missile crisis, you’re probably realizing that your memory isn’t what it used to be.

Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control has reported that 1 in 8 Americans over the age of 60 complains of worsening memory loss. The problem may be related to a medical condition, emotional problems, cognitive impairment, or simply the indignities of aging, but it’s distressing regardless of the cause.

As it turns out, one way to preserve and in some cases even enhance memory is to proactively revisit your past. One form is a technique called reminiscence therapy, which is widely used in applications ranging from mental health interventions to memory care in nursing homes.

But simply committing your life experiences to paper (virtual or otherwise) can be helpful and even therapeutic.

Research also shows the health benefits of writing. Over a decade ago, the American Psychological Association published a study indicating that

expressive writing reduces “intrusive and avoidant thoughts about negative events and improves working memory.”

Researchers concluded that these improvements help individuals cope more effectively with stress, because they have freed up cognitive resources.

More recently, in discussing the use of writing in education, neurologist Judy Willis, M.D., noted that writing can “enhance the brain’s intake, processing, retaining, and retrieving of information … it promotes the brain’s attentive focus … boosts long-term memory, illuminates patterns, gives the brain time for reflection, and when well guided, is a source of conceptual development and stimulus of the brain’s highest cognition.”

In other words, writing can transform an individual’s brain and memory.

Whether you or someone you know is impacted by a memory deficit, or you are simply looking for a way to tell your own story for yourself and your family, here are five simple strategies for preserving and sharing your memories in writing.

1: Choose a writing aid.

Today’s technology offers a variety of writing platforms to help you organize your thoughts and store them in one place. There are personal blogs, journaling applications, memoir-writing software, and reminiscing platforms that offer predefined topics to help trigger memories.

Many of these solutions are free and can give you the structure you need to both simplify and encourage the process.

MULTI-DAY TOURS • Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans..... Mar 22 – 31 • Texas and San Antonio............................ Apr 1 – 12 • Charleston, Savannah & Myrtle Beach.... Apr 7 – 12 • Biltmore Festival of Flowers & Dollywood....Apr 8 – 12 • Creation Museum & Ark Encounter.......Apr 24 – 27 • Boston Spring Getaway Weekend.........Apr 26 – 28 • Great Steamboat Race – NEW....... Apr 28 – May 2 • Holland Tulip Festival............................. May 6 – 10 • Ottawa & 1000 Islands..........................May 13 – 17 • Foxwoods Casino.................................. May 15 – 17 • Hudson Valley Springtime Holiday....... May 19 – 22 • Outer Banks of North Carolina............. May 20 – 24 • Myrtle Beach Spring Fling.................... May 20 – 24 • Elvis Festival at Lake George – NEW... May 30 – Jun 2 • Mackinac Island & Michigan Highlights.. Jun 8 – 14 • Cape Cod Getaway................................. Jun 10 – 14 • Black Hills of South Dakota & Yellowstone.....Jul 7 – 21 • California & the Great Southwest......Sep 15 – Oct 5 • Iceland – Land of Fire & Ice...................Oct 23 – 29

ONE-DAY TOURS • New York Winter Special............ Feb 16, Mar 9 • Vikings: Beyond the Legend- Franklin Inst..... Feb 23 • Philadelphia Flower Show................ Mar 2 – 9 • Washington DC Kickoff.......................... Mar 16 • NY 9/11 Museum....................... Mar 23, May 4 • Cherry Blossoms in DC............. Mar 30, Apr 3,6 • NY World Trade Center Observation Tower....Apr 13 • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island.............. Apr 20 • Museum of the Bible in DC.......Apr 20, May 18 • NY Auto Show........................................ Apr 27 • Georgetown House Tour........................ Apr 27 • NY Gourmet Shopping.......................... Apr 27 • Annapolis and the Naval Academy........ Apr 27 • Ocean City, MD Springfest.......................May 5 • Embassy Tour in DC...............................May 11 • New York Botanical Gardens – NEW....May 11 • Thunderbirds at Andrews Air Force Base....May 11 • Mother’s Day at Longwood Gardens.....May 12 • Brooklyn Bridge Tour – NEW...............May 25

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

2: Use prompts.

When people sit down to write for the first time, they often don’t know where to begin.

A prompt like, “Who was your childhood best friend?” or “What was the first pet you owned?” can provide direction as well as get the memory juices flowing. The same thing can be accomplished by using prompts like objects or photos.

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3: Don’t worry about chronology.

5: Invite others to contribute.

Recording your memories doesn’t always have to follow a chronological order. Sometimes attempting to follow a timeline can prevent you from writing about what you’re feeling or affect what you’re inspired to share.

Maybe it’s your first car or your first kiss. Your favorite pets or favorite trips.

Family holidays or family problems. Write what you want, when you want, and break it up into pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the size of the project.

Several years ago, my family began reminiscing via a group email.

We wrote about an old bar in Boston that my grandfather owned, which prompted an engrossing series of stories from my dad and uncles about the barmaids, the keys to the liquor cabinet, and some incidents involving local law enforcement that many of us had never heard.

The more we wrote, the more everyone wanted to share and chime in, and the more we learned.

This kind of collaboration, made easy by today’s online environment, helps unearth details you may not remember or may not have known. With or without memory loss, it enriches the experience of taking a trip down memory lane.

4: Find your writing sweet spot.

Some people write better after their first cup of coffee. Others are more productive midday or at night. Start by recognizing what works best for you.

Ask yourself when your words seem to flow best. Is it as soon as a memory pops into your head? Is it when you wake up each morning, or before you go to sleep each night? Try different approaches until you find the one that clicks.

Beth N. Carvin is CEO and co-founder of JamBios (jambios.com), a collaborative writing application and social platform for reminiscing, sharing, and preserving memories.

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

Cancer care Lancaster Cancer Center Greenfield Corporate Center 1858 Charter Lane, Suite 202 (717) 291-1313 Dental Services Dental Health Associates 951 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster (717) 394-9231 Lancaster Denture Center 951 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster (717) 394-3773 Emergency Numbers Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (800) 521-6110 Office of Aging (717) 299-7979 or (800) 801-3070 Employment Lancaster County Office of Aging (717) 299-7979 Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 898-1900 Financial Services Internal Revenue Service (717) 291-1994 U.S. Financial (800) 595-1925, ext. 2122 Funeral & Cremation Services Cremation Society of Pennsylvania Serving Lancaster County (800) 720-8221 www.50plusLifePA.com

Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 American Cancer Society (717) 397-3744 American Diabetes Association (888) DIABETES American Heart Association (717) 393-0725 American Lung Association (717) 397-5203 or (800) LungUSA American Red Cross (717) 299-5561 Arthritis Foundation (717) 397-6271 Consumer Information (888) 878-3256 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 Disease and Health Risk (888) 232-3228 Domestic Violence (800) 799-7233 Flu or Influenza (888) 232-3228 Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY Home Care Services Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services Hanover: (717) 630-0067 Lancaster: (717) 393-3450 York: (717) 751-2488

home equity loans Glendale Mortgage (610) 853-6500; (888) 456-0988 Home Improvement Haldeman Mechanical Inc. 1148 Old Line Road, Manheim (717) 665-6910 Housing Marietta Senior Apartments 601 E. Market St., Marietta (717) 735-9590

Supermarkets John Herr’s Village Market 25 Manor Ave., Millersville (717) 872-5457 Travel Passport Information (877) 487-2778 Veterans Services Korean War Veterans Association (717) 506-9424 Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771

Insurance Medicare (800) 633-4227 Vibra Health Plan (844) 660-2961 (TTY: 711)

Volunteer opportunities RSVP of the Capital Region (717) 454-8647

Nutrition Meals on Wheels (717) 392-4842

yoga Little Yoga Place Semi-Private and Private Yoga Landisville, Pa. (717) 471-8328

Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Retirement Communities Colonial Lodge Community 2015 N. Reading Road, Denver (717) 336-5501 Harrison Senior Living Locations in Christiana and East Fallowfield (610) 384-6310 Lancashire Terrace Retirement Village 6 Terrace Drive, Lancaster (800) 343-9765

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

50plus LIFE •

February 2019

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CCRCs/ Life Plan 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.

Bethany Village

Cornwall Manor

Homeland Center

Pleasant View Retirement Community

Woodcrest Villa Mennonite Home Communities

Zerbe Retirement Community

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

544 North Penryn Road Manheim, PA 17545 Amanda Hall Sales & Marketing Manager (717) 664-6207 ahall@pleasantviewrc.org www.pleasantviewrc.org

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

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

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

2499 Zerbe Road Narvon, PA 17555 Lynne Bickta Director of Independent Living (717) 445-8741 lbickta@zerberetirementcommunity.com www.zerberetirementcommunity.com

If you would like your CCRC/Life Plan Community to be featured on this page, please contact your marketing consultant or call (717) 285-1350.

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

Study: Chronic Kidney Disease Linked to Increased Fall Risk People with chronic kidney disease are more likely to fall and suffer serious injuries because the ailment causes the body to significantly weaken, say researchers at Indiana’s Ball State University.

Brandon Kistler, a Ball State nutrition professor, led a multi-university research team that conducted an analysis of almost 158,000 adults — about 6 percent with CKD — age 65 or older, surveyed in the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among U.S. Adults Aged 65 or Older with Chronic Kidney Disease,” which was recently posted by the CDC, found that people with CKD were at increased risk of falls and fall-related injuries even after adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics, health conditions, and lifestyle factors.

“Numerous physiological changes associated with CKD, such as muscle wasting and weakness, may explain the increased risk of falling,” said

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

Kistler, who conducted the research project with Jagdish Khubchandani, a health science professor, along with faculty at the University of Illinois.

“Furthermore, changes in bone and mineral metabolism causing weak, brittle bones may lead to an increased propensity for fall-related injuries in people with CKD, especially those with end-stage kidney disease,” Kistler said.

The study also found that among people with CKD, women and people diagnosed with diabetes or arthritis were more likely to fall and be injured.

Khubchandani believes people with CKD can significantly reduce spills by incorporating exercise in their daily routines.

“Physical function and exercise are potentially modifiable, cost-effective, and evidence-based strategies to enhance mobility. Our study suggests that as in other populations, exercise programs that target strength and balance may be an effective strategy for preventing falls and fall-related injuries among people with CKD, but prospective trials are needed.” www.50plusLifePA.com

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Pets for the Presidents Lori Verderame

With Presidents Day upon us, there is an interest in the Kennedy a 6-month-old white, mixed-breed dog named ways that our presidents relax and enjoy family time.

Pushinka (“Fluffy”), as noted on the dog’s Russian passport.

Eisenhower played golf and painted landscapes, Reagan Pushinka had gone into space on Sputnik 2. rode horses, and Obama played basketball. But, many of our The Clintons had a dog and a cat. President Obama had past presidents also enjoyed downtime with a first family two large Portuguese water dogs, Bo and Sunny. In 2009, pet.

Bo was a gift from Sen. Ted Kennedy, who helped Obama During the first decades of the 1900s, the White House keep a promise to his young daughters that if he won the was full of pets. President William McKinley owned an 2008 election, they would get a puppy. exotic Mexican yellow-headed parrot.

When it comes to pet names, President Johnson had two President Teddy Roosevelt, a Rough Rider and bigbeagles whose names were hard to forget. The pair were game hunter who decorated the State Dining Room with national celebrities, the focus of press photos and magazine his taxidermy hunting trophies, brought pets to the White articles, lived in a newly redesigned doghouse, and had the House. run of the Johnson White House.

The Roosevelts kept owls, lizards, roosters, badgers, The beagles were named simply “Him” and “Her.” Millie’s Book (Barbara Bush) guinea pigs, snakes, raccoons, hyenas, ponies, and a macaw Happy Presidents Day! named Eli Yale at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Presidents Day: Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV William Taft brought the last cow, the most common Monday, Feb. 18 personality who appears on History channel and Fox Business U.S. presidential pet at the time, to the White House.

Network. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and President Wilson let sheep graze on the White House lawn, experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year from audiences nationwide, Dr. Lori along with a tobacco-chewing ram named Old Ike. presents antique appraisal events. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.

Not to be outdone, President Calvin Coolidge maintained a mini-zoo at the White House with many breeds of dog and various canaries, geese, and mockingbirds. Foreign dignitaries brought exotic pets to the White House as gifts, such as a wallaby, pigmy hippo, bear, and lion cubs.

Tom & Randi LaNasa “MEMORY MUSIC” The Roosevelts, the Coolidges, and the Kennedys had a great many — nearly 25 — pets.

Some of the most interesting presidential pets at the White House since the middle of the 1900s followed in the paw-steps of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s faithful companion named Fala, a black Scottish terrier.

Fala traveled with Roosevelt on trips abroad and was often photographed by the press. He did tricks and entertained the president, diplomats, and others during the period before and during World War II. Fala resembled Miss Beazley, another Scottish terrier that arrived at the White House in January 2005 during George W. Bush’s time in office. Miss Beazley was a birthday present for first lady Laura Bush.

Attention: RETIREMENT HOMES, Like her daughter-in-law, first lady Barbara Bush also had a dog in the CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. White House, a springer spaniel named Millie. In 1992, Millie “penned” a New York Times nonfiction bestseller entitled Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Looking for entertainment?

Barbara Bush, describing presidential life.

Now booking our Christmas, variety, and specialty shows for 2019.

In terms of animal vigor, Teddy Roosevelt’s pony Algonquin not only took a ride in a White House elevator, but also rivaled Caroline Kennedy’s pony We have many variety shows featuring the music from the 1930s to the 60s. named Macaroni, a gift from Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. Macaroni was Songs by legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, one of many pet gifts that the Kennedy children received during their father’s Kay Starr, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, and the Mills Brothers. term.

Specialty shows include …

In 1960, Premier Nikita Khrushchev of the Soviet Union gave Caroline 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

Did you know?

Please contact Memory Music to book your next event!

is available online for anytime/anywhere reading! www.50plusLifePA.com

www.50plusLIFEPA.com

Phone: (717) 846-6126

E-mail: memrymusic@aol.com

50plus LIFE •

February 2019

9

Savvy Senior

Can You Deduct Medicare Costs on Your Income Taxes?

Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, Can I deduct my Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments on my income taxes? I had a knee replacement surgery last year and spent quite a bit on medical care out of pocket and would like to know what I can write off.

– Frugal Dave Dear Dave, The short answer is yes, you can deduct your Medicare costs, but only if you meet certain conditions required by the IRS. Here’s how it works.

As a taxpayer, you’re allowed to deduct many medical and dental expenses as well as your Medicare out-of-pocket costs. But you can deduct only those expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your 2018 adjusted gross income (AGI), and you’ll also need to itemize your deductions.

Next year (2019 tax season), the threshold will rise to 10 percent.

Here’s an example. Let’s say that your AGI in 2018 was $50,000. Of that, 7.5 percent is $3,750. If your total allowable medical expenses last year were $8,000, you’d be able to deduct $4,250 ($8,000 minus $3,750).

But, if your medical expenses were less than $3,750, you couldn’t claim any as a deduction.

You also need to understand that when taking a medical expense deduction, you don’t actually get back every dollar you claim.

While a tax credit reduces your taxes dollar-for-dollar, tax deductions simply reduce your taxable income, and your savings ultimately depend on the effective rate at which you’re taxed.

So, for example, if you qualify for a $4,250 deduction and your effective tax rate is 22 percent, you would get $935 in savings from that particular deduction.

To get this deduction you will need to file an itemized Schedule A (1040) tax return. You cannot claim medical expenses on Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ.

Allowable Medical Expenses The list of allowable medical expenses, as defined by the IRS, is long and fairly flexible.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you can deduct your monthly premiums for Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), Part D drug plans, and any supplemental (Medigap) insurance you have.

If you have to pay a premium for Part A, that’s allowed too. You can also deduct the cost of all your deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments under Medicare.

In addition, you’re also allowed to deduct the cost of medical services not covered by Medicare, including dental treatment, vision care, prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, and even long-term care.

They also allow transportation to and from medical treatment to count as an eligible medical expense. And if necessary, you may even be able to deduct home alterations and equipment — such as entrance ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, etc. — that can help you age in place.

Some things, however, you cannot deduct, such as vitamins and supplements, unless recommended by a physician to treat a specific medical condition.

You are also unable to deduct Medicare late penalties added to Part B or Part D premiums. Medicare beneficiaries who fail to sign up during their initial enrollment period are typically hit with a penalty that gets added to their monthly premiums, but these additional costs won’t count for tax purposes.

For more information, including a detailed rundown of allowable and unallowable medical expenses, see IRS Publication 502 Medical and Dental Expenses at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf or call the IRS at (800) 829-3676 and ask them to mail you a copy.

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.

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

www.50plusLifePA.com

Tech Talk

Mark Rinaudo

Internet Not Working?

Here’s How to Troubleshoot

Question: What steps should I take to troubleshoot when my internet isn’t working before calling my internet service provider?

We’ve all been there. At the most inopportune time when you need your internet to be working, it’s either completely off or it’s cutting in and out.

Internet access is another utility almost as important as electricity.

If you’re without it, you’re stuck disconnected from the outside world. As more internet service providers are offering other products to piggyback on your internet access, such as phone service, these outages are causing more of a disconnect for their customers.

There are a few simple steps you can perform at home that may help bring your service back without having to call your internet service provider.

If you find that your computer or smartphone is not connecting to the internet, the first step is to look at your modem/router. If this device is not lit up, that can definitely indicate a problem on your end.

Power cycling the modem, which means unplugging its power and then plugging it back in after 30 seconds, is usually the first step given by internet service providers’ support staff.

Service interruptions are commonly caused by work being performed in the area, and a simple power cycle of your modem can restore the service. The modem would eventually perform a reset after a certain amount of time, but manually power cycling the modem speeds up the process and restores your service sooner.

If you find that your modem is lit up, everything looks like normal, and a power cycle does not fix the issue, then you may have a problem somewhere else on your system. If you only have a computer that’s using your internet service, then you may have an issue with the computer itself.

The first step I usually recommend to customers when something is acting awry on a computer is to reboot it. The beauty of rebooting a computer is that it’s like starting over new and fresh, leaving behind whatever bugs have crept in and possibly caused the issue.

If after rebooting you still have no internet access, the next thing to check is whether you have connectivity to your modem. Your computer may be connected via wired connection or a wireless connection.

If your computer is connected via a wire, you can always trace from the modem back to your computer to ensure both ends of the cable are plugged in.

Sometimes hardware can lock up, and simply unplugging the cable and plugging it back in can reset the hardware. Find the place on your modem where the cable from your computer is plugged in. Unplug from there and then simply plug it back in.

Most modems have a set of status lights on the front that give a good indication of whether your service is up or if it’s experiencing an issue. If power cycling does not change the status lights on your modem, then it’s most likely an issue on your service provider’s end. www.50plusLifePA.com

All service providers have a way for their customers to check if any outages are occurring on their network by visiting their website.

This, however, does you no good when your internet is down.

But if you have a smartphone with a data plan, you can simply turn off your WiFi connection on your phone and then you’ll be able to use your carrier’s data network to visit your service provider’s website to see if they are indeed having trouble.

With a little troubleshooting, it’s quite possible that you can restore your internet service on your own when you need it the most.

Mark Rinaudo has worked in IT in Shreveport, La., for more than 20 years. He is the owner and operator of Preferred Data Solutions. Email mark@preferreddatasolutions. com to submit a question for this column.

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50plus LIFE •

Code LSN

February 2019

11

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen

Can You Eat Dark Chocolate with a Milk Allergy?

Dark chocolate is a staple in my house. What are you supposed to do if you’re allergic to milk and want to eat dark chocolate?

It’s a good question.

Milk is actually allowed as an ingredient in “dark” chocolate, but sometimes it produces a harmful allergy in dairy-sensitive individuals. The reality is that most chocolates contain some milk, and it’s undisclosed.

The FDA actually tested 100 different brands of dark chocolate bars, and they specifically tested it for the presence of milk. Of these 100 bars, only six of them listed milk as an ingredient!

The other 88 bars did not disclose milk as an ingredient, yet 51 of them contained milk. Dairytainted chocolates are among the most frequently reported allergic reactions.

It’s unfortunate but true that milk can get into a dark-chocolate product even when it’s not directly added. The problem happens because dark chocolate is often produced on the same equipment that makes milk-chocolate bars, and traces of milk often

inadvertently wind up in the dark-chocolate batter. It’s essentially a problem of crosscontamination.

My best suggestion to you is to completely avoid dark chocolate (if you’re allergic to milk or dairy) unless the brand you’re buying is made on equipment dedicated to dark-chocolate bars only.

This is hard to find, but possible.

The food industry doesn’t mean to make people sick, but these oversights can lead to pain and suffering for some of you. As a result, you see warnings on the label that serve as a wink of sorts: This product “may contain dairy” or “may contain traces of milk,” or this one: “manufactured in a facility that uses milk.”

There are others, but if you’re my best friend, I would tell you to replace the word “may” with “probably”!

The take-home message is you should not assume that your dark chocolate is free of milk, and you should not consume it if you have serious allergic reactions to milk, regardless of the label.

I have a checklist of 14 alias names for milk-derived ingredients that may be hidden in your food. My list will help you find undisclosed milk in your candy bars and chocolates. Visit my website (suzycohen.com) for more information.

I’ll also tell you why some chocolate bars aren’t good for vegans. Here’s a fun fact: White chocolate doesn’t contain any cacao whatsoever. It’s just a combination of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, but it contains no cocoa solids, like dark and milk chocolate have. It’s definitely something to avoid if you’re dairy intolerant or allergic to milk.

In closing, when it comes to dark chocolate, the dairy-free claims and statements on the label are best completely disregarded if the manufacturer fails to use dedicated machinery and equipment to avoid cross-contamination.

Valentine’s Day: Thursday, Feb. 14

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

National Foot Health Awareness Month.

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

This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit SuzyCohen.com

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!

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

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Reverse Mortgage: Using Home to Stay at Home “I live alone. I fell at my home and I was taken to the hospital, where I was pressed by the staff into going to a nursing home. I hated it! I did not want to be there, but I needed money to be able to have nursing care in my own home.

“I decided to do a reverse mortgage so that I could get the cash I needed to stay at home. I am happy to report that I can wake up in my own bed every morning, see my flowers, and have my grandchildren visit me in the privacy of the home I have owned for over 40 years.

“Without the reverse mortgage, I would be in that nursing home. I thank God for the ability to get access to the money tied up in my house!” – M.A.S., Exton, Pa. Many people have considered life in a nursing home and decided that it is not for them. Adult children often agree that living in a nursing home is not the best decision for their parent.

Maintaining the same surroundings, friendships, and associations that have been in place for many years has a positive effect on the elderly, according

to studies. Helping a loved one to age in place is often the best and healthiest choice.

A reverse mortgage can Rob Miller, President be a key factor in providing the financial resources for elderly parents to remain at home. Many times the children see it as a way to provide the assistance needed by allowing “the house to support their parents” and funding their longevity.

After all, Mom and Dad have paid for the home by faithfully making house payments for years. Why shouldn’t they derive benefit now in their golden years by accessing the cash “shored in their home”?

Call Rob Miller, NMLS No. 142151, President of Glendale Mortgage, NMLS No. 127720, and Reverse Mortgage Specialist, to learn more.

(610) 853-6500 or (888) 456-0988 RMiller@GlendaleMortgage.com, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

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Please join us for these FREE events!

20th Annual

April 30, 2019 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LANCASTER COUNTY

Our hope is that the practice you develop on mat will transfer off mat, leaving you feeling nourished, balanced, and refreshed.

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Landisville, PA

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20th Annual

In our classes, we combine thoughtful sequencing, a dose of inspiration, and a spirit of playfulness to help you deepen your practice and awareness of your body. We seek to help others in nurturing their body, mind, and soul with yoga.

May 28, 2019 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive Hershey

DAUPHIN COUNTY

June 5, 2019

16th Annual

Semi-Private and Private Yoga

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

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Church Farm School 1001 East Lincoln Highway Exton

CHESTER COUNTY

Exhibitors • Health Screenings • Seminars • Demonstrations • Entertainment • Door Prizes Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available (717) 285-1350 (717) 770-0140 (610) 675-6240

www.50plusExpoPA.com 50plus LIFE •

February 2019

13

Soldier Stories

Vietnam Medevac Pilot Faces His Toughest Challenge

Robert Naeye

John Travers was once a larger-than-life character. This Vietnam War hero was a star basketball player, prolific prankster, and an outgoing husband and father who was admired by almost everybody who came in contact with him.

Yet today, this Harrisburg native is living in a California healthcare facility due to exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliant widely deployed

by American aircraft during the war. This toxic chemical has caused physical ailments and brain damage that limit his activities, speech, and quality of life.

Travers’s story is one of resilience and hope in the face of daunting odds. And it’s a story powerfully documented in the new film All Were Forgotten and Then Came John.

Travers was born in Harrisburg in 1948.

His father, John Sr., was a B-17 bomber pilot in World War II. “Big John,” as he was known to family and friends, later became a highly

Photo credit: Anwar Saeed

John Travers holding a photo of a challenge coin created in his honor.

50plus LIFE just earned 2 Media Awards!

1st Place Profile “Doing the Heart’s Work’”

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www.50plusLIFEpa.com 14

February 2019

50plus LIFE •

regarded sports writer and editor for Harrisburg’s two major daily newspapers: The Patriot-News and The Evening News.

Big John’s love of sports filtered down to his son.

The father recommended that John Jr. focus all of his energy and attention on one sport. Travers decided on basketball. He chose well, leading an undersized Bishop McDevitt High School squad to the Pennsylvania state championship game in 1966, his senior year.

During his high school years, he befriended his fellow student Kathleen Torchia. Travers would frequently walk her home from school. They went to the senior prom together but lost touch after high Photo credit: Calvin Ligh school and would not see each other for 36 years.

After more than “I had a huge crush on him; a lot of girls did,” 30 years, Kathleen recalls Torchia.

Torchia and John Penn State and Notre Dame offered Travers an Travers reconnected at a high school reunion athletic scholarship. He chose to stay close to home.

His parents had raised him as a strict Catholic and committee meeting.

They married in 2005. did not allow him to date in high school. That all changed when he got to State College.

“They turned me loose on a campus with 20,000 females and all this alcohol and then expect that I was going to have some kind of bodily control,” Travers said years ago.

Travers neglected his classes and became academically ineligible after his freshman year. He and Penn State agreed to part ways. Shortly thereafter, Travers received a draft notice in the mail.

“I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to get drafted,’” he recalled. After speaking to an Army recruiter, he signed up to be an Army helicopter pilot.

Travers became a Dustoff pilot, flying medevac missions into active combat zones. Travers’s chopper frequently took hits from enemy fire. But he flew these incredibly dangerous missions 10 hours a day, six days a week.

He estimates that he evacuated more than 2,100 patients during the war.

Time was of the essence because 99 percent of wounded Americans who survived the first 24 hours after their injuries would live.

One of Travers’s fellow Dustoff pilots, Bernie Goldensweig, said of him, “John had a reputation as an excellent Dustoff pilot. He was very competent and fearless. Like all of us, he would accept any mission and would do whatever was necessary to help the wounded soldiers on the ground.”

“You’re talking about a real, true American hero,” adds retired Sgt. Joseph Novak Sr., president of Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 542, to which Travers belongs.

Travers’s exemplary service did not end when he returned to Harrisburg.

During 1972’s Hurricane Agnes, Travers was based at Fort Indiantown Gap while serving in the National Guard. He flew helicopter missions to rescue people from their roofs. During one mission, he flew his chopper under a bridge to save people trapped in the Susquehanna River.

Travers returned to Penn State. This time, he earned a master’s degree in European history, graduating summa cum laude.

Travers had married and had a daughter before going off to war, but he received a “Dear John” letter while serving in Vietnam. He remarried and had another daughter after his return, but this marriage did not last, although he www.50plusLifePA.com

still maintains a very close relationship with his daughter.

Then, in 2002, Travers attended a high school reunion committee meeting. It was there that he laid eyes on Kathleen Torchia for the first time since 1966. She had returned to Harrisburg from California to stay with her father, who was living alone.

“I walked in the door and there was John Travers,” she recalls.

They talked for two hours. Torchia found him very interesting and intelligent and a man with strong moral values. The two became best friends.

Travers asked Torchia if she would consider dating him, but she was turned off by the smoking and drinking he used to cope with his war memories. Eventually, he agreed to refrain from smoking and drinking in her presence. After an 18-month courtship, they married in September 2005.

“We were so happy. We were best friends and we had a beautiful, beautiful marriage, and I just couldn’t have been happier,” says Torchia.

During this period, Travers was deeply active in veterans’ affairs.

He helped breathe new life into the struggling Harrisburg chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Association, tripling its membership and expanding its activities while serving as president.

“John Travers got the Vietnam vets in south-central Pennsylvania organized; he got them out of their shells. He got them to take pride in the service they had provided to the country. And he gave them a unified voice,” says former Harrisburg mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Travers also lobbied the Army and Congress on behalf of the hundreds of Dustoff crews who served valiantly in Vietnam but who were never awarded their own Combat Medical Badge.

Inexplicably, this campaign has yet to bear fruit.

Just six months after their wedding, Torchia started noticing that her husband was behaving abnormally.

Travers was at first reluctant to visit a doctor, but finally he received a diagnosis of a rare form of lymphoma — the result of exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

“He had already seen so many of his comrades die from various cancers caused by Agent Orange. He thought www.50plusLifePA.com

now it was his turn. It was horrible,” says Torchia.

And this was just the start of Travers’s medical ordeals. His treatments for lymphoma were successful and have kept him alive to the present day.

But around the same time, his speech began to slur, and then he had trouble walking. A neurologist diagnosed him with a form of brain degeneration, also triggered by Agent Orange. The brain damage would eventually affect his speech, emotions, and impulse control.

Travers was bedridden for two years and was prone to outbursts of screaming.

“The PTSD was just raging at this point,” recalls Torchia, referring to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Travers spent time in a Veterans Administration hospital in California, but his conditioned worsened due to neglect. His situation started to improve after Torchia transferred him to another hospital, where he received more attention and medication.

Torchia later took him to the

March 26, 2019 May 30, 2019 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wyndham Hotel York 2000 Loucks Road York

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel 1741 Papermill Road Wyomissing

These events are FREE to attend.

Veterans (of all ages) and 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.

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50plus LIFE •

February 2019

15

— Tours and Trips — How to Get Started Traveling Post-Retirement

By Joan K. Lacy Maybe you’re one of those people who worked hard all your life and didn’t take — or have! — the time to travel and see this wonderful world of ours.

And now, in retirement, you find yourself with lots of time and itching to travel, but you don’t know where to get started.

The good news is that travel is so easy today.

There are many, many options available now to suit whatever you envision for your next travel experience.

Whether you enjoy wine tasting or want to try bungee jumping, those options are available to you.

You can choose anything from local events to aroundthe-world cruises. You might want to experience whitewater rafting, hiking, spelunking — if you like exploring underground.

There is a world of adventure just waiting for you!

My early interest in travel and languages led me to take an opportunity to live and study in Europe for a year — best year ever! I loved meeting people in other countries and learning at least a few words of their languages.

I’m older now, and the love of traveling around our own United States and revisiting locations, friends, and acquaintances, both here and abroad, still holds its charm for me.

If you haven’t had the chance to experience the fun of travel until now, a whole new world of experiences is waiting for you! Here are five easy tips to keep in mind if you are a new traveler: 1. Take advantage of your scheduling flexibility and travel during nonpeak

periods. Costs are usually less for everything from flights and accommodations, to entrance fees and attractions. And, there are fewer crowds.

2. Use any discounts you qualify for. One of the perks of being a senior citizen is the wide range of travel discounts that are now available to you.

3. Go for longer visits.

Spend more time at your destination. Plan to see just one city, or one country, and experience it thoroughly. That’s the best way to soak in the local flavor.

4. Let someone else do the booking. Many travelers appreciate someone else making the arrangements, and group travel provides security for solo travelers or those not confident in planning all the details on their own. Group travel eliminates worries about finding transportation, missing an important site, or not speaking the language.

5. Day tours are your friend! If you prefer to go it alone and have any concerns about getting around or being able to visit popular sites, look for day tours with reliable companies, especially those offering frontof-the-line access or other methods for avoiding the crowds.

Seek out new experiences. Wherever you go, you will make new friends and create a storehouse of happy memories.

Travel and living abroad, coupled with Joan Lacy’s interests in archaeology, science, myths, and legends, inspired her to write the novel A Shadow Away, the first book in the Alex Cort Adventures series. For more information, visit joanklacy.com.

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

March 5, 2019

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— Tours and Trips — Top Considerations for Retirees Purchasing Travel Insurance There are several key points retirees should consider in regard to travel insurance before they hit the road in the coming year.

“While travel can be complicated at any age, retirees are faced with additional considerations, especially when it comes to medical coverage,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com.

“There are not only ways to save on your next travel insurance policy, but also things to keep in mind to ensure you are taken care of under unforeseen circumstances.”

Here are five things retirees should consider when purchasing travel insurance: Medicare doesn’t provide coverage outside the United States. Healthcare received outside the U.S. is generally not covered under standard Medicare plans.

Travel insurance can provide emergency travel medical coverage with limits that can reach $250,000 per person or more.

For extreme situations where an overseas hospital can’t handle the emergency, most travel insurance plans offer emergency evacuation coverage with limits up to $1 million per person.

Retirees planning to travel overseas multiple times a year should consider purchasing Medicare supplement insurance or a Medigap plan.

However, since Medigap plans can have deductibles, lifetime coverage limits up to $50,000, and limits on the length of trip, most retiree travelers may find single-trip travel insurance a better option.

If you’re traveling with a group, you can save money with group travel plans. Some group travel plans do not factor in traveler ages when pricing the cost of travel insurance, which can make plans more affordable to older travelers.

Typically, to qualify for this coverage, the group must include at least 10 individuals all traveling on the same itinerary on similar dates.

Group plans are also designed for easy administration by a group leader who can manage sign-ups and changes on behalf of each individual.

Trip cancellation provides greater flexibility for those who need it. Unlike Medigap coverage, travel insurance can offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

This coverage can cover the reimbursement of trip costs due to a range of unexpected circumstances, from last-minute illnesses to severe weather and natural disasters.

For the most flexibility, travelers may consider purchasing a plan with a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade, which provides reimbursement for up to 75 percent of the total trip costs for a cancellation for any reason, as long as the cancellation occurs more than 48 hours prior to the trip departure date.

This benefit is usually only available if the policy is purchased within seven to 21 days of the initial trip payment and 100 percent of prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs are insured.

You can buy travel insurance for your activities, too. Just because travelers are retired doesn’t mean they aren’t adventurous.

For the active or adventure traveler, check out plans that offer hazardous or adventure sports coverage, which provide coverage for higher-risk activities, such as heli-skiing, off-trail snowboarding, bungee jumping, rock climbing, or SCUBA diving below a certain depth.

If travel entails any of those activities, travelers will need travel insurance plans that offer coverage for those specific activities.

Purchase travel insurance early to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver. Most travel insurance plans will exclude coverage for losses that stem from a preexisting condition.

However, many plans offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver (meaning preexisting conditions will be covered).

To qualify, one must meet certain requirements, the most important being to purchase the travel insurance plan within a strict time window — usually For more information, visit TravelInsurance.com.

7-21 days — from when the initial payment was made.

Also, travelers typically need to insure 100 percent of their prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs.

40 Years of Quality Service!

For travelers with preexisting conditions, this is one Senior groups • Church outings of the most important considerations in purchasing a Organized group travel • Retirement home outings plan, as prior injuries, illnesses, diseases, or other types For excellence in of medical conditions in which any treatment or care transportation and was sought in the six- to 12-month period prior to the Luxury Cruises from America’s service, call or email policy-effective date all fall into this category. for info and pricing.

Largest Seller of Cruises Travelers should speak to a licensed agent to see if (717) 464-2767 they qualify for a preexisting condition waiver or read 1-800-983-9077 (800) 499-5765 full coverage details prior to buying. www.playbridgeatsea.com sales@executivecoach.net www.executivecoach.net

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50plus LIFE •

February 2019

17

— Tours and Trips — 5 Tips to Keep in Mind before Booking Your Next Cruise

By Matthew Phillips Baby boomers make up a large portion of American cruisers; in fact, 30 percent of boomers indicate one or more of their international trips will be via a cruise ship, according to the 2019 Boomer Travel Trends report by AARP. This audience is looking for a variety of options, from river cruises through Europe to more traditional ships for family vacations and multigenerational travel.

Although planning your cruise may seem daunting, here are five tips to keep in mind before booking your next cruise, whether it’s with the entire family, a solo adventure, or your first time taking a cruise vacation.

1. Determine your cruise personality: Before planning any trip, I ask myself, “What am I looking to experience?” This question helps me to decide whether I want to travel through an Alaskan glacier or relax in a beach villa.

I always like to remind people who are thinking of cruising that there are now so many types of cruises. In addition to the large mega-ships that offer a plethora of options, there are smaller ships that go where the big ships cannot, both in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean and overseas, which provide incredible experiences.

Also, consider whether you want the abundance of options that the large ships offer or if you prefer a smaller, more intimate sailing experience. I encourage people to then think about their personal needs and wants to determine their cruise personality.

2. Decide where to set sail: For those looking for a warmer climate to escape the winter, my vote is for a cruise that stops at Grand Cayman Island, but there are plenty of nontraditional options as well.

If you’re looking to dive into history and explore different cultures overseas, I suggest river cruises in Europe or Asia.

On cruises through Italy, guests will visit popular sites in Rome, such as the Colosseum; float through Venice; and experience several other famous Italian cities.

For any nature lover or adventure seeker, Alaska is the perfect destination and a popular option from May through September. On your way, you’ll be surrounded by whales; then, off the boat, you can break out your hiking boots and explore the glaciers.

3. Take advantage of savings: When booking your cruise, make sure to take advantage of all the cruise sales and savings available to you. From January through March, many cruise providers are offering limited-time deals, as this is a popular season for consumers to book cruises.

Many cruise lines offer onboard credits to be used for extras, such as shore excursions, spa visits, and bar service. Anywhere you can save in the planning process gives you extra pocket change for excursions and souvenirs!

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February 2019

50plus LIFE •

4. Tips for first-time cruisers: I suggest finding a trusted travel agent, especially if it’s your first cruise experience, as this can save you from some major headaches.

Travel agents are full of knowledge and can help you navigate your best options for not only getting to and from your destination, but also for getting value by suggesting itinerary ideas that you may never have considered on your own.

5. For packing, start with the essentials: Sometimes the simplest items are the ones overlooked, such as a pen and paper or cash. I also find making lists incredibly useful to avoid forgetting essentials.

If possible, think through the clothing you’ll need during the day and evenings so you don’t overpack. Most standard cruise cabins don’t offer an

abundance of storage space, and you’ll want to leave room in your luggage for anything purchased on shore excursions.

Once I have the essentials, I consider any helpful gadgets or apps. On trips to foreign countries, I find Google Translate to be my best friend. I highly suggest downloading it prior to your trip to be able to effortlessly navigate language barriers.

Other travel essentials for your cruise include sunglasses, travel-size toiletries, and insurance plans.

Following these tips will help simplify the planning process for your next cruise vacation and put your mind at ease so that, once on board, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. Happy sailing!

Matthew Phillips is the director of travel for AARP Services, Inc. AARP Member Benefits is a resource for AARP Members but is free for anyone to check out, with a variety of savings across many categories, including travel. Visit AARPBenefits.com for more information.

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It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Proud Mary’ Randal Hill

Creedence Clearwater Revival lead singer John Fogerty once recalled seeing a Will Rogers movie about old-time paddle-wheelers.

“I believe at one point they actually sing ‘Rolling on the river,’” Fogerty says. “I know that buried deep inside of me are all these little bits and pieces of Americana. It’s deep in my heart, deep in my soul.

As I learned in English 101, write about what you know.”

•••

from three sources: Creedence from mutual pal Credence Newball, Clearwater from a TV beer commercial that promoted the brew as coming “from the land of sky-blue waters,” and Revival for the band members’ commitment to their reformation.

The group’s debut album — Creedence Clearwater Revival — featured the minor swamprock hit “Susie-Q,” a tune first recorded by Louisianan Dale Hawkins in 1957.

Music fans hailed CCR’s music as a refreshing breakthrough, and many were convinced — erroneously — that the band must have come from the South, so authentic was their sound.

Starting in the late 1960s, Fogerty’s band brought images of rural America to the world with a unique musical style dubbed “swamp rock,” which featured Southern country music, gritty blues, and a heavy, “Proud Mary” ••• danceable beat.

Creedence Clearwater Revival CCR hailed from California, and none of its Fogerty had a small notebook in which he February 1969 members had ever been to the South before fame scribbled song-title ideas. came their way. The Bay Area quartet had started “My first entry was ‘Proud Mary,’” he says. as the Blue Velvets and then became the Golliwogs before military obligations “I didn’t know what those two words meant, but I liked how they sounded caused a temporary breakup. together.”

When the band members came together again, they gleaned a new name please see CCR page 20

We Want YOU! •K orean war veterans (of all service branches) who served anywhere in the world 1950–1955 • Veterans (of all service branches) who served in Korea 1945–present

The mission of the KWVA/USA is to defend our nation. Care for our veterans. Perpetuate our legacy. remember our missing and fallen. Maintain our memorial.

Support a free Korea.

www.50plusLifePA.com

Come and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow veterans at a monthly meeting of the local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA).

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Woodcrest Villa — Eagle Commons, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, starting with lunch at noon. This invitation includes spouses/companions and drivers. There is no charge for attendance. Dress code is casual.

We currently have 90+ registered members. Come join us. Hopefully, you will find it habit forming.

For more information call: Bill Kelley, VP (717) 560-9424.

Stories of ordinary men and women called to perform extraordinary military service.

From 1999–2016, writer and World War II veteran Col. Robert D. Wilcox preserved the firsthand wartime experiences of more than 200 veterans through Salute to a Veteran, his monthly column featured in 50plus LIFE. Now, for the first time, 50 of those stories— selected by Wilcox himself—are available to own in this soft-cover book.

Simply complete and mail this form with your payment to the address below to order Salute to Our Veterans.

On-Line Publishers • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Name_ _______________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State_ ____ Zip_ ______________ Phone_ _____________________ Email______________________________ Number of copies_ ______ (Please include $20.80 for each copy) Credit card #______________________________________ Exp. date________ Signature of cardholder_________________________________CVV #________

Or send a check made payable to On-Line Publishers, Inc. You can also order online at www.50plusLIFEpa.com!

50plus LIFE •

February 2019

19

CCR from page 19 Fogerty took his guitar and began playing a song introduction he had been working on, the chord riff based on the opening to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

“I didn’t like how Beethoven had composed it. I preferred hitting the first chord hard for emphasis, not the fourth … When I added rhythm to the chords, the song had the motion of a boat. I had always loved Mark Twain’s writing and the music of Stephen Foster, so I wrote lyrics about a riverboat …

“I finished most of the song in two hours. Then I opened my notebook for a song title. There was ‘Proud Mary.’”

Not happy with the way the tune sounded when his band recorded it, Fogerty stayed behind that day and overdubbed all the background vocal parts himself after the other members had left the studio.

A longtime fan of black music, he sought a more authentic feel and claimed

to channel rhythm-and-blues icons Wilson Pickett and Howlin’ Wolf for the rerecording. It was Wolf’s bluesy influence that led Fogerty to pronounce turnin’ as toinin’ and burnin’ as boinin’.

•••

“Proud Mary” — a Billboard No. 2 chart hit — came from CCR’s second album, Bayou Country, a million-seller that fed the music-from-the-South rumor even more.

For Ike and Tina Turner, their sizzling 1971 remake became a million-seller — and their biggest single ever.

Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

PILOT from page 15 Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach, California. There, he received experimental stem cell and regenerative medicine treatments. Miraculously, Travers’s physical and mental condition has improved dramatically in the past few years thanks to these treatments.

During these 12 years of ordeal and anguish, Torchia has patiently stood by her husband, constantly searching for the best possible care.

“Many others would not have had the courage, the stamina, the persistence, the devotion, the love to do such things. But Kathy has,” says Reed. “Frankly, John Travers would probably not be around today if Kathleen had not stayed by his side.”

In a recent email, Torchia wrote, “John is currently the best he has been mentally, since the onset of his illness.”

She says he is present, sharp, and able to carry on conversations despite impaired speech. She describes his demeanor and attitude as “pleasant,” and says he smiles and laughs more.

These medications and treatments have given Travers and Torchia new hope.

“John is a fighter!” Torchia says. “He has physical therapy three times a week, and he hopes and prays that he will walk again one day. I continue to encourage him in his hope of coming home and being a husband again.”

To learn more about Travers’s inspiring story and the documentary film All Were Forgotten and Then Came John, visit katalinafilmworks.com.

Robert Naeye is a freelance journalist living in Derry Township. He is the former editor-in-chief of Sky & Telescope magazine.

Job Opportunities LANCASTER COUNTY EMPLOYERS NEED YOU!!

Age 55 or over? Unemployed? The 55+ Job Bank is one of three services offered by Employment Unit at the Office of Aging.

Jobs are matched with those looking for work. Based on an evaluation of your skills and abilities, we can match you with a position needed by a local employer. Some employers are specifically looking for older workers because of the reliability and experience they bring to the workplace. There is a mix of full-time and part-time jobs covering all shifts, requiring varying levels of skill and experience, and offering a wide range of salaries.

The other services available through the Office of Aging are the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the regularly scheduled Job Search Workshops.

For more job listings, call the Lancaster County Office of Aging at

(717) 299-7979 or visit

www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco_aging

Lancaster County Office of Aging 150 N. Queen Street, Suite 415 Lancaster, PA 20

February 2019

50plus LIFE •

E.O.E.

ALARM DISPATCHER – FT

Security company needs a reliable person to handle dispatch duties. Requires HS diploma/GED, good phone skills, accurate data entry, and commitment to excellent customer service. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight with weekend duty when necessary. Benefits provided.

SN010017.01

DRIVERS – PT

Transport service looking for reliable individuals to provide on-call common carrier service using minivans, passenger vans, and town cars to shuttle clients to airports and transport specialneeds adults to/from work. Need license, good driving record.

SN010022.02

VIEW OUR JOB LIST

We list other jobs on the Web at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/ lanco_aging. To learn more about applying for the 55+ Job Bank and these jobs, call the Employment Unit at (717) 299-7979.

GUEST SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE – PT

Local travel inn is searching for a detail-oriented person to attend the needs of guests during the check-in/out process. Requires HS diploma/ GED, prior customer service experience, the ability to handle money, good verbal skills, and availability on weekends/holidays.

SN-GEN.03 SN010083.04

— Volunteer Opportunities — One of the available specialized volunteer opportunities at Lancaster County Office of Aging is that of APPRISE counselor.

Counselors work with a diverse group of consumers with one commonality: There is some type of connection to Medicare.

You may work with a consumer who is receiving Medicare and having problems with secondary coverage, or you may be helping the child of a Medicare consumer who’s trying to help a parent who doesn’t have drug coverage.

APPRISE counselors meet with consumers who are new to Medicare, and they screen consumers to determine if they’re eligible for any benefits that help pay for the costs of Medicare.

The orientation process includes shadowing experienced APPRISE counselors, working through online training modules, and attending new counselor training provided by the state Department of Aging. This process occurs during weekdays, mostly at the Office of Aging in Lancaster.

For more information about this volunteer opportunity, contact Bev Via, volunteer coordinator, at (717) 299-7979 or aging@co.lancaster.pa.us.

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50plus LIFE •

February 2019

21

Calendar of Events

Lancaster County

Support Groups Free and open to the public Mondays, 10 a.m.; Thursdays, 2 p.m.

Our Journey Together Cancer Support Group Lancaster Cancer Center Greenfield Corporate Center 1858 Charter Lane, Suite 202, Lancaster (717) 291-1313, ext. 143 Feb. 6, 7-8:15 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Willow Lakes Outpatient Center 212 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street (717) 464-9365 Feb. 11, 10-11 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Garden Spot Village Concord Room 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6076 jmorton@gardenspotvillage.org Feb. 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Dementia Caregiver Support and Education Group Masonic Village Health Care Center Courtyard Conference Room 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown (717) 367-1121, ext. 33764 Feb. 20, 7 p.m.

Memory Loss Support Group Pleasant View Retirement Community Stiegel Dining Room – Town Square North

544 N. Penryn Road, Manheim (717) 664-6696 kdisalvo@pleasantviewrc.org Feb. 21, 10-11:30 a.m.

Bereavement Support Group Masonic Village Sycamore North Recreation Room 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown (717) 367-1121, ext. 33576

Feb. 13, noon Korean War Veterans Association Meeting Woodcrest Villa – Eagle Commons Room 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster (717) 299-1990 pcunningham1841@verizon.net Feb. 15, 6-9 p.m.

Music Friday Downtown Lancaster visitlancastercity.com/music-Friday

Feb. 25, 2-3 p.m.

Parkinson’s Support Group Garden Spot Village Theater 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland (717) 355-6259 slapp@gardenspotvillage.org

Lancaster Neighborhood Senior Center – (717) 2993943 Thursdays, 10 a.m. – YMCA at the Center Exercise Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – Pottery Works Feb. 22, 9 a.m. – Nutrition Class

Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m.

Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania Support Group Community Meeting Room – Kohl’s Wing 142 Park City Center, Lancaster (800) 887-7165, ext. 104

Lancaster Rec. Senior Center – (717) 392-2115, ext.

147 Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m. – Geri-Fit Strength-Building Exercise Program Feb. 7, 10:45 a.m. – Easy-to-Do Canvas Painting with Pottery Works Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Recycle Art Program

Feb. 19, 2-3:30 p.m.

Willow Valley Genealogy Club Willow Valley Communities – Orr Auditorium 211 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster www.genealogyclubwv.com (717) 397-0439 Feb. 26, 7 p.m.

World War II Oral History Meeting St. Anne’s Retirement Community 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia (717) 319-3430 Feb. 28, 2 p.m.

Centerville AARP Chapter 4221 Meeting Church of God of Landisville 171 Church St., Landisville (717) 786-4714

Library Programs Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz, (717) 626-2255 Feb. 4 and 18, 10 a.m. to noon – Knitting Club Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m. – Rizzetta’s Tones Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m. – Dessert Wine Class

February 2019

50plus LIFE •

Elizabethtown Area Senior Center – (717) 367-7984 Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. – Double-Deck Pinochle Club Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Wii Bowling Fridays, 10 a.m. – Bible Study Lancaster House North Happy Hearts Club Senior Center – (717) 299-1278 Mondays, 9:30 a.m. – Senior Exercise Class Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. – Bingo and Pinochle Fridays, 12:30 p.m. – Party Bridge

If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

22

Columbia Senior Center – (717) 684-4850 Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Boom Box Bingo Feb. 13, 9:30 a.m. – Music from the ’40s-’60s Feb. 26, 10 a.m. – Gut Health: Probiotics of Prebiotics

Feb. 21, noon Brain Tumor Support Group Lancaster General Health Campus Wellness Center 2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster (717) 626-2894

Community Programs Free and open to the public Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

Red Rose Singles Meeting Centerville Diner 100 S. Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 406-6098

Senior Center Activities

Lititz Senior Center – (717) 626-2800 Feb. 11, 10 a.m. – My Climate and Health Talk Feb. 14, 10:15 a.m. – Music and Dancing with Clyde Feb. 27, 10 a.m. – Winter Driving Awareness Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center – (717) 295-7989 Feb. 8, 10:45 a.m. – Fresh Fruit Express Feb. 14, all day – Valentine’s Day Celebration Feb. 27, 10 a.m. – Medical Drugs and Health Millersville Senior Center – (717) 871-9600 Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. – Family Feud with Matt Cleveland Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m. – Trivia with Bob Reigh Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. – Music with Rick Kilby Next Gen Senior Center – (717) 786-4770 Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Check Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. – Vivian Sheets, Accordion Player Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. – Old-Time Bluegrass Rodney Park Happy Hearts Club Senior Center (717) 393-7786 Tuesdays, noon – Pinochle Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – Varied Activities Thursdays, noon – Bingo Submit senior center events to mjoyce@onlinepub.com.

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Puzzle Page

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 24 SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH

Sea Creatures

Across 1. Squabble 5. Invoice amount 8. Pennant 12. Fable writer 14. Falls behind 16. Ready for picking 17. Cousin of a loon 18. Fair-sized garden 19. Fairytale villain 20. Collar inserts 21. Like some lingerie 23. Part of H.R.H. 24. Tease 26. Railroad support 28. Mentor

31. It’s a wrap 33. Slight 34. In awe 35. Chums 37. Brusque 40. Eskimo knife 41. DiCaprio, to fans 42. Elderly 43. Type of mob 46. Summoned 48. Offshoot 49. Twosome 51. Barbell abbr.

52. Chip in 53. Scorched

56. Western Indians 58. Irritation 59. Rich tapestry 61. Indian state 65. Black, to poets 67. Shed 68. Medicinal plant 69. Adjoin 70. Monroe flick, ___ Like It Hot 71. Silas Marner author 72. Don’t believe it 73. Average 74. Healthful retreats

15. Mediums 22. It’s overhead 25. Kind of story 27. Seek damages 28. Celt 29. Hideous 30. Traffic circle 32. Perfect 36. Farmer 38. Open, as an envelope 39. Head start 44. Mongrel 45. Mother of Ares

47. Extreme suffix 48. Sword knots 50. Conditions 53. Coffee extra 54. Spouse, affectionately 55. Slump 57. Facilitate 60. Diva Gluck 62. Salon sound 63. Small buffalo 64. Gym equipment 66. Utmost degree

Down 1. Droops 2. Flippant 3. Between ports 4. Drinking mug 5. Photo equipment, once 6. Apiece 7. Everglades bird 8. To and ___ 9. Ecru 10. Spring month 11. Honkers 13. Cancún coin

Your ad could be here on this popular page!

Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.

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50plus LIFE •

February 2019

23

Fresh Fare

Fight the Cold with Better-for-You Comfort Foods Few things go together quite like cold weather and comfort foods. However, those hearty dishes that are typically craved on blustery days are usually not classified as “healthy.”

With the right approach, though, you can put a better-for-you twist on some of your favorite dishes that can keep you cozy and satiated during the winter season.

For example, you can put a grown-up twist on grilled cheese and tomato soup with this recipe for Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Pairing flavorful, seasonal dishes, such as soups and stews, with a wholesome snack cracker like gluten-free, non-GMO Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Crackers can help satisfy those comfortfood cravings while also contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

For other seasonal recipes, coupons, tips and nutritional information, visit crunchmaster.com.

Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 6 Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 can (28 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes • 1 cup chopped prepared roasted red peppers • 2 bay leaves • 1/3 cup 35 percent heavy cream • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, divided • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar Cheddar Cracker Melts: • 24 Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Fire-Roasted Tomato Basil Crackers • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese In a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, carrot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and bay leaves; bring to boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves. Let cool slightly.

Transfer to blender; puree in batches until smooth. Stir in cream, remaining salt, 1 tablespoon chives, and vinegar.

To make Cheddar Cracker Melts: Heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven. Arrange crackers on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Divide soup among six bowls. Sprinkle with remaining chives and serve with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Tip: Use mild, medium, or aged cheddar cheese. Smoked mozzarella can be substituted, if desired.

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories; 15 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 730 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 11 g sugar; 6 g protein.

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1/2 teaspoon paprika • 1 pinch chili flakes

Family Features

Puzzles shown on page 23

Puzzle Solutions

• 4 cups organic no-salt-added vegetable broth

24

February 2019

50plus LIFE •

www.50plusLifePA.com

Tinseltown Talks

Living with Rodney Dangerfield Nick Thomas

The Christmas season may be over, but last “He joked that, at his age, all the phone numbers December held special significance for Joan in his little black book were doctors,” she said. “It was Dangerfield, who married comedian Rodney certainly true and brought out my nurturing side. I Dangerfield 25 years ago on Dec. 26. did everything I could to comfort him.”

The pair had dated for 10 years following a chance Dangerfield died in 2004, aged 82, and Joan has meeting in 1983 when Dangerfield strolled passed since worked to keep her husband’s memory alive.

Joan’s Santa Monica flower shop.

His website (rodney.com) has been revamped, and “Being a diehard fan, I recognized Rodney the Rodney Dangerfield Institute for the Study of immediately,” Joan recalled from her West Hollywood Comedy is now housed at Los Angeles City College home. and offers classes including standup, improvisational “I was 16 when I first saw him on The Tonight comedy, and joke writing.

Show, and suddenly there he was, 14 years later, “Rodney’s social media presence is building, and walking towards me, the funniest man in the world. it’s fun to see the reaction from his loyal fans as well “For me, it was love at first sight, the holy grail of as new ones,” she says. “I am also very excited that encounters. He was fascinating and had those soulful, Paradigm Talent Agency is currently fielding offers azure-blue eyes, the color of the sky on a clear day. I for a biopic or documentary film about Rodney’s Photo provided by Aaron Stipkovich at Stipko.com. couldn’t look at him without smiling.” remarkable life. I am sure that will deepen his Rodney and Joan Dangerfield.

The bug-eyed, tie-fidgeting comedian who impression on the world.” cracked up audiences for decades with his often selfNick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written deprecating, “no respect” style of rapid-fire one-liners began dropping by each features, columns, and interviews for over 700 magazines and newspapers. morning to watch Joan arrange flowers.

Despite their clearly different backgrounds — Joan was raised in a Utah Mormon family — the two hit it off immediately.

“I felt like the luckiest person in the world,” she said. “To have your own personal comedian constantly surprising you, I couldn’t wait to wake up each day.”

Joan remembers Dangerfield working hard at his craft, writing his own standup material and often taking months to perfect a joke. He would dash off to local comedy clubs in the evenings, sometimes two or three a night, to try out a new joke and experiment with its delivery and placement within a routine.

Although Dangerfield experienced an unhappy childhood, Joan says he used humor to tackle depression.

“If you can lift everyone’s spirits around you, you can feel a bit better too.”

Toward the end of their two-decade marriage, Dangerfield’s physical health declined, requiring multiple aneurysm, brain, and heart surgeries and long periods of recovery with Joan by his side throughout.

Need more LIFE in your life?

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Are You Reading?

Join the 2019 One Book, One Community campaign by reading Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann.

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!

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50plus LIFE •

February 2019

25

On Life and Love after 50

Reach Active, Affluent Boomers & Seniors!

Senior Dating Guilt: Let It Go Tom Blake

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www.50plusExpoPA.com 26

February 2019

50plus LIFE •

It surprises me how many seniors contact me regarding their guilt over dating. Take Donna, for example.

A widow since 2011, Donna emailed, “My friend passed away from cancer two years ago. Her ex-husband is the man I am writing to ask you about. We live in two different eastern states, not too far from each other. We are both in our early 60s, and at the end of 2018, we retired.

“I didn’t know him at all. I have seen him three times in the past 30 years for about 10 minutes just to say hi.

My friend said she and he never got along during 25 years of marriage.

“My friend — rest her soul — was very opinionated, controlling, and bossy with her husband and the children, which I witnessed one of the three times I saw him. ​It got to a point that when my friend and I talked over the phone, we never talked about him.

“We talked three times​a year, but I was the one who would call, until​that one day she called me to tell me she had cancer. By this time, she and he had been separated 10 years.​Now she is gone … their​children are grown and on their own and are not close to him, because of her.

“He and I have been talking over the phone for two years. We have become​good friends and have a lot in common​. I would like to see him, but I have the guilt​that he was my friend’s​husband hanging​over my head.

“Now, we are just friends. ​But what I am feeling ​guilty​​about is: If we do start​seeing each other, how would his

grown children feel about us being​ together?

“His marriage and family life were​ calmly dysfunctional​, if you can picture that. We are both reluctant, but I know we will see each other soon. We are not getting any younger.

“We are both​healthy​​and able to still have fun before we die​, so why not? But the guilt?”

My response to Donna: Your friend had been separated for 10 years. She had a miserable marriage. Why worry about his children?

You say he is not close to them. They probably won’t care if you two start dating.

If you enjoy each other, go for it, now!

Live in the present.

Have you been together in person at all? Do that. You might find you want to be together or you may find you don’t.

You and your friend weren’t that close, talking to each other only three times a year.

One concern: If the family is dysfunctional, do you want to get involved in that?

For people age 60 and older, it’s hard enough to meet potential mates.

You’ve met a man you have much in common with.

Ditch the guilt. Wait no longer.

Get together in person and see what happens.

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

FindingLoveAfter50.com.

www.50plusLifePA.com

The Beauty in Nature

Woodchucks and Gray Squirrels Clyde McMillan-Gamber

“There’s no place like home.”

We agree.

–L. Frank Baum

Woodchucks and blend in with soil, gray squirrels are and the squirrels are common, daytime gray like the tree rodents in farmland trunks they circle to in southeastern escape enemies.

Pennsylvania.

Certain kinds Chucks inhabit of mammals live some hay fields, and give birth in while the grays live abandoned chuck in woods, parks, holes, including and older suburban foxes, skunks, areas with their opossums, mink, many tall trees. and other species. I And both these have seen red foxes Woodchuck mammals live and mink using among the trees, deserted chuck holes shrubbery, and as nurseries. weeds of hedgerows Chucks and gray between fields and squirrels prepare for along woodland winter in different edges in cropland. ways. Chucks put Chucks dig deep, on layers of fat in insulating burrows fall and sleep down in the ground, in their burrows in where each one winter. lives alone, except Squirrels stash mothers with their nuts and seeds in dependent young. tree hollows or Gray squirrel Gray squirrels either bury them in the dwell in tree cavities ground. Squirrels or make nests of dead twigs and leaves are active all winter, finding the food among twigs in tall trees. they stored.

Again, each creature lives alone, Woodchucks and gray squirrels except mothers and their offspring. mate in February. Male chucks do Obviously, chucks and squirrels can emerge from their dens during that live in the same habitats without month. Each female chuck has one competition for shelters. litter of about four young.

Woodchucks mostly eat grass, Gray squirrels, however, breed a clover, and other green plants. Gray second time and have about four squirrels, however, feast on nuts and young in each litter. seeds for the most part. These rodents Try to enjoy the adaptable and don’t compete for food, either. prolific woodchucks and gray squirrels.

Both these handsome, interesting They are interesting and entertaining mammals are part of food chains in around farmland woodlots and their shared habitats. Several predators hedgerows, and elsewhere. prey on some of them, including There, both species have shelters coyotes, red foxes, bald eagles, and and food without competing with red-tailed hawks. Young chucks are each other for them. And like many caught and consumed more often than other creatures, they help bring a bit of adults are. the wild close to home.

However, chucks and squirrels Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retired have dens to retreat into, and they are Lancaster County Parks naturalist. camouflaged. Chucks are brown to www.50plusLifePA.com

That’s why Harrison Senior Living strives to provide warmth, comfort, and exceptional care from people you can trust, making our communities the next best thing.

www.Harrisonseniorliving.com Harrison House—Chester County 300 Strode Avenue East Fallowfield, PA 19320 610.384.6310 Harrison House—Christiana 41 Newport Avenue Christiana, PA 17509 610.593.6901

50plus LIFE •

February 2019

27

This is fighting cancer from the inside.

Tim can focus on the miles ahead because his own immune cells are focused on killing his cancer— thanks to CAR-T cell therapy, a leading-edge treatment option available in central Pennsylvania— only here at Penn State Cancer Institute.

This is how we’re continuing to innovate and invest in the people of Central PA. Because this is the health we need to live the way we want.

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